In El Alto Department, archaeological evidence, religious traditions and activities in rural surroundings sit side by side. Rock art in Oyola, the image of Señor de la Salud in La Quebrada and trails near Guayamba offer different points of interest. When planning your trip, it helps to consider these themes separately: they lead to different places and each offers its own way to experience the department.

Rock Art and History in Oyola and Tapso

More than 38 caves with rock art have been documented in Oyola to date. This makes the site a specific point of interest for anyone interested in archaeological evidence. Anthropomorphic and zoomorphic depictions can be seen at El Cajón in Tapso. These terms refer to human and animal forms, respectively; together, they give the rock art a different focus from the cave art of Oyola.

The archaeological sites in Tapso also include the Museo Histórico Cultural de la Municipalidad de Tapso. A tourism research study published in 2021 describes archaeological galleries there containing recovered finds from the surrounding area and reports on work carried out up to 2020. This timeframe makes the museum particularly interesting for travellers who would like to learn about finds from the area as well as the rock art.

Another historical destination is the Iglesia de la Quebrada, 12 kilometres from Tapso. It is of Jesuit origin and is more than 250 years old. Its age and religious history offer a different way to explore the department’s past than its rock art and archaeological finds.

Pilgrimage Traditions and Rural Trails

Pilgrims from Santiago del Estero, Tucumán, Córdoba and Catamarca Province visit the image of Señor de la Salud in La Quebrada. The pilgrims’ places of origin show that this tradition extends beyond the immediate area. For visitors interested in religious culture, it is a distinct focus alongside the archaeological sites.

In Guayamba, visitors can go horseback riding and take walks along rural roads and field paths. Those who want to explore the surroundings on foot or on horseback will find a different way to get around here than by visiting cultural sites. The routes described follow rural roads and field paths; horseback riding is an additional activity in its own right.

Water and Landscapes

Dique Collagasta is located on the Río Guayamba. At La Olla or La Cascada, the water squeezes between large rocks and forms deep pools, some of which are more than 10 metres deep. These landscape features are markedly different from the rock art and historic buildings in the department. The depth figure describes the pools, not a specific opportunity to visit or swim.

Directions and Route

From the capital, Catamarca, one route follows Cuesta del Portezuelo and Ruta Provincial No. 42 for around 35 kilometres to Guayamba. Villa El Alto is a further seven kilometres along the route. Another route, via Ruta Nacional No. 38 and Ruta Nacional No. 64, goes through Las Cañas and along Ruta Provincial No. 42 to Villa El Alto; Guayamba is seven kilometres farther on. The route descriptions date from 2012. Check current road conditions locally before setting out.

Catamarca in a Wider Context

The wider travel destination of Catamarca includes other distinct cultural and natural highlights. El Shincal de Quimivil was built by the Incas between 1471 and 1536 at the foot of the Quimivil mountain range. It has an interpretation centre, signposted trails and a guide service; check local operating conditions before visiting. Laguna Blanca is part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve network and is an important habitat for migratory birds, including flamingos. Birdwatching and photography are possible there, and the lagoon can also be explored on horseback or on foot. These examples are part of the wider travel destination of Catamarca and complement the picture of El Alto Department without replacing its own sights.

Discover more destinations: Los Alamitos, Paclín Department, Andalgalá Department, Capayán Department, Valle Viejo Department, Belén Department, Ambato Department, Ancasti Department.

See the wider travel overview: Catamarca.