San Marcos Sierra offers travelers a combination of views, local history and river scenery. Cerro de la Cruz has a viewpoint overlooking San Marcos Sierras and the RÃo San Marcos gorge. The climb takes 30 minutes and is easy to moderate—a clear time frame for planning your day. The viewpoint at Cerro Alfa is within the town limits; the climb is of moderate difficulty.
Views and River Scenery
San Marcos Sierras is a protected natural area with the RÃo San Marcos, which shares its name. A few meters from the central Plaza Cacique Tulián, there is a riverside balneario (bathing area). Facilities and conditions may vary; check them before your visit. The RÃo Quilpo is about four kilometers from San Marcos Sierras and offers shallow bathing areas as well as deeper pools. Its landscape includes rocky stretches of riverbank and small sandy beaches. Local guides offer horseback rides to the historic mill on the banks of the RÃo San Marcos; the mill is two kilometers from town.
Local History and Culture
A craft fair is held in Plaza Cacique Tulián, surrounded by old colonial-style buildings and colorful facades. Across from the plaza stands the historic chapel of San Marcos Sierras, built from stone and adobe in 1734. On the RÃo San Marcos, the Feria Comunitaria is one block from the plaza. The Túneles Vegetales are paths shaded by the canopies of wild trees, with stalls run by artisans and local producers. The market locations therefore differ in their surroundings: historic facades shape the scene in the plaza, while tree canopies define the Túneles Vegetales.
The Museo del Pueblo is intended to permanently protect, preserve and publicly display archaeological finds and works of art owned by the municipality. It is located in the Casa de Cultura Marcelo Pais building, on the corner of Calle Mariano Moreno and Calle Los Algarrobos in San Marcos Sierras. Nearby, the Museo Hippie displays objects related to the counterculture movement that emerged in the 1960s. Guided tours of the historic center are offered by staff from the tourist information office.
Honey and Regional Cuisine
San Marcos Sierras has been declared the provincial capital of honey, and organic honey is produced there. The flavor of local Serrano honey is associated with the blossoms of the plants from which it comes. Recommended regional foods and drinks include cabrito, carne en bolsa and lemonade with honey. Sweets are also part of the local cuisine: algarroba mousse and flan, as well as ice cream in monte-inspired flavors, including algarroba, chañar, mora and higo. El Ãrbol is a beekeeping-themed park. Honey and algarroba are thus connected both with local products and with regional flavor recommendations.
Discover more destinations: Los Sauces
Return to the main travel overview: Departamento Cruz Del Eje.
