Discover Ciénaga de Allende through its local history and trails: the Sacred Heart Chapel and the cemetery are historic landmarks, while the Sendero Cuesta de Altautina passes by both on a full-day trekking route. This gives you two different focuses when looking for a holiday rental: local history around the chapel and cemetery, or a longer hike.
Chapel and cemetery: landmarks in local history
The history of the Sacred Heart Chapel began before it was built. It first existed as a small oratory dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus; it has been documented in the parish records of San Alberto since September 26, 1874. The chapel was completed in 1882 and consists of a single nave. This means the early record of the oratory and the later completion of the church can be understood as distinct milestones.
On October 28, 1878, Pedro and Feliciano Allende donated seven plots of land to the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus for the construction of a church and a settlement in its surroundings. The cemetery in Ciénaga de Allende was built in 1885. After the small church fell into ruins and had to close in 1890, Cura Brochero rebuilt it. The dates thus trace a sequence from an early oratory to the land donation, church construction, cemetery and rebuilding.
Hiking and other excursions
The Sendero Cuesta de Altautina is a 30-kilometre, full-day trekking route of moderate difficulty. It follows the path to Cascada La Gloria and passes Pozo del Algarrobo, the cemetery and the Sacred Heart Chapel. This is an important point for planning your trip: at 30 kilometres and a full day, the route is a standalone trekking option, not a casual stroll.
A youth pilgrimage is also part of the history of the trails: during the fifth pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Santo Cura Brochero, participants gathered in Ciénaga de Allende and walked together along the Camino de la Gloria to Cura Brochero. In total, they covered 25 kilometres.
A short distance from Ciénaga de Allende, on the road to Altautina, natural rock overhangs with rock art can be found on Cerro San José. This adds a cultural landscape to the chapel and trails: here, the focus is on natural rock formations and rock art.
Another excursion leads to Cascada y Cerro La Gloria. This family outing includes a section by bicycle, walks along the stream and a climb up Cerro La Gloria. Cascada de La Gloria lies on the stream of the same name, at the foot of Cerro La Gloria and on the road to Ciénaga de Allende. The waterfall, stream and hill provide different stops on the outing, with activities ranging from cycling to the climb.
More experiences in the Department of San Alberto
There are other things to explore in the Department of San Alberto, including in Nono: the “Casas con historia” walking tour features traditional adobe houses, general stores and a chapel dating from 1908. Also in Nono, the Museo Rocsen displays more than 55,000 items from around the world and recreates scenes from different eras. The tour and the museum offer distinct focuses: one on architecture and local history, the other on a collection of objects from around the world.
The Department of San Alberto also offers more hiking options. The Sendero del Arroyo follows Arroyo Los Sanjuaninos for about five kilometres and can be hiked independently or with an accredited guide. In San Lorenzo, guided hikes are offered on nature and cultural trails, along with walks beside rivers and streams; open workshops in folkloric dance are also available there. The department thus offers a range of interests, from local history and collections to hiking and cultural activities.
Discover more destinations: Las Calles, Villa Cura Brochero, Los Hornillos, Panaholma, Mina Clavero
Back to the main travel overview: Department of San Alberto.
