Chilecito brings together mining history and archaeological heritage with views of valleys and mountains. Visitors looking to combine cultural sites and landscapes during one stay will find a range of themes here, from Estación Nº 1 del Cable Carril to the Cristo del Portezuelo viewpoint and outdoor activities.

Mining History and Archaeological Heritage

Estación Nº 1 del Cable Carril and Museo Dr. Santiago Bazán form a museum complex connected with the mining history of La Mejicana and Chilecito. The station is also the starting point of the monumental Cable Carril. This makes it possible to connect the site with the region’s mining history and the beginning of the installation.

In the heart of Chilecito lies Sitio Arqueológico Tambería del Inca, an archaeological site declared a National Historic Monument. Centro de Interpretación Tambería del Inca displays original artifacts and presents the history of the Diaguita and Inca peoples in the region. In the wider destination of Departamento Chilecito, the pre-Hispanic Casa del Inga is considered a political, administrative, and ceremonial center of Tawantinsuyo, as well as the provincial capital of Kollasuyu.

Samay Huasi is a cultural center that brings together literature, landscape, and intellectual heritage; it is also Joaquín V. González’s retreat. This broadens Chilecito’s cultural appeal beyond archaeology and mining.

Views and Activities in Chilecito

Centrally located Cristo del Portezuelo is a viewpoint from which Chilecito appears set among the mountains. From there, visitors can enjoy 360-degree views of valleys and mountains. The surrounding area has dining options and artisans, offering further ways to enjoy a stay in the center.

Vuelta al Pique features trekking, mining ruins, rivers, ravines, and chapels hidden among the hills. This adventure tourism experience brings together different landscape and history themes. Another way to explore the area through sport is the Copa Cable Carril: the cycling route lies in the heart of Chilecito and combines sporting excitement with striking landscapes.

In the wider destination of Departamento Chilecito

In Departamento Chilecito, Samay Huasi is located in the district of San Miguel. Built at the beginning of the 19th century, the mansion was named by Joaquín Víctor González after he acquired it, in reference to the Quechua word for “rest house.” The gardens include Puerta de Micenas, a gallery featuring roughly carved monoliths of the seven Greek sages, and Puerta Etrusca. Samay Huasi also houses a small museum and an archaeological, anthropological, and paleontological collection covering minerals and natural sciences, including taxidermied native birds.

Churches also bring the history of Departamento Chilecito to life. The Church of San Buenaventura in Vichigasta is considered the oldest church in the department and dates from the mid-17th century. It retains its original single-nave layout, with thick adobe walls and a wooden roof structure of rafters and purlins. The church is part of the Circuito de las Capillas and was declared a National Historic Monument under Law 24.852 of 1997. Its patron saint’s feast is celebrated every year on July 14 with a procession in which worshippers carry the statue on their shoulders; the specific festivities may vary.

The Church of San Sebastián in the town of Sañogasta is also part of the Circuito de las Capillas. Its first chapel was built at the end of the 17th century as a family oratory beside Hacienda de San Sebastián. For another perspective on the region, visit Cuesta de Miranda: this 114-kilometer stretch of Ruta 40 connects Chilecito with Gral. Felipe Varela and offers views of the valley and Río Miranda amid deep rock gorges. Quebrada del Agua Negra is a seven-kilometer nature corridor surrounded by mountains, suitable for trekking and photo safaris. In the wider destination of Departamento Chilecito, 200 steps lead to the base of Cristo del Portezuelo.

At the central winery of Bodega La Riojana Cooperativa in Chilecito, a tour covers the facilities, presses, and fermentation tanks and ends with a wine tasting. Check the latest tour details before visiting. The Bus de la Ruta del Vino Riojano departs from Secretaría de Turismo de Chilecito at Calle Castro y Bazán 52; check the latest departure times before planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Santa Florentina, Nonogasta.

Go to the wider travel guide: Departamento Chilecito.