San Blas De Los Sauces Department brings together two distinct ways to explore the area: the landscape shaped by water in Andolucas and the archaeological heritage of Hualco. Churches and religious traditions add another dimension to these highlights. You can tailor your stay to your interests in nature, history and culture.
Water and trails in Andolucas
La Olla is located in Paraje Andolucas, 12 kilometers from San Blas, along Provincial Route No. 11 on the eastern slope of the Sierras del Velasco. The natural pool was formed by the Río Andolucas eroding granite rocks. Granite, crystal-clear water and native vegetation define this scenic spot.
Camping Andolucas is also located in Paraje Andolucas, 12 kilometers from San Blas, along Provincial Route No. 11. From there, a hike leads to Paraje La Olla. The Cola de la Novia waterfall plunges 25 to 30 meters into a natural pool. Another pool is located at Balneario Andolucas on the Arroyo Andolucas, near its confluence with the Río de Los Sauces. In summer, its water reaches a depth of up to seven meters.
Archaeology and artifacts in Hualco
The Sitio Arqueológico de Hualco is located in San Blas de los Sauces Department. Guided tours explain the Ciénaga, Aguada, Belén and Sanagasta cultures and their relationship to the Camino del Inca (Qhapaq Ñan). The Centro de Interpretación de Hualco has two exhibition rooms featuring original archaeological artifacts, including ceramics, funerary urns, grinding tools, arrowheads and ritual ornaments such as the malachite Hualquito.
The guided tours place the cultures and their relationship to the Camino del Inca in context, while the exhibition rooms focus on specific artifacts. Hualco thus highlights both historical connections and material evidence. The pre-Hispanic remains of Pucará de Cuipán are protected under provincial decree Decreto 2357/80.
Churches and religious traditions
Iglesia San Blas de los Sauces is a tourist attraction and the department’s most important church. Iglesia de San Blas has adobe walls 1.5 meters thick, built from adobe bricks measuring 80 centimeters long, 40 centimeters wide and 20 centimeters high. Its architecture includes a single bell tower and a roof made of reeds and wood. The present-day church is dated to 1748, though this date is uncertain. It was rebuilt around 1878 and is protected under Decreto 2.357/80.
The San Blascito Oratory, also known as San Blasito, is located in the Las Lechuzas neighborhood of Salicas. It houses a small image of San Blascito dating from 1648. The Fiestas Patronales de San Blas feature stalls selling traditional foods, as well as dancing and singing; a procession and Mass are held on February 3. If you’re traveling around that date, check the dates and current program in advance.
The Seven-Temple Route was described in April 2025 as a Catholic Semana Santa tradition. It begins at the chapel in Suriyaco and ends at San Blas Temple with a blessing of the water. Check the details for the year before including the route in your travel plans.
Handicrafts and regional products
Casa del Artesano at Balneario Municipal de Andolucas sells handicrafts and regional products. These include Patero wines, olives, walnuts, sweets and alfajores. Before visiting, confirm whether it is currently open for sales and what is in stock so you can plan this potential shopping stop accordingly.
Explore more destinations: San Blas De Los Sauces, Rosario Vera Peñaloza Department, Arauco Department, Chilecito Department, Coronel Felipe Varela, Coronel Felipe Varela, Independencia, Famatina Department.
For the broader travel overview: La Rioja.
