Las Lajitas can be explored through two aspects: its local history and its festival culture. It was founded in 1940 at Piquete de Anta, which was called “El Piquete” until 1948. Later, Las Lajitas was moved to its present location, partly in connection with the planned railway. The founding place, former name and present location thus belong to different chapters of the town’s history. When choosing a holiday rental, you can use this history, together with the local cultural calendar, as a guide to whether you want your trip to focus more on local culture.
Local History and Festivals in Las Lajitas
On 13 June, Las Lajitas celebrates its patronal feast in honour of Saint Anthony of Padua. The fixed date on the calendar gives a visit a clear cultural focus: the occasion and dedication go hand in hand. The Festival Nacional del Gaucho is also held regularly in Las Lajitas. A patronal feast and the festival thus stand side by side as distinct facets of local festival culture.
Las Lajitas’ culture also includes the “Liberación de Libros” initiative, which is linked to the worldwide movement “El Club de los Libros Perdidos.” In 2026, it had been part of the cultural calendar of the Biblioteca Provincial Dr. Victorino de la Plaza for fifteen years. The cultural programme thus brings together religious tradition, the Festival Nacional del Gaucho and an initiative centred on reading.
In the Wider Destination of Anta Department
El Rey National Park is located in Anta Department, in the centre of Salta Province. Its hiking trails are self-guided and clearly signposted. The routes to the waterfalls also differ: the Chorro de Los Lobitos loop trail is considered easy and ends at a small waterfall. A trekking route leads to Cascada de Los Loros and ends at a 30-metre-high waterfall.
Other options in El Rey National Park cater to different interests and ways of getting around. Ruta Vieja can be explored on foot or by bicycle. Laguna Los Patitos attracts native birds and mammals and can be reached by vehicle. Native schools of fish can be observed in the pools of the RĂo Popayán; access is restricted, and four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended for the journey there.
A different regional focus is offered by Pizarro National Reserve, which protects the Yungas and Dry Chaco ecoregions across more than 7,800 hectares. In Parcel 1, women artisans from the Eben Ezer WichĂ community create intricate works from chaguar fibres using natural dyes. A visit to the community on Provincial Route 5, in Parcel 1 of Pizarro National Reserve, offers insight into its traditions and crafts; it is coordinated with the community authorities. Thus, in the wider destination of Anta Department, nature trails and waterfalls contrast with protected landscapes and regional crafts.
For the wider travel overview: Anta Department.
