Different travel interests come together in Chicoana Department: in the town of Chicoana, Iglesia San Pablo shapes the cultural landscape; Valle Encantado and Quebrada de Escoipe are known for their scenery and outdoor activities. For your planning, it is worth considering these themes separately: architecture and history, nature watching, horseback or bicycle excursions, and the tamal tradition each offer a different way to experience the destination.
Iglesia San Pablo: Architecture and History
Iglesia San Pablo in Chicoana is dedicated to the Virgen del Carmen and stands opposite the historic Plaza Güemes. Its origins date back to the 17th century; however, the present church building was constructed in the 1950s in the Neo-Colonial style. The church’s origins and its construction date therefore refer to two different historical periods.
A single wide nave with large windows, a bell tower on one side, and a segmented roof with shingles and colonial roof tiles define the building. The area around Plaza MartĂn Miguel de GĂĽemes and the church is designated a Lugar HistĂłrico Nacional (National Historic Site). The designation is connected with events during Argentina’s War of Independence. The church’s Neo-Colonial architecture and the historic status of the plaza area represent two facets of Chicoana: architecture and the history of Argentina’s War of Independence.
Valle Encantado: Rock Formations and Changing Nature
At Valle Encantado, wind and rain have created a landscape of contrasting forms over time. A small lagoon lies among the rocks, and there are also rock paintings in caves and on rock ledges. During the rainy season, lagoons form and freeze over in winter. Colorful flowers often cover the ground between the rock formations. The chance to spot condors is another feature of the area.
Access to Valle Encantado is via a four-kilometer turnoff with a steep descent. If the road is wet after drizzle, driving down is not recommended. Check the road conditions before setting out and base your decision on the conditions on site.
Excursions from Chicoana
From Chicoana, horseback rides through Quebrada de Escoipe and over Cuesta del Obispo are available through authorized providers. Bicycle tours also travel from Chicoana through these areas and are run by authorized providers. Both activities focus on the same named landscapes; the difference is the mode of transport. Check whether a provider is available before your trip.
Quebrada de Escoipe stretches from Chicoana to Cuesta del Obispo. Crops grown there include pallar beans, Capia corn, Criolla potatoes, and cayote. As of March 1, 2024, 380 farming families were reported; these production figures may change. Growing these crops is also part of the character of Quebrada de Escoipe.
Tamal Tradition and Local Events
In 2016, a law declared the town of Chicoana the “Capital Nacional del Tamal” (National Capital of the Tamal). Tamales are eaten there throughout the year, and the town is known for its tamal-making tradition. The specialty is therefore not limited to a single festival date, but is part of Chicoana’s local character. The tamal tradition adds a culinary focus to the church and landscape themes.
Chicoana’s annual events calendar includes the patron-saint festival in honor of the Virgen del Carmen on July 16. If you want to plan your trip around this date, check the current local program for times and activities.
Discover more destinations: El Mollar, Rosario De Lerma Department, Molinos Department, Rivadavia Department, Gral. MartĂn Miguel De GĂĽemes, Capital Department, Cachi Department, Rosario De La Frontera Department
Return to the main travel overview: Salta.
