La Caldera brings together religious art and traditional craftsmanship with views across the Valle de Lerma. The Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Rosario, the Cristo Penitente and Cerro de la Cruz offer different points of interest: church art, a view from the northern edge of the valley, and a hike a few meters outside town.

Church, Craftsmanship and Historic Traces

In the Departamento La Caldera, the Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Rosario was built by the Jesuits in the 17th century. The church preserves a wooden carved crucifix and stands beside the former Camino del Inca. Its construction, sacred carving and location along the former route bring together several historical points of interest.

A craft fair is held in front of the main square. Along the way to the Cristo, there is also a workshop specializing in leatherwork, peleros, horse equipment and basketry. In the Departamento La Caldera, leatherwork is associated with livestock farming during the colonial period; leather goods are still made in La Caldera. Individual businesses may change.

Valley Views and Hikes

From the Cristo Penitente, you can take in the Valle de Lerma from the northern edge of the valley. A few meters from town, you can also hike on Cerro de la Cruz and enjoy views across the Valle. At the Cristo Penitente, the focus is on the view from the northern edge of the valley; Cerro de la Cruz combines views across the Valle with a hike a few meters from town.

Festival and Regional Traditions

The Festival Nacional de la Chicha is a traditional celebration in La Caldera, held every year. The 35th edition was announced for March 13, 14 and 15, 2026. At this edition, producers offered visitors chicha and regional dishes; at the Balcón de Quetzemaní, visitors could also learn about the different stages of production. In the Departamento La Caldera, the festival program also includes equestrian displays and folk dancing. If you want to plan your trip around the festival, check the announcement for the relevant edition.

In 2024, visitors were invited to the traditional Pachamama ritual in La Caldera, in the Departamento La Caldera. It included incense-burning ceremonies, the serving of rue tea and singing by local copleros. If you want to plan your trip around the ritual, check the annual date announcement locally.

The Departamento La Caldera: Landscape and Getting Around

The Departamento La Caldera lies in a transition zone between the Chaco Serrano region and the Yungas. The Siancas Valley runs parallel to Ruta 9 through the department; the Río La Caldera crosses it from north to south, and Dique Campo Alegre lies north of the river.

The Embalse Campo Alegre “Ing. Alfonso Peralta” was built in the early 1970s and lies four kilometers north of the town of La Caldera. It can be reached via a winding mountain road along the Río La Caldera on Ruta Nacional No. 9 toward Jujuy. The Camino de cornisa runs from La Caldera through the Yungas on Ruta Nacional No. 9 toward Jujuy. Road conditions may change; check them before setting out.

At Dique Campo Alegre and in its surroundings in the Departamento La Caldera, possible activities include sailing, sport fishing, hiking and horseback riding. The dam and its protected area also offer opportunities for birdwatching in different woodland and rainforest habitats. Cycling is also offered as a sports tourism activity in La Caldera. Specific providers and conditions may change.

Getting Around Locally

In the Departamento La Caldera, La Caldera’s tourist information center has parking for cars and bicycles in addition to its office. A provincial announcement dated February 28, 2023, described SAETA as a bus service that makes it easier to access recreational areas and places of general interest in La Caldera. Check current route coverage before your trip.

Choose Accommodation Based on Your Travel Plans

When looking for a hotel in La Caldera, it helps to distinguish between places in town and excursions elsewhere in the department. The church and craft fair are in town; the workshop is along the way to the Cristo, and Cerro de la Cruz is a few meters outside town. Dique Campo Alegre, in the Departamento La Caldera, lies four kilometers north of the town. Compare the specific accommodation address with the places you plan to visit, and take road conditions into account on the way to the dam.

Discover more destinations: Calderilla, Vaqueros.

Return to the main travel guide: Departamento La Caldera.