Molinos brings together historic local architecture, cultural attractions and a marked trail on Cerro Overo. The historic town center features uniform adobe buildings and houses with double-leaf corner doorways dating from the 18th century. These architectural styles give the town a distinct architectural focus; they are complemented by a cultural center in Indalecio Gómez’s former home and the Fiesta Patronal at the end of January.
Historic Town Center and Cultural Center
Tourist signs were added as part of the historic town’s enhancement between 2004 and 2007. Another way to discover Molinos’ cultural life is to visit Casa Indalecio Gómez: the Centro de Interpretación Casa Indalecio Gómez is located in Indalecio Gómez’s former home. It is dedicated to cultural activities and training residents in traditional crafts as part of the “El patrimonio tiene oficio” project.
Molinos thus brings historic architecture and a focus on traditional crafts together. Those interested in the town’s architectural history can see it in the adobe buildings and houses with corner doorways in the town center; the Centro has its own focus on culture and craft training.
Fiesta Patronal and Festival
Molinos’ Fiesta Patronal takes place every year at the end of January. Exact dates may vary. The Festival Nacional del Poncho, Doma y Folklore is also held as part of the patron saint celebrations. If you would like to plan your trip around the festivities, check the specific event dates before making your plans.
Trail to Cerro Overo
A marked trail starts at the foot of Cerro Overo near Molinos and leads to the summit and the cross. From there, the view stretches across the region. The climb offers a different focus from the town center and the Centro: here, the marked route and its destination at the summit take center stage.
The Criadero de Vicuñas “Coquena” is listed as a visitor attraction in Molinos and is associated with a pioneering project for the legal use of vicuñas. If you plan to visit, check current visitor access beforehand.
Other Places in the Departamento Molinos
Seclantás and El Colte are also part of the Departamento Molinos travel destination, but they are separate places, not attractions in the town center of Molinos. Seclantás is known as the “Cuna del Poncho Salteño.” Weavers there preserve the traditional technique of weaving on the Telar de palo plantado. The Nuestra Señora del Carmen church in Seclantás was built in 1835 and is considered an outstanding example of vallist folk art.
In the hamlet of El Colte, the Camino de los Artesanos runs parallel to Ruta Nacional 40 as an alternative route. Weavers welcome visitors into their homes and show them textile work: blankets, fabrics, ponchos, tapestries, shawls, ruana cloaks, saddlebags and sashes. The route combines a glimpse into the weaving tradition with visits to craftspeople in their own workplaces.
Casa DĂaz in Seclantás offers groups a clay-oven cooking experience by prior reservation. It includes gathering firewood, loading the oven and kneading the dough. Empanadas, meat, vegetables, homemade bread, bollos and bizcochos are prepared and then sampled. Advance reservation is part of this offer and should be taken into account when planning.
Getting There and Planning
From the city of Salta, the route follows Routes 68, 33 and 40 via Cachi. The distance is 206 kilometers; the estimated driving time is five hours and may vary depending on route conditions. Allow extra time for the drive.
Seclantás and El Colte add other places in the Departamento Molinos to your trip. Treat them as separate destinations; advance reservation is required for the clay-oven cooking experience at Casa DĂaz.
For the broader travel overview: Departamento Molinos.
