In Chicligasta Department, a legally designated historic town and hiking destinations in Aconquija National Park come together. When planning your trip, it makes a difference whether you are looking for historic architecture in Villa de Medinas, cultural sites and transport connections in Concepción, or trails in the park. Aconquija National Park extends across the departments of Chicligasta, Alberdi, Monteros, Río Chico, and Tafí del Valle. When planning, it is therefore worth considering the different highlights separately.
Historic Sites and City Highlights
Villa de Medinas is legally designated as a historic town in Chicligasta Department. One of its main buildings is the Iglesia Nuestra Señora de la Merced. It preserves an old statue of Our Lady of Mercy, brought by the Medina family in the 17th century. The church thus connects the town’s designated historic character with a tangible testament to its history.
In Concepción, the Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción stands opposite Plaza Mitre in the city center. The Museo Nasif Estéfano reopened in 2024 and is dedicated to the history of an internationally renowned athlete. These sites give Concepción its own cultural focus alongside the national park’s nature trails.
Getting There and Finding Your Way from Concepción
Concepción is a gateway to Aconquija National Park. From there, the route runs 37 kilometers west along RN 65 to Portal Cochuna. The road is paved as far as Alpachiri; after that, it becomes a gravel road that is passable for all types of vehicles. Check road conditions before setting out.
The Gutiérrez company operates an intercity service from Concepción to Alpachiri. From there, rural vehicles can take visitors to Portal Cochuna and Laguna del Tesoro. There are also two daily connections from Concepción to the bus terminal in San Miguel de Tucumán. Confirm schedules, operators, and transport arrangements in advance. When choosing where to stay, it is helpful to match your planned base with your specific route and the connections you need to confirm.
Hiking Trails and Views in Aconquija National Park
The park has numerous hiking trails. The trails described vary in route and difficulty: Sendero El Pozón runs through mountain forest to a natural pool in Arroyo Sufrimiento and is rated easy. Sendero Interpretativo de La Selva Misteriosa also runs through mountain forest; seven stops explain important processes in this habitat. The distance and difficulty are specified for Sendero Puesto Zárate: the moderate trail is 4.5 kilometers long, crosses Yungas forest and Arroyo El Calao, and ends at Puesto Zárate. This lets you compare the trail features that are explicitly stated without assuming a walking time that has not been provided for each route.
Sendero Puesto La Mesada has a free-to-use campsite, a shelter with a fire pit, and a visitor toilet; availability may vary. Mirador La Banderita offers views of the Tucumán plain and the imposing peaks of the Nevados del Aconquija. Access conditions for the viewpoint may also vary. Check current trail and access conditions before setting out.
Tucumán and the Wider Area
In the wider destination of Tucumán, Aconquija National Park protects Argentina’s southernmost remaining stretch of the Yungas, as well as high-altitude Andean landscapes. The trail to Laguna del Tesoro is also part of the park’s wider range of options: it is moderate to challenging, covers 12 kilometers, and takes approximately six hours one way.
In the surrounding area, the ruins of La Ciudacita represent the southernmost outpost of the Inca Empire; visitors must be accompanied by experienced mountain guides. Sendero La Ciudacita is also in the surrounding area and includes a section of the Qhapaq Ñan, the Andean road network and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The expedition to the end of the route takes five to seven days on foot—a separate, multi-day undertaking rather than a short hiking stop.
Another option in the vicinity of Concepción is Samay Cochuna campsite, about 30 kilometers away. It provides access to the Cochuna River and trails suitable for trekking and cycling. Check facility availability and trail conditions before making plans.
Whether you are mainly planning to visit cultural sites in Concepción, see historic architecture in Villa de Medinas, or hike in Aconquija, choose your focus and compare the location of your accommodation with your planned trails and connections.
Discover more destinations: Concepción, Tafí Viejo Department, Lules Department, Tafí del Valle Department, Yerba Buena Department, Simoca Department, Graneros.
Go to the broader travel overview: Tucumán.
