San Miguel de Tucumán , Argentina

Discover Tafi del Valle: Guided Journey

Active

(8 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

The Diaguita Indians called this place Tafí del Valle “the town of the magnificent entrance;” and they were right: Tafí del Valle is one of the most heavenly destinations in Tucumán. Once people get to this summertime villa, the valleys welcome their visitors with their green and brown colors that contrast with the blue sky, with a dike over which the sun reflects and with unpaved roads that are a testimony of years of history.

Only 107km away from the capital, Tafí is located at 2,000 meters above the sea level. It has a very pleasant climate, which allows tourism all year long.

Despite the fact that the place has developed a lot during the last years and that it has become the ultimate destination for Argentineans and foreigners along the year, Tafí still preserves the mystery of its aboriginal culture among its hills.

Available options

Tafi del Valle - English Tour

Pickup included

Tafi del Valle - Spanish Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Professional guide

Round-trip shared transfer

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Leave your centrally located Tucumán hotel and travel to Tafí del Valle, a valley located at 2,000 meters above the sea level.

In our first stop, we will visit the Jesuit Chapel and Convent of San José de Lules, where the chapel and cloister remain. It was designated a National Historic Monument since 1944. This site holds immense historical value as it was founded by the Jesuits.

Then we will start ascending the valley through the Route 307. The road goes into the Los Sosa River Gorge, part of the Natural Reserve with the same name. Continuing, we will sight the monument "El Indio", a cultural landmark that stands as a testament to the region's rich heritage.

The entrance to the Valley of Tafi is simply shocking. Surrounding La Angostura Dam, we will arrive at The Mollar to visit The Menhires. It only takes a walk along the Archaeological Reserve Los Menhires and a look at the 50 types of rocks dating from more than 2,000 years (from the beginning of the Christian era)- that rise up to 3 meters high- to be amazed by the archaeological legacy of the primitive races.

The word menhir has a Celtic origin and it means “long stone”. The shapes represented in the mehnirs are surprising: sometimes they show human faces and other times animal faces, mainly felines. Others are geometric and there also are combinations of different types.

Inside Tafí del Valle, the Jesuit architecture is preserved, the oldest section was built by the Jesuits in the first half of the eighteenth century.

In the valley we will have free time for lunch (optional) an then we continue through the Route 307 up to the viewpoint from which the best views of the valley are obtained.

Back in Tucuman we will visit the Atahualpa Museum, where your tour ends with a hotel drop-off.

What's not included

Food and drinks

Gratuities

Fees not clarified in the itinerary

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 4.5

8 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

A minimum of 2 people per booking is required

Meeting point

Centrally located Tucuman hotels.

Important notes

The pick up transfer is only from centrally located hotels. Indicate the name and address of your hotel.

We suggest you confirm booking details with the local service provider prior to travel, or upon arrival at your destination. Please note that departure times and locations may vary slightly.

OFFICE NUMBER: (+54 11) 11 3221 8400 (Mon to Sun from 9 to 18 Hs)
EMERGENCY MOBILE: (+54 911) 4991-4035 (After office hours)

About San Miguel de Tucumán

San Miguel de Tucumán, known as the 'Garden of the Republic,' is a vibrant city in northwest Argentina. It's renowned for its rich history, colonial architecture, and as the birthplace of Argentine independence. The city offers a blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and warm hospitality.

Top Attractions

Casa Histórica de la Independencia

This is the house where the Argentine Declaration of Independence was signed in 1816. It's now a museum showcasing the history of the independence movement.

Historical 1-2 hours Moderate (around $5 USD)

Plaza Independencia

The main square of Tucumán, surrounded by historic buildings and monuments. It's a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists alike.

Historical 30 minutes to a few hours Free

Museo Provincial de Bellas Artes Timoteo Navarro

A fine arts museum showcasing works by Argentine and international artists. The museum is housed in a beautiful historic building.

Museum 1-2 hours Moderate (around $3 USD)

Parque 9 de Julio

A large urban park with beautiful gardens, walking paths, and a lake. It's a popular spot for picnics, jogging, and relaxing.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Basílica de San Francisco

A historic church with beautiful architecture and a rich history dating back to the 16th century.

Religious 30 minutes to 1 hour Free (donations welcome)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Empanadas Tucumanas

A type of empanada filled with various ingredients, often including beef, chicken, or cheese. The dough is made with lard, giving it a unique texture.

Snack Contains gluten and often meat (vegetarian options may be available)

Locro

A traditional stew made with corn, beans, squash, and various meats. It's a hearty and flavorful dish that's popular throughout Argentina.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat (vegetarian options may be available)

Humita

A dish made from fresh corn kernels, sometimes mixed with cheese, onions, and spices. It can be served as a savory snack or a sweet dessert.

Snack/Dessert Vegetarian (may contain cheese or dairy)

Asado

A traditional Argentine barbecue featuring various cuts of beef, pork, and other meats, cooked over an open fire.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat (vegetarian options may be available)

Popular Activities

Hiking in Tafí del Valle Mountain biking in the surrounding areas Horseback riding in the countryside Strolling through Parque 9 de Julio Visiting local cafes and enjoying a cup of coffee Relaxing in the city's parks and gardens Visiting the Casa Histórica de la Independencia Exploring the local markets and shops

Best Time to Visit

March to May, September to November

These are the spring and autumn seasons, offering pleasant weather with mild temperatures and lower humidity. It's ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Argentine Peso (ARS)

Time Zone

GMT-3

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution

Tucumán is generally a safe destination for travelers, but petty crime and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots. It's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or wearing expensive jewelry
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps for safe and reliable transportation

Getting there

By air

Teniente Benjamin Matienzo International Airport • 12 km from city center

By bus

Terminal de Ómnibus de Tucumán

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is the primary mode of public transportation in Tucumán. It's affordable and covers most parts of the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: No widely used apps, radio taxis can be called by phone

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Centro Yerba Buena San Miguel

Day trips

Tafí del Valle

120 km from Tucumán • Full day

A picturesque valley surrounded by mountains, offering stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and adventure activities. Tafí del Valle is known for its beautiful scenery and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Amaicha del Valle

130 km from Tucumán • Full day

A small town with a rich indigenous heritage, known for its archaeological sites, cultural festivals, and traditional crafts. Amaicha del Valle offers a unique glimpse into the region's indigenous culture and history.

El Siambón

30 km from Tucumán • Half day

An archaeological site featuring the remains of an ancient indigenous settlement. The site offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's pre-Columbian history and is a popular destination for history and archaeology enthusiasts.

Festivals

Fiesta Nacional de la Empanada • May (specific dates vary each year) Festival de la Chicha • June (specific dates vary each year) Fiesta de la Independencia • July 9 (annual)

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals
Try the local cuisine, including empanadas, locro, and humita, for an authentic taste of Tucumán
Visit during the shoulder seasons (March-May or September-November) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds
Explore the surrounding areas and day trips, such as Tafí del Valle and Amaicha del Valle, for a more immersive experience
Be cautious with your belongings, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation, to avoid petty crime