Tucumán on a long weekend: history, cloud forest and Tafí del Valle

The Garden of the Republic

Tucumán is Argentina's smallest province but it has it all: national history, mountain cloud forest (the yungas), high valleys and indigenous ruins. It's ideal for a long weekend and pairs very well with Cafayate if you want to continue on to Salta.

Day 1: San Miguel de Tucumán

• The Historic House of Independence, where independence was declared in 1816.
• Plaza Independencia, Government House and the Cathedral.
• Parque 9 de Julio for walking or cycling.
• Tucumán-style empanadas (with hand-cut beef) and the famous milanesa sandwich.

Day 2: San Javier Hill and Yerba Buena

Half an hour from the city, the Cristo Bendicente on San Javier offers a panoramic view of the whole valley. It's an area for paragliding, trekking and horseback riding through the cloud forest.

Day 3: Tafí del Valle

Climbing through the Los Sosa river gorge, among jungle and waterfalls, you reach the valley at around 2,000 m. Must-see stops: La Angostura Dam, the Menhir Park in El Mollar and Tafí's artisan cheeses.

Day 4: Amaicha del Valle and the Quilmes Ruins

Crossing El Infiernillo pass (3,042 m) you reach Amaicha, with its Pachamama Museum, and the Sacred City of Quilmes, one of the largest pre-Hispanic settlements in the country. From there, Cafayate is less than an hour away.

Practical tips

• Summer is very hot in the city: the valleys are the perfect escape.
• The road to Tafí is very winding; if you get carsick, sit in front.
• July is high season due to winter school holidays.