Enjoy a peaceful vacation exploring the beautiful countryside and indigenous traditions of Tafí del Valle. This small town sits in the heart of the lush green Calchaquí Valleys, surrounded by rolling mountains. Escape northern Argentina’s summer heat and breathe in the fresh air at Tafí del Valle. Discover the town’s cheese-making customs, Jesuit landmarks, centuries-old ruins and stunningly beautiful panoramas.
Activities in the town revolve around two central streets. See colorfully painted storefronts on the pretty and pedestrian-only Peatonal Los Faroles. Find artisanal cheese stores, bars, restaurants and souvenir shops on Avenida Presidente Domingo Perón. Jesuits introduced cheese to the region in the early 18th century. Arrive in February during the National Cheese Festival.
Visit the Jesuit Historical Museum (Museo Jesuítico La Banda) , in a building that was once a church and governor’s residence. Spot archaeological objects, paintings by members of the Cuzco School and Jesuit-era furniture. Get an aerial view of the town and valley at Cerro de la Cruz Lookout, about a 30-minute walk from the town center. Learn about the folklore of the Calchaquí Valleys at the Elf House Museum of Myths and Legends.
Just a 20-minute drive south is La Angostura Reservoir, where you can fish, kite surf or yacht. Ride on horseback along the Vuelta al Valle, a tourist circuit skirting the reservoir and crossing the slopes of Cerro Muñoz. Scrutinize the collection of 50 artistic megaliths at Los Menhires Archeological Reserve. Spend a night at the luxurious Estancias las Carreras, a farmstead established by Jesuits in 1718.
Travel north to the sleepy riverside town of Amaicha del Valle to experience the lifestyle of the Calchaquí people. Get additional insight into the indigenous cultures of the Calchaquí Valleys at the Pachamama Museum. Close to town is the Quilmes Ruins, sheltering the remains of one of Argentina’s biggest pre-Hispanic settlements.
Tafí de Valle is a 2-hour drive west of San Miguel de Tucumán, capital of Tucumán province. Fly or ride an intercity bus to San Miguel de Tucumán from Buenos Aires.
