Tucumán consists of charming towns with indigenous roots, Inca ruins and a historic capital city where the Declaration of Independence from Spain took place. It is the smallest and most densely populated province in Argentina.
Explore the historic center of the province’s capital city, also called Tucumán, for a sense of modern history. Visit the Casa Historica de la Independencia, with its whitewashed façade and bright blue door and window shutters. This is the place where the independence declaration was signed. Peruse its small museum of artifacts from the colonial period.
The city has an eclectic nightlife and a thriving youth community centered on the National University of Tucumán. Note that Tucumán is larger and more dynamic than typical cities in Argentina’s northwestern region. Admire the French Baroque design and Italian touches of the spectacular Casa de Gobierno on the Plaza de la Independencia.
Drive west for 2 hours to reach the lush green fields and mountains of Tafí del Valle. See the Monumento al Indio, a statue from the 1940s dedicated to the pre-Columbian cultures that inhabited the area for thousands of years. Go horse riding across the Calchaquí Valleys from one of the farms, such as the Estancia Las Carreras.
Nearby is the remarkable Reserva Arqueologica Los Menhires, with its collection of carvings from more than 2,000 years ago. Marvel at the tall rock carvings and try to interpret their various meanings.
Further northwest is the town of Amaicha del Valle, which still has a large Indian population. Try the sweet vino patero wine, the local cheese and empanadas with chicken or meat.
Despite its small size, Tucumán has weather that varies greatly throughout the province. Expect dry, hot weather in the east and stormy summers in the jungle area at the foot of the mountains.
The district stands between the provinces of SaltaOpens in a new window, CatamarcaOpens in a new window and Santiago del EsteroOpens in a new window in northwestern Argentina. Fly from Buenos AiresOpens in a new window to the Teniente General Benjamín Matienzo International Airport, which is in the eastern outskirts of San Miguel de Tucumán. Get around the area by bus or taxi.
Tucumán is a diverse province that sheds light on the pre-Columbian period and modern-day Argentina.
