Argentina · Archaeology

Tafi del Valle and Quilmes Ruins Full-Day Tour from Tucuman

10 Hours Round trip from San Miguel de Tucumán Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Travel through the scenic Los Sosa River Gorge and Route 307
  • 02 Visit Los Menhires Archaeological Reserve and see ancient standing stones
  • 03 Explore the picturesque town of Tafí del Valle
  • 04 Admire valley views from Abra del Infiernillo at 3,042 meters
  • 05 Stop in Amaicha del Valle and visit the town square
  • 06 Tour the Sacred City of Quilmes with a guide
  • 07 Learn about Indigenous history and the legacy of Quilmes
  • 08 Round-trip transport from selected Tucumán hotels included

Discover the dramatic landscapes and rich heritage of northwestern Argentina on this full-day journey from Tucumán to Tafí del Valle and the Quilmes Ruins. Travel along Route 307 through the Los Sosa River Gorge, admire sweeping valley views, and visit the Archaeological Reserve Los Menhires, home to ancient standing stones dating back more than 2,000 years.

Continue to the picturesque town of Tafí del Valle, known for its preserved Jesuit architecture, before climbing to the high-altitude viewpoint at Abra del Infiernillo. The day also includes time in Amaicha del Valle and a guided visit to the Sacred City of Quilmes, where you’ll learn about one of the last strongholds of Indigenous resistance during the Spanish advance.

Discover the dramatic landscapes and rich heritage of northwestern Argentina on this full-day journey from Tucumán to Tafí del Valle and the Quilmes Ruins.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 10 Hours
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
City Tucuman
Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Tucumán

We will leave Tucumán behind and start ascending the valley through the Route 307. The road will go into the Los Sosa River Gorge, part of the Natural Reserve with the same name. Continuing, we will sight the monument "El Indio". Higher, 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 2000 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.

Tafí del Valle

Later, we will visit the picturesque city of Tafi del Valle. 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, in a pronounced zigzag until Abra del Infiernillo, at 3,042 meters high. In Amaicha del Valle, we will visit the square and its surroundings. After connecting with the 40 National Route, the Sacred City of Quilmes breaks left. The visitor will be able to tour the complex with the company of a guide and will be amazed to know every detail of the last bastion on aboriginal resistance against the Spanish advance, that finished in 1667, when 1700 survivors were sent, walking, to the proximity of Buenos Aires (currently the city of Quilmes), where only 400 of them made it there. The Museo del Sitio (currently out of service for restoration) showcases pieces obtained in the excavations and invites you to dive into an unprecedented legacy.

Amaicha del Valle

In Amaicha del Valle, we will visit the square and its surroundings. After connecting with the 40 National Route, the Sacred City of Quilmes breaks left. The visitor will be able to tour the complex with the company of a guide and will be amazed to know every detail of the last bastion on aboriginal resistance against the Spanish advance, that finished in 1667, when 1700 survivors were sent, walking, to the proximity of Buenos Aires (currently the city of Quilmes), where only 400 of them made it there. The Museo del Sitio (currently out of service for restoration) showcases pieces obtained in the excavations and invites you to dive into an unprecedented legacy.

Return to Tucumán

Finally, the return includes hotel drop-off in Tucumán.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from San Miguel de Tucumán 1 city · 10 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Professional guide
  • Hotel pickup (selected hotels only)

What's Not Included

  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities

Know before you go

  • The pick up transfer is only from centrally located hotels. If your hotel is outside the geographic area, we will confirm the closest meeting point. Indicate the name and address of your hotel.
  • We suggest you to confirm the booking details with us prior to travel, or upon arrival at your destination. Please note that departure times and locations may vary slightly. (Mon to Fri from 9 to 18 Hs) (After office hours)

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
San Miguel de Tucumán, AR
Tour start
San Miguel de Tucumán, AR
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 10 hours finish where they began, in San Miguel de Tucumán.

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