The best places for hiking in the south of the province of Catamarca

The central and southern regions of Catamarca—comprising the Valle Central and the surrounding sierras of Ambato, Ancasti, and Paclín—offer stunning hiking and trekking opportunities characterized by lush green microclimates, rushing river valleys, Yungas jungles, and panoramic mountain ridgelines.

Las Juntas

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Nestled in the Ambato mountain range, Las JuntasFai clic per aprire il riquadro laterale per ulteriori informazioni is a premier mountain village known for its refreshing streams, dense willow groves, and scenic trails that lead up into high-altitude plateaus like La Silleta. It is an ideal destination for combining river valley walks with more demanding mountain ascents.

• Famous for the trail leading up to "La Silleta," a saddle-shaped high mountain ridge at around 2,500 meters of elevation.

• Beautiful routes crossing crystal-clear mountain streams, rocky riverbeds, and fields of wild daisies.

• Excellent cooler microclimate during spring and summer months with lush vegetation.

La Merced

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Located in the Paclín department north-east of the capital, La MercedFai clic per aprire il riquadro laterale per ulteriori informazioni serves as the gateway to stunning Yungas jungle trails and historical engineering landmarks. The area is especially renowned for its historic abandoned railway tunnels carved into the green mountain slopes.

• Scenic medium-difficulty hikes through dense subtropical vegetation, tree ferns, and native laurel forests.

• Trails featuring historic mid-20th century railway tunnels and natural swimming pools like Pozo del Gaucho.

• Rich biodiversity and birdwatching opportunities amidst deep river ravines.

El Jumeal

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Situated right on the edge of San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca in the Valle Central, El JumealFai clic per aprire il riquadro laterale per ulteriori informazioni is the ultimate local favorite for accessible trail running and introductory day hikes. The looped paths surrounding the reservoir offer stunning views overlooking both the urban valley and the base of the Ambato hills.

• Very accessible circuit with low technical difficulty, making it perfect for warm-up hikes or casual outdoor walks.

• Panoramic vistas of the city water reservoir framed by arid-to-green transitional hill slopes.

• Safe, popular route with well-defined dirt paths combined with the paved perilagoon road.

Cuesta del Portezuelo

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Famed in Argentine folk music and poetry, the Cuesta del PortezueloFai clic per aprire il riquadro laterale per ulteriori informazioni in the Sierras de Ancasti features a legendary winding road accompanied by challenging ridgeline trails. Hiking along its heights rewards trekkers with breathtaking sweeping views over the entire Valle Central.

• Iconic zig-zag mountain paths rising through diverse botanical strata of native cacti and shrubs.

• Dramatic cliffside viewpoints offering incredible photography opportunities of the valley below, especially at sunset.

• Historic mule tracks and footpaths utilized for generations to cross between valleys.