El Sunchal - El Cajón Trail
El Sunchal - El Cajón Trail
Explore this circuit
Description:
This is an unpaved linear route with a considerable gradient. The route crosses two urban areas (Villa Padre Monti and Río Nío) until reaching El Cajón. Along the way, there are some places to rest and get supplies. The route includes crossings of low-flow rivers, and some sections may be slippery or complicated during rainy seasons.
Elevation: 978 m
Minimum altitude: 597 m
Maximum altitude: 1,136 m
Approximate duration of the route:
Total: 4:30 h
Total distance: 65 km
Starting point: El Sunchal
Starting point coordinates: 9WFR+2X9 El Sunchal, Tucumán
End point: Taruca Pampa
End point coordinates: C5MC+CF5 Taruca Pampa, Tucumán
Main tourist attractions of the route:
El Sunchal: El Sunchal dam and camping site.
Villa Padre Monti: Plaza with picnic area, resting place.
Río Nío: Picturesque town with local shops, picnic areas, and regional food.
El Cajón: El Cajón dam is an area with panoramic views.
Points of interest on the route:
River Sucio: Bridge in good condition.
Villa Padre Monti: Plaza with picnic area and health center.
Monastery of the Blue Monks: Historic point in Villa Padre Monti.
River Chorrillos: River crossing without a bridge, low flow.
El Cajón: El Cajón dam viewpoint.
Distinctive characteristics of the trail:
The route travels along dirt or consolidated gravel roads.
It crosses low-flow rivers, which makes the crossing easier, but there may be difficulties if the rains increase the flow.
Few areas of shade can make the route complicated during the hot months.
Access to the trail:
Starting point: 9WFR+2X9 El Sunchal, Tucumán
End point: C5MC+CF5 Taruca Pampa, Tucumán
Route: Link to Wikiloc
Tourist equipment:
Warehouses in Villa Padre Monti and Río Nío.
Campsites with basic services in El Sunchal, Río Nío, and El Cajón.
Type of environment to travel through:
Summer: Hot and humid.
Winter: Cold and dry.
Aspects related to security and emergencies:
CAPS (Primary Health Care Centers):
El Sunchal: With ambulance available. Telephone: 107
Villa Padre Monti: With ambulance available. Telephone: 107
Río Nío: With ambulance available. Telephone: 107
El Cajón: With ambulance available. Telephone: 107
Emergencies: Call 107.
Suitable time of year to visit:
All year round
Observations: During the rainy season, the road from Río Nío to El Cajón may deteriorate due to rain.
Type of entry:
Free entry
Recommended hours: From 08:00 to 18:00
Condition of access roads:
Access roads: Streets in good condition.
Road signs: There are signs up to Villa Padre Monti, then the signs are scarce.
Services nearby:
Picnic areas: Yes, at some points along the route.
Trash cans: Yes, at certain points.
Camping areas:
El Sunchal
Río Nío (camping and rest area).
El Cajón (areas near the dam).
Shelters: In Río Nío and El Sunchal.
Supply points: In Villa Padre Monti and Río Nío.
Drinking fountains: Not available along the route.
Rest areas: Yes, especially in Villa Padre Monti and Río Nío.
Tourist information posts: Not available.
General recommendations:
It is recommended to do the route with a support vehicle if you do not have enough experience or preparation.
Make sure you have enough water, since there are no drinking fountains along the route.
Keep in mind the river crossings, which can be dangerous if there is recent rain or an increased flow of water.
Check the road conditions during the rainy season, as some sections may become impassable or slippery.
Wikiloc here
