The Sacred City of Quilmes: living history in the heart of the Calchaquí Valley

In the Cajón or Quilmes Mountai Range, at 1,850 meters above sea level, in the Calchaquí Valley, in the province of Tucumán, the remains of the Sacred City of Quilmes rise. This archaeological site, the largest of its kind in Argentina, represents the last bastion of resistance of the native peoples against the advance of Spanish colonization. In 1667, after years of resistance, the Quilmes community was forced to abandon its land and moved on foot to the outskirts of Buenos Aires. Of the 1,700 members who set out on the journey, only 400 managed to arrive alive.

The Sacred City was restored in the 1970s to preserve its legacy. In it you can see the reconstructions of its residential areas, agricultural terraces, a fortress on the top of the hill and forts on its sides. The semi-buried structures, with walls up to two metres wide, reveal aspects of the daily life of this people, such as their family organisation and their food production, which included corn and carob flour.

The Quilmes Interpretation Centre, located next to the archaeological site, complements the visit with an educational experience. Through visual, auditory and tactile resources, visitors can tour four rooms that explore the origin, daily life, customs and exile of the Quilmes. Replicas of clothing, weapons, agricultural tools and religious objects allow one to immerse oneself in the history of this community, while an emotional video recounts their struggle and exile.

How to get there

The site is located in the Tafí del Valle department, 180 km from the capital, San Miguel de Tucumán. From Amaicha del Valle, access is via Provincial Route No. 307, traveling 15 kilometers until it joins National Route No. 40 and continuing 3 kilometers to the north. A 5-kilometer dirt road finally leads to the site. Excursions are also offered from Amaicha del Valle and San Miguel de Tucumán.

More Information

Visiting hours: Archaeological site and Interpretation Center: Every day from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

FITUR 2025: A step towards international projection

Within the framework of Tucumán's participation in FITUR 2025, the Sacred City of Quilmes was one of the attractions presented by the province. FITUR, the International Tourism Fair that took place in Madrid, allowed Tucumán to show its rich history, culture and landscapes, standing out as a tourist destination of international relevance. The province brought a comprehensive proposal that included, in addition to the legacy of the indigenous peoples, its offer of nature tourism, adventure and cycle tourism.

The delegation from Tucumán was headed by Domingo Amaya, President of the Tucumán Turism Entity, who was accompanied by Héctor Viñuales, President of the Federation of Tourism Chambers of Argentina. (FEDECATUR), and other representatives of the private sector. Together they presented an offer that included unique tourist products, such as the Camino de los Jesuitas (Jesuit Route), Cycle tourism on routes adapted to all levels and a proposal to enjoy the natural landscapes of Tucumán. In their presentation, the importance of sustainability in tourist destinations was highlighted, a central value in the planning of the province.

In addition, Tucumán took advantage of the opportunity to strengthen ties with international operators and professionals, reinforcing its position in the global tourism market. With its participation in FITUR 2025, the province consolidated its place as a diverse destination that combines history, adventure, nature and sustainability, inviting tourists to discover its cultural riches and immerse themselves in a unique and unforgettable experience.

SOURCE: GOING ON A TRIP