El Durazno: Geology and Dzogchen
Accommodation in El Durazno
El Durazno offers two distinct ways to plan your trip: the view from Mirador El Durazno and the spiritual focus of Tashigar Sur. From the lookout point, you can see the Sierras Chicas and a small valley with houses that are more than 100 years old. Tashigar Sur is a center for the development of Dzogchen teachings in South America. When choosing your destination, consider whether you are especially interested in the landscape and rock formations or in Dzogchen.
Views and geological features
Mirador El Durazno is part of the Circuito Geológico: Ruta de Alta Montaña. From there, the rise of the Sierras Chicas is visible to the east. The view to the west encompasses a small valley with houses that are more than 100 years old. Two distinct features are thus side by side: a mountain rise on the horizon and a valley whose houses have a long history. If you are traveling with children, you can use these two perspectives as a starting point for talking about the landscape and traces of human habitation.
The rocks also give the lookout point its own character. The visible Sierras Chicas formed more than 2 million years ago. There are also granite rocks with aligned pink feldspar crystals in the area around Mirador El Durazno. Alongside the expansive view, they offer a concrete detail to focus on: the crystals in the granite. If you enjoy looking more closely, you can therefore include both the shape of the rise and the distinctive features of the rocks in your travel plans.
Tashigar Sur and spiritual practice
Tashigar Sur was founded in the El Durazno area of the town of Tanti as one of the main centers of the International Dzogchen Community. As a center for the development of Dzogchen teachings in South America, it offers a different travel perspective from the geological lookout point. Tashigar Sur includes a Gonpa for learning and practicing the Dzogchen teachings. If you are interested in these teachings, you can consider them a focus in their own right, alongside the area's landscapes.
In summer, visitors and residents of Tashigar Sur take part in various activities, including Yantra Yoga and dances on a mandala. These examples make summer a time associated with these activities. Tashigar Sur also has a camping area with a kitchen and sanitary facilities. These amenities belong to the camping area and add a practical aspect to the information about this spiritual center.
El Durazno as a base for your trip
The road connection may also help you find your way: the access road from Tanti to Macizo Los Gigantes passes through El Durazno. If you include the massif in your travel plans, this connection to the road is another consideration alongside the viewpoints and the spiritual focus. When choosing a holiday rental, you can first ask yourself which of these interests will shape your trip. The landscape, with the Sierras Chicas and granite rocks, offers a geological focus; Tashigar Sur is associated with Dzogchen teachings and summer activities.
More places to consider for your trip: Bialet Massé, Cosquín, Villa Parque Lago San Roque, San Esteban, Tanti Nuevo, Villa Giardino, Villa Bustos, Santa María de Punilla.
For the broader travel overview: Punilla Department.
