Independencia: Rock Art, Mining History and Culture

Rock Art and Trails in Los Colorados

In Independencia, discoveries range from rock art and distinctive rock formations to traces of mining. Los Colorados brings several of these themes together: the area in Departamento Independencia was designated a Reserva Provincial de Usos Múltiples in 2015 under Provincial Law 9714. Its aims include protecting the existing ecosystem, regulating the use of natural resources and safeguarding archaeological sites. Law No. 10.360 also establishes a tourist, heritage, cultural and ecological development circuit in Los Colorados.

Two loop trails with different stated durations help you find your way around the area. The loop to Puente Natural takes two to three hours on foot or on horseback. The Valle Los Bordos loop can be completed on foot or on horseback in about an hour and a half. When planning your days, you can take these times into account and consider which trail best suits the outing you have in mind. Each duration refers to the loop trail mentioned; walking and riding are both options explicitly offered for each route.

The landscape also bears witness to the area's history. The rock art of Los Colorados points to use and resettlement approximately between 600 and 1500 AD. Cueva del Chacho is considered Los Colorados' most important traditional attraction. Exploring the area lets you discover both its archaeological traces and its distinctive cultural significance.

Amaná: Mining History Along a Long Route

Amaná is a place with more than 400 years of history and culture. The old mining route provides a tangible link to its mining history: it is more than 22 kilometres long and connects Amaná with the historic Campamento Minero Basalto SA. The first restored section runs along the foot of Cerro Peinado.

The improved mining route offers trekking and mountain biking, as well as 4x4 trips, quad excursions and geological and mining tourism. It appeals to a range of interests: you can explore the route on foot or by mountain bike, or choose a motorised way to discover it. The old mining route is also of interest to travellers who want to learn about Amaná's mining history as well as its landscapes and opportunities for outdoor activities. When choosing a holiday rental, you may want to consider whether you plan to focus your stay mainly on this mining history or on other nature and culture themes.

El Chiflón and Historic Architecture

Three guided walks in Parque Provincial El Chiflón lead to traces of earlier civilisations. The archaeological sites there can be reached in your own vehicle. Hongo is one of the geological formations in Parque Provincial El Chiflón and another point of interest for travellers drawn to the shapes of the landscape as well as its history.

Another historic destination is Iglesia Virgen de la Merced, a National Historic Monument dating from 1763. Its adobe walls are almost a metre thick. This architectural feature gives the church a distinctive character and complements the archaeological traces and mining history with an example of historic architecture. Travellers looking to combine different interests will find that Independencia offers themes spanning nature, archaeology and history.

The nearby destination of Paganzo is also part of the Independencia travel guide. Find more destinations in Departamento Capital, Departamento General Lamadrid, Coronel Felipe Varela, Departamento Rosario Vera Peñaloza, Departamento Chilecito, Departamento General Juan Facundo Quiroga and Departamento San Blas De Los Sauces.

For the overview of the wider region, see: La Rioja.