Anta Department: Nature, Waterfalls and Culture

Parque Nacional El Rey is located in the Department of Anta, in the centre of Salta Province. Its clearly signposted, self-guided trails allow visitors to explore the park safely and independently. The park offers a variety of nature experiences to help you plan your trip: the easy Chorro de Los Lobitos loop trail, trails to waterfalls and opportunities to observe animals in their natural surroundings.

Trails, lagoons and waterfalls

The Chorro de Los Lobitos loop trail is described as an easy route and ends at a small waterfall. You can use the Ruta Vieja on foot or by bicycle. If you would like to reach a waterfall via a trekking route, the park also has Cascada de Los Loros: the route leads to a 30-metre-high waterfall. The different types of trails help you choose the focus of your day without promising similar experiences.

Native birds and mammals are drawn to Laguna Los Patitos. The lagoon is accessible by vehicle. Native shoals of fish can be observed in the pools of the Río Popayán; access there is restricted, and a four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended.

Another natural attraction is Pozo Verde, a lagoon about 200 metres long, reached through the lower part of a mountain forest. Reserva Nacional Pizarro, in turn, protects the Yungas and Dry Chaco ecoregions across more than 7,800 hectares. It is connected south to Parque Nacional El Rey and west to Reserva Provincial Las Lancitas in Jujuy via the forested highlands of the Serranía de Santa Bárbara.

Nearby, 21 km west of General Pizarro on Arroyo Las Tortugas, are natural hot springs with varying temperatures. They are traditionally used for medicinal purposes. The route includes 12 km of compacted gravel road and 9 km of unpaved road. The exact condition of the route is therefore just as much a part of planning as the destination itself.

Crafts, history and festivals

In Parcel 1 of Reserva Nacional Pizarro, women artisans from the Wichí community of Eben Ezer create intricate works from chaguar fibres, using natural dyes. The community is located on Ruta Provincial 5. A visit offers the chance to learn about its traditions and handicrafts. This provides a cultural counterpoint to the hikes and nature destinations: here, knowledge of materials and craftsmanship takes centre stage.

The history of the towns also reveals different facets of the Department of Anta. The founding of El Quebrachal is connected to a mission established by Jesuits in the mid-16th century. After an earthquake destroyed Esteco around 1692, survivors sought refuge in the ruins of the Jesuit order, later called Quebrachal. Bañadero de Las Vacas is a remnant of the cattle-ranching system from the beginning of the 20th century.

In General Pizarro, Día de la Virgen de Los Remedios is celebrated on 1 September. In El Quebrachal, the Cristo Rey festival, honouring the town’s patron saint, falls on the third Sunday in November; artists from the region and across the country perform there. The Festival Nacional del Gaucho in Las Lajitas has become one of the most important cultural events in the Department of Anta and is considered a symbol of Salta’s identity.

When choosing a holiday rental in Anta Department, your preferred focus for the trip can be a useful guide: would you like to prioritise self-guided trails and waterfalls, or are you particularly interested in nature reserves, Wichí handicrafts and local festivals? The experiences described range from outdoor activities and wildlife observation to history and culture.

Discover more destinations: La Viña, Capital Department, Tafí Del Valle Department, La Caldera Department, Rivadavia Department, Santa Carlos, Libertador General San Martín Department.

See the main travel overview: Salta.