Discover El Mollar: Menhirs, Crafts and Water

El Mollar offers several very different reasons to visit: the Los Menhires Archaeological Reserve leads to a stone-built past, the Ruta del Artesano to traditional craft techniques, and the Dique La Angostura to activities on the water. There is also a chapel built from locally sourced materials and routes to suit different interests. When choosing where to stay, you can consider which side of El Mollar you would most like to discover.

Menhirs with engraved faces

The monoliths at Los Menhires were worked by the inhabitants of the Tafí Valley more than 2,000 years ago. At the Los Menhires Archaeological Reserve in El Mollar, more than 50 of these stone monoliths are part of an open-air museum. Human and animal faces are engraved in the stones. The number of monoliths and the variety of faces depicted make this site a tangible way to explore early stoneworking.

If you are travelling with children, the engraved faces can provide a vivid starting point for conversation: which motifs stand out, and how do human and animal features differ? The focus is not only on the number of stones, but also on the visible workmanship on their surfaces. For travellers seeking cultural experiences, the archaeological site is a distinct highlight of El Mollar.

Crafts and local materials

The Ruta del Artesano is a self-guided tour of El Mollar’s craft workshops. Visitors can learn about traditional craft techniques there. The tour therefore focuses on craftsmanship and production techniques, making it quite different in subject from the stone remains at the Los Menhires Archaeological Reserve.

The Capilla de la Virgen de Covadonga is also in El Mollar. It was built from materials sourced from the surrounding area. These offer complementary perspectives for your cultural explorations: the worked monoliths, traditional crafts and a chapel whose building materials connect it to its surroundings.

Waterside scenery at Dique La Angostura

Dique La Angostura offers a mountain-framed waterscape used for windsurfing. Kayak trips are also available there. Those interested in sport fishing can mainly fish for pejerrey and trout at the reservoir. The activities offer different ways to enjoy the water: windsurfing, kayaking and fishing are all specific options. When planning your trip, you can therefore consider whether water sports or fishing should be among the experiences that shape your stay in El Mollar.

Routes to suit different interests and experience levels

The Sendero Cascada Los Alisos starts in El Mollar and ends at Cascada Los Alisos. Both the start and destination are clearly defined; the route leads to a waterfall. If you are considering a route with this kind of destination, you can treat it as a separate excursion.

The Sendero El Mollar–Tafí del Valle presents a different choice: this route is rated moderate to difficult and is recommended for experienced cyclists. If you would like to explore by bike, these ratings and recommendations are useful points of reference. El Mollar thus appeals to travellers interested in culture, water activities and routes, without all experiences having the same level of difficulty or focus.

For the broader travel overview: Tafí Del Valle Department.