Catamarca

Adobe Echoes and the Hidden Loom Route

"An immersive journey into the artisanal heart of Northern Argentina."

Trip Concept: An itinerary articulated for the traveler looking to disconnect and immerse themselves in the raw and authentic Argentina. Far from saturated routes, this journey combines the scenic amazement of valleys and dunes with the comfort of boutique inns and the colors of the pure and artisanal work from local loom workshops.

Catamarca is a serendipitous discovery; unintentionally, without knowing what you are looking for, you find it, and when you do, the region unfolds and offers much more than one imagines. Sometimes it is just that, going to feel and breathe, with no expectations, with the idea of simply being - it is the secret to enjoying these landscapes and allowing them to take you by surprise and go right through you. One must know how to let oneself be traversed.

A raw and authentic Argentina that, with its colors, valleys, dunes, and routes merged with the horizon, assimilate you to being on another planet. The Adobe Route, The Loom Route, iconic locations such as the Campo de Piedra Pómez, Carachi Pampa Volcano, El Peñón, the Antofalla Salt Flat among others allow connecting with a novel setting of the country, unusual even for Argentines themselves, since these towns and localities are characterized by their labels of “remote”, “authentic”, “artisanal”, and “pure”. On these roads and towns, the cultural footprint is felt in a fresh and constant way. A marked identity, and much to explore and deepen.

Ideal for those who understand the patience of enjoyment. And with the absolute certainty that the North always gifts us: clear skies, intense blue in its contrast with earth colors.

Itinerary Highlights

Day 1: The Reddish Earth and the Adobe Route

The Welcome: The expedition begins as soon as we cross the border into the Province of Catamarca. Our first stop will be at a rustic roadside spot for a local lunch (authentic Catamarca baby goat), immediately merging with the flavors of the region.

Aboard 4x4 vehicles, we travel the Adobe Route at our own pace. It is not a closed circuit, but an exploration curated by scenic stops to admire old chapels and colonial structures that emerge from the ocher landscape.

We will arrive in Fiambalá at sunset, and we stay in a boutique inn where rustic comfort and detail meet. We share with you the places, nooks, and corners that we experienced in our visits to Fiambalá, to discover local homemade flavors.
Day 2: Immenseness in the Dunes and Hot Springs with the moon's reflection

After a full breakfast, we enter the imposing Tatón Dunes. I didn't know this type of ecosystem existed in Argentina, soft white sand; the nice thing is to enter little by little, the very streets of the town are picturesque in their identity. Accompanied by a local guide (our insider in the area), we will move away from the town to explore the corners of the landscape, the sandy roads, reach the large dunes and go sandboarding to have some unique views of the immensity of the desert. Sometimes, when César's father is in the area, he welcomes us and gives a tour of his farm: with a folkloric touch, he harvests his own tangerines and lemons; we love it.

Rustic Lunch: we like to have lunch in a quiet place, a proposal of 2 or 3 tables at most, where they welcome us with a proposal of fresh and homemade food, ideal for sunny days. A tasting of Catamarca sweets and cheeses is always present.

The Hidden Saddles Detail: At nightfall, we enter the Fiambalá Natural Hot Springs. We organize the visit strategically to avoid the crowds, allowing our travelers to immerse themselves in tiered pools of up to 45 degrees under an absolute starry sky.
Day 3: London and the Secret of the Loom (Cultural Immersion)

We leave Fiambalá and head towards Londres, the true and silent origin of Catamarca weaving. We deliberately avoid the "mainstream" centers to delve into the living roots of the loom.

Day in the Life: Here true authenticity occurs. We walk through the town and enter the backyards of colonial houses, where artisans spin and dye wool right before our eyes. Hernán, Jorge, Andrea among others open the doors of their homes to us to learn more about the trade and their stories in the town. We listen and share stories of the countryside, horses and traditions in the gallery of their historic home, we accompany it with olives, walnuts, and sweets: a human, profound and transformative experience. These are some of the footprints we seek.

We always like to visit the local museum, learn about history and enjoy some glazed walnuts in the square, before hitting the road.

Rest: Night in Belén, serving as a resting point and transition before continuing the journey and starting the return.
Day 4 / Exclusive Extension: La Puna and the Lunar Landscapes

For those travelers with more time, this itinerary extends northwards: Campo Piedra Pómez, Carachi Pampa Volcano, El Peñón and the Antofalla Salt Flat. A paradise of deserts, lagoons and volcanoes that represents the pinnacle of exotic expedition in Argentina.

Inquire about this itinerary

MUST BRING

Expect an arid climate, with abrupt temperature changes. During the day we are around 22ºC. At night temperatures can drop to 5ºC. Even during the summer, when the sun goes down it can be very cold.

Personal and basic medicines - remember that we will be in remote places away from civilization.