Santa Maria (Catamarca) Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Santa Maria (Catamarca), Argentina with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best things to do, places to stay, and the local culture and customs of this beautiful city.


Introduction to Santa Maria (Catamarca)

Nestled in the Andean Northwest region of Argentina, Santa Maria (Catamarca) is a picturesque city that offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and scenic views. With its beautiful architecture, rich history, and stunning landscapes, Santa Maria (Catamarca) is a must-visit destination for any traveler looking to explore South America.

List of Places to Visit in Santa Maria (Catamarca)

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Museo de la Ciudad: This museum provides an in-depth look into the city’s history, showcasing artifacts and archaeological finds.
  • Iglesia de la Candelaria: Known for its beautiful architecture, this church is a must-visit for its intricate details and religious significance.
  • Casa de la Cultura: This cultural center hosts events, exhibitions, and other activities that showcase the city’s art and culture.

Natural Attractions of Santa Maria (Catamarca): Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Quebrada de los Cóndores: This scenic canyon boasts breathtaking views of the Andes mountains and is a popular spot for hiking and bird watching.
  • Cerro El Manchao: This mountain offers great hiking and biking routes, with stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
  • Laguna Brava National Park: This park is home to an abundance of wildlife, including flamingos, vicuñas, and guanacos, and offers scenic hiking trails and opportunities for bird watching.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Santa Maria (Catamarca)

  • Quebrada de los Cóndores: This canyon offers several hiking trails ranging from easy to difficult, with stunning views of the Andes mountains.
  • Cerro El Manchao: This mountain offers plenty of mountain biking routes, ranging from easy to difficult, that showcase the stunning landscapes of Santa Maria (Catamarca).
  • Ruta de la Puna: This long-distance trail takes you through the high plains of the Andes mountains, with spectacular views and opportunities to camp and stargaze along the way.

Best Things to Do in Santa Maria (Catamarca): Activities and Tours

  • Visit a local vineyard: Santa Maria (Catamarca) is known for its wine production, and visiting a local vineyard is a great way to learn about the wine-making process and sample some of the region’s best wines.
  • Attend a folk music performance: The city is known for its traditional music, and attending a live performance is a great way to experience the local culture and customs.
  • Take a scenic drive on the Ruta 40: This famous highway runs through Santa Maria (Catamarca) and offers breathtaking views of the Andes mountains and the surrounding landscapes.

Week-Long Itinerary for Santa Maria (Catamarca)

Day Activities
1 Visit Museo de la Ciudad, Iglesia de la Candelaria, and Casa de la Cultura
2 Hike in Quebrada de los Cóndores or Cerro El Manchao
3 Visit a local vineyard and have a wine tasting
4 Explore Laguna Brava National Park
5 Attend a folk music performance
6 Take a scenic drive on the Ruta 40
7 Relax and soak in the beauty of the city

Food and Drink Scene of Santa Maria (Catamarca)

Must-Try Dishes

  • Locro: This hearty stew made with corn, beans, and meat is a staple dish in Santa Maria (Catamarca).
  • Empanadas: These savory turnovers are filled with meat, vegetables, or cheese, and make for a delicious snack.
  • Tamales: These steamed corn cakes filled with meat and vegetables are a popular street food in the city.

Local Beverages

  • Wine: Santa Maria (Catamarca) is known for its wine production, with several vineyards in the region producing high-quality wines.
  • Matte: This traditional Argentine tea is a popular beverage in Santa Maria (Catamarca) and is often shared with friends and family.
  • Beer: Several microbreweries in the city produce delicious craft beers that are worth trying.

Where to Stay in Santa Maria (Catamarca): Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Hotel Santa Maria: This hotel offers comfortable rooms and a great location in the city center.
  • Hostel La Quebrada: This hostel is located near Quebrada de los Cóndores and offers affordable and comfortable accommodation.
  • Posada El Peñón: This charming guesthouse is located in a beautiful rural setting and offers a peaceful retreat from the city.

What to Buy in Santa Maria (Catamarca): Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Ponchos and textiles: Santa Maria (Catamarca) is known for its artisanal textiles, including colorful ponchos and blankets.
  • Alpaca products: The region is home to many alpaca farms, which produce high-quality alpaca wool products like sweaters, scarves, and hats.
  • Wine: Bring back a bottle of Santa Maria (Catamarca)’s famous wine as a souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of Santa Maria (Catamarca)

  • Folk music is an integral part of the city’s culture, with many local musicians preserving and sharing traditional music.
  • Religious celebrations like Carnaval and Holy Week are important events in the city’s calendar and are celebrated with great enthusiasm.
  • Argentine Spanish is the predominant language in the city, and learning a few basic phrases can go a long way in making connections with the locals.

Best Time to Visit Santa Maria (Catamarca)

The best time to visit Santa Maria (Catamarca) is during the spring and fall, between March and May or September and November. At this time, the weather is mild, and the landscapes are at their most beautiful.

Do’s and Don’ts of Santa Maria (Catamarca)

Do:

  • Try the local wine and cuisine.
  • Learn a few basic phrases in Argentine Spanish.
  • Respect the local culture and customs.

Don’t:

  • Leave valuables unattended.
  • Take pictures without asking for permission.
  • Disrespect religious traditions and celebrations.

Safety and Health

Safety in Santa Maria (Catamarca)

Overall, Santa Maria (Catamarca) is a safe destination for travelers. However, it’s always best to exercise common sense and take necessary precautions like keeping valuables out of sight and avoiding walking alone at night.

Health in Santa Maria (Catamarca)

Make sure to drink bottled water and be cautious about eating street food to avoid any stomach issues. It’s also recommended to get vaccinated against hepatitis A and typhoid before traveling to the region.

Getting to Santa Maria (Catamarca): Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Santa Maria (Catamarca)

The closest airport to Santa Maria (Catamarca) is the Coronel Felipe Varela International Airport, located in the neighboring city of La Rioja. It’s about a 3-hour drive from Santa Maria (Catamarca) to the airport.

Bus Stations Near Santa Maria (Catamarca)

The city has a bus station with regular connections to other cities in the region, including San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca and La Rioja.

Other Options

Renting a car or hiring a private driver is also an option for getting to Santa Maria (Catamarca) and exploring the surrounding region.

How to Get Around in Santa Maria (Catamarca)

The easiest way to get around Santa Maria (Catamarca) is by taxi, which are readily available in the city center. Biking and hiking are also great options for getting around and exploring the city.

Where to Go Next from Santa Maria (Catamarca): Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca: The capital city of Catamarca is worth a visit for its rich history, stunning architecture, and cultural attractions.
  • Talampaya National Park: Located a few hours’ drive from Santa Maria (Catamarca, this park offers stunning natural landscapes and great opportunities for hiking and camping.
  • Cafayate: Known for its wine production, this city is located a few hours’ drive from Santa Maria (Catamarca and offers beautiful landscapes, great food, and excellent wine.

Conclusion

Santa Maria (Catamarca) is a city that truly offers something for everyone, from outdoor adventures to cultural experiences and everything in between. With its stunning landscapes, rich history, and welcoming locals, it’s no wonder that Santa Maria (Catamarca) is becoming an increasingly popular destination for travelers exploring South America. Plan your trip today and experience the beauty of this charming city for yourself!