Adobe Route in Catamarca, a Trip Back in Time

Visit the Adobe Route in Catamarca, along the RN60 between Fiambalá and Tinogasta; adobe constructions very typical of the area due to the particular climate of the province.

The Adobe Route is a tour of old colonial buildings made of this material between the town of Tinogasta and Fiambalá, in the Abaucán Valley.

🔝 Traveling in the area? Check out the rest of the things to visit in Catamarca

Adobe was a material widely used for construction years ago, because it is a thermal insulator both for the high summer temperatures and for the sub-zero temperatures in winter.

When traveling along Route 60 between Tinogasta and Fiambalá, there are several stops to make and see the main attractions of the Adobe Route.

Map – Adobe Route in Catamarca

In the tourist brochures, you will find that there are a few more stops than we have made. These are the best known or in the best condition:

Our visit to the Adobe Route was part of a 3 month trip through the center and north of Argentina that is summarized here: Matetrip Argentina.

1. Hotel Casagrande in Tinogasta

In the town of Tinogasta, two blocks from the main square, there was an old military fort from the 19th century, where the Casagrande Hotel is currently located.

It is one of the best preserved adobe buildings, in fact you can stay at the hotel and see the entire construction.

🏨 Do you want to sleep in Casagrande Hotel de Adobe? You can book from here.

2. Oratory of the Orquera family

Above the town of El Puesto, about 15 kms from Tinogasta on the way to Fiambalá, is the small 18th century chapel that belonged to the Orquera family.

The color of the adobe together with the carob tree beams and the image inside of Our Lady of the Rosary, make the place very picturesque. To enter the small chapel you have to ask the man in charge of the pantry next door to open it for you.

3. Church of Andacollo

Of the adobe buildings, it is one of the best preserved because it was restored a few years ago.

The Church of Andacollo dates from the 19th century and was built in neoclassical style. It was located above the old town of La Falda, which no longer exists. It is currently “solitary” on the banks of a stream with the mountains in the background. It is one of the places we liked the most on the Adobe route.

4. Mayorazgo and Church of Our Lady of the Rosary in Anillaco.

Continuing along route 60 towards Fiambalá and after a detour you arrive at the town of Anillaco. The old Mayorazgo was located here, together with the church of Nuestra Señora del Rosario.

The Mayorazgo dates back to the end of the 17th century and served as the main manor house in an environment dedicated to animal fattening. Unfortunately, it is almost completely destroyed.

Almost next door, the church of Our Lady of the Rosary has been rebuilt inside. It is the oldest church in Catamarca and was built in 1712. Its altarpiece made of clay is one of the jewels of the Adobe route.

5. San Pedro Church and Fiambalá Arms Commandery.

On the access to the city of Fiambalá, the church of San Pedro is another of the attractions to see in Fiambalá and its surroundings.

Built at the end of the 18th century, it retains its pristine white color from the lime paint. Among its characteristics we can mention the roof with reeds, carob beams and mud, and the adobe altarpiece with the image of San Pedro brought from Cuzco. The adobe walls of the church are more than one meter thick.

Next to the church of San Pedro, the Comandancia de Armas is the last point on the Adobe route.

Its roof made of wooden beams, reeds and mud together with the adobe walls make the place very picturesque.

Bonus on the Adobe Route in Catamarca: The Watungasta Ruins

Other places to see in the Adobe Route are the Watungasta Ruins, although they are not historically related to the rest of the constructions due to the fact that they are from different periods. These ruins (which also used adobe for their buildings) are from a pre-Hispanic settlement more than 1,000 years old that was practically extinct by the mid-17th century.

The ruins are located on the side of Route 60, very close to Anillaco, and are barely visible from the road, almost as if their colors blend in with those of the mountain. You can also leave your car on the road and walk the 100 meters to the entrance of the ruins for a closer look.

Practical data for your trip along the Adobe Route in Catamarca

– General recommendations about the weather in Catamarca

The climate in this area is dry and there is a wide temperature range (great difference between day and night), so during the day it is recommended to wear light clothing and protect yourself from the sun, and at night, warm clothing.

– Where to stay in the Adobe Route

To do the Adobe Route in Catamarca, it is best to stay in Fiambalá or Tinogasta, since most of the constructions of this material are located between these two cities.

– How to do the Adobe Route in Catamarca

On the other hand, it is not comfortable to make the route by public transport because there is not enough frequency of buses to see everything. It is best to rent a car or take a tour from an agency.

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We have loved the tour of the Adobe Route in Catamarca and we hope you will too. Leave us a comment!