San Antonio de los Cobres  

To access this site we will go through Campo Quijano along National Route 51, following a zigzag path parallel to the C-14 branch of the Train to the Clouds but sometimes coinciding at some points. (This train is temporarily out of service).

Ascending along the Quebrada del Toro (Bull's Gorge) we will reach Santa Rosa de Tastil, a vast archeological site 3,000 meters high, right in the heart of this gorge. The site is considered one of the main prehistoric centers in South America, where several impressive archeological ruins can be found.

Santa Rosa de Tastil used to be a town of merchants in pre-Hispanic times. Located midway between the Puna and the Lerma Valley, it was inhabited by 2,500 people. Its urban plant consists of seven parks with no streets, as villagers used to walk on adjoining walls.

Along this route, through the Variante de Muñano at 4,000 masl, we will reach a great plain which is a prelude to San Antonio de los Cobres: a town asleep in the solitude of the heights, the desert and the Puna.

20 km away is La Polvorilla Viaduct, an engineering masterpiece in mysterious harmony with the surrounding nature. Here, you may seize the chance to climb up and admire the gorgeous views of the imposing wild landscape.