SANTA VICTORIA

At 100 km from the town of Yavi, crossing the Santa Victoria Mountains through the Lizoite pass, following the Ruta Provincial Nº 5, and close to the Bolivian border, the eyes of the visitor will delight upon the valley of Santa Victoria and the town of the same name.

It is a hilly town with streets paved in limestone and houses covered with thatched roofing. This was the place of the farm with the same name that belonged to the Marqués de Campero, who lived in Yavi. It was founded in 1803.

The church is of the same type of construction as any one in the Region. Saint James is venerated, and there is a natural life statue of Santiago Matamoros (St James, the killer of Moors, Patron Saint of Spain and the conquerors who is usually portrayed atop a white horse trampling the Moors.

Located at 2561 m.a.s.l., its population live of the breeding of sheep, swine, horses and beef cattle. Maize, quinua grain, oranges, potatoes and vegetables are also grown. There is a small forestry industry of cebils, cedar and alder. Many small mines of barite and gold are also worked in the area.

During some parts of the year it is impossible to reach the town. Even in summer, because of the rains, or even in wintertime it is recommended to travel with two four-wheel drives, each accompanied by the other.