SAN RAMON DE LA NUEVA ORAN

It was founded on the 31st of August of 1794, the day of San Ramón Nonato, and named after the Spanish conquistador Ramón García de León y Pizarro, born in Oran, Africa, thus the name of San Ramón de la Nueva Orán.

Word says it was the last city founded by the Spanish conquerors, in the sub-tropical weather area with large rivers north of Salta, as part of a political strategy to occupy the territory then disputed with the Chaco natives.

It is now the second largest city in the province, with 50,000 inhabitants mostly dedicated to large scale agriculture.

Among the agricultural products of the area, sugarcane, mostly destined to the production of sugar at the sugar refinery of Tabacal, a place close to the city, stands out. There are also citrus groves, mainly oranges and grapefruits; the oranges are used to make concentrated juice at the processing plant of Zenta, which also commercialises the whole fruits. Finally, there are pepper and banana plantations, among others.

Coffee is cultivated in the area, and was formerly processed by the Salta Café Company, though with a small production.

Its current constructions tend towards modernity, and at its commercial centre travellers can purchase regional products like wood, leather and silver craftsmanship. Every 31st of August the festivities commemorating the foundation day and the patron of the city, San Ramón Nonato, take place.

The rides through its surrounding grounds, with lumber exploitation areas and sawmills, are appealing. With previous permission, travellers can visit the sugar refinery of San Martín del Tacabal, 15 kms away from the city. 81 kms away, is the Parque Nacional Baritu National Park.

Big game and ailing can be practiced at the Río Bermejo River. For more information visit the Club de Pesca y Caza Orán Fish and Hunting Club.