TARTAGAL

In the north-eastern part of the Province of Salta there is a world were natural magic and culture combines to offer visitors unique experiences of relaxation, learning and investigating within themselves.

Tartagal, along with Orán and Embarcación, are the most important urban sub-system of the Salta's northeast. It is an important centre because of its relations with Bolivia, which is connected by the road to Yacuiba bound to Santa Cruz de la Sierra.

It was founded in 1924 and formally declared a City the 12th of September of 1949. Its name comes from the abundance of tártago (Castor oil plant) in the area. It has a big commercial and industrial movement, where the forest exploitations and the exploitation of oil is remarkable.

Tartagal and its surrounding areas have a great natural and historical potential to develope tourism. Regarding its events, we can talk about consecrated acts summoning multitudes from all over the province, the country, and even the neighbouring countries.

The many indigenous missions around it glow with curiosity. Craftsmanship made by natives out of Palo Santo and balsa wood can be purchased; as well as pottery and textiles. During the carnival celebrations strangely arranged masquerades take part.

Artistic groups from different places gather to celebrate the Palo Santo Festival in July. Going through an asphalted road, travellers arrive at the Río Bermejo River, where they can do some sport fishing. Those interested can be advised at the Club de Caza y Pesca Tartagal.

Pre-Columbian natives and post-war immigrants set their roots here, leaving an unequalled mixture that built a typical Latin American stronghold rich in flavours, colours, artists and stories. It has abundant gas and oil and is only too eager to develop and progress. Without being it being officially recognized, we are talking about the economic engine of the Province of Salta.

Laately it has become the noose of the wide metric international railway axis, connecting the port of Antofagasta, in Chile, with Sao Paulo and Santos in Brazil and running through Argentina, Bolivia and Paraguay. Population: 106,580 inhabitants according to the 1991 census made by the General San Martín Department to which it belongs.

SEVEN ABORIGINAL ETHNIC GROUPS
The aboriginal communities, that sum up to seven well diferentiated ethnic groups, are unique in the national ambit for their grade of authenticity; and are extremely valuable because of their innate talens. To appreciate and enjoy their dances, languages, natural dishes, festivities and ceremonies, habits, garments, music and exquisite craftsmanship, give visitors the illusion of being a part of these unaltered societies that live in a world parallel to ours. History and tradition kept along nomad peoples (hunters and gatherers):
Wichi-Matacos, Chorote, Chulupí and Tobas; and sedentary communities (farmers): Guaranies, Chaneses and Chiriguenos.

ACCESS
Tartagal is 350 kms away from the City of Salta. It can be reached by the Nº 34 National Route, train or airplane. Daily bus connections with the provincial capital city and the rest of the country are always scheduled. There are direct flights to Salta from Buenos Aires, Córdoba and other parts of the country.

EXCURSIONS
The Campamento Vespucio Oil Field (16 Km)
Access is through the Ruta Nacional Nº 34 and the Ruta Provincial Nº 142. It is a petroleum locality head of the Yacimiento Norte (Northern Deposit), belonging to the YPF S.A. oil company.

The Dique Itiyuro Dam
Located in a panoramic area, access is through the Ruta Nacional Nº 34 (46 Km), and then through the Ruta Provincial Nº 56 (4 Km). It has fishing and camping areas alongside the Río Carapari riverbanks.

Profesor Salvador Mazza -Estación Pocitos Station- (54 Km)
Typical frontier town with access through Aguaray. It is an oil field with picturesque places and much visited hot springs. Oil and gas deposits rest under Campo Durán, Icúa and Madrejones.