SAN CARLOS

The town of San Carlos is the place with the largest historic tradition in the Calchaquí Valley. The Spanish conquerors founded four cities standing at 1,710 m.a.s.l, in its actual location and in the surrounding area.

The city of El Barco II was founded by Don Juan Núñez del Prado in 1551; in 1559, Don Juan Pérez de Zurita founded the city of Córdoba del Calchaquí; in 1577, Gonzalo de Abreu y Figueroa renames it San Clemente de la Nueva Sevilla; and finally, in 1630, Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe was founded by Felipe de Albornoz.

They all succumbed under the indigenous attacks. Then, in the year 1630, the Jesuits established a mission under the tutelage of San Carlos de Borromeo, which later gave place to the picturesque town we can now enjoy.

The Calchaquí Wars led to a new start in the last third of the 17th century. Its economy was then based upon the usage of pastures during the winter stops of muleteer caravans on their way to Alto Perú (now Bolivia).

At the beginning of the 18th century, the Calchaquí Valley became Salta's granary, and the winegrowing industry, which had already started at a small scale in the 16th century, was developed and turned into a modern industry.

This is a period of prosperity that attracted many settlers from Spain: there were as many Spanish families as native ones in 1808.

The main church in town was moved to its current location during the first third of the 19th century, and from it, the urban layout was modified for good and a big plaza of typical hispanic dimensions.

It is during those years that Salta became the most important city in the valley, with a strong royalist inclination and, led by Cornel Aramburú, it formed the Spanish reaction centre.

The church of San Carlos keeps statues from the 17th century brought from Alto Perú, and Europe. Since 1941 it is a National Historical Monument.

There are excellent textile, leather and pottery handcrafts, as well as provincial wines.

WEATHER
Dry and arid. It has many sunny days.

HOW TO GET THERE
It is a 212 kms trip from Salta to the town centre, going across the Nº 40 National Route, and passing by Cafayate; and a 298 kms journey passing by Cachi. It is at a 20 kms distance from Cafayate.

WHAT IS THERE TO DO?
Travellers arriving at San Carlos can go to the municipal resort or to camping area, and enjoy some hikes. Besides, they can take part in popular fairs, the Fiesta del Barro Calchaquí (Calchaquí's Mud Fiesta), or the Festival Artesanal de los Valles (Artisan's Valley Festival). There is the real vallisto (belonging to Argentinean's northern valleys) carnival in February, with folk singers, flouring and lots of basil. The Fiesta Patronal (Patron's Fiesta) is held the 4th of November, and that day the townspeople carry the image of their saint patron, San Carlos de Borromeo, throughout the streets.