CIRCUIT OF THE CENTRAL ZONE

THE PASO DEL REY OR KINGS PASS
This locality owes its name to popular wit. The locals sustain that it was the pass that the Vice-Roy of Sobremonte used during his flight, even though its real importance lies upon the mineral riches that can be found in the highlands that surround them.

It can be reached from Sololasta, after a trip of 14 kms by the Ruta Provincial No 39. There is an old Chapel from colonial days, a National Historical Site. It still keeps its original bell, with an excellent sound.

THE PAMPA DEL TAMBONERO
Located 9 kms to the South of Paso del Rey, by the Ruta Provincial No 39. After going across very wild terrains, the bucolical village of Tambonero can be reached, at 1250 m.a.s.l. The name of the place reminds that of the bird that makes a sound resembling the beating of a drum.

LA ANGOSTURA
In the surroundings of the Kins Pass, La Angostura is situated. There are some good panoramic viewing points and enigmatic rock paintings.

THE DIQUE LA FLORIDA DAM
2 kms before arriving to Trapiche, across the Ruta Provincial No 9, the traveller arrives to the Dique la Florida Dam.

It is a dam over the Río Quinto River with an exceptional construction.. It holds 105 million cubic ms of water, irrigates a surface of 10 thousand has and generates a great hydraulic power to supply the Cities of San Luis and Mercedes, at the same time that it diminishes the effects of the big surges of the River.

Although the first feasibility studies were done in 1891, the construction only began in 1945 and it was concluded in 1953. The maximum height of the Dam is 75 ms and its length is 311 ms. The resulting water mirror has 725 has. Nautical sports such as diving can be practiced.

On one of the shores of this artificial lake you will find the Tourist Village. La Florida is a Flora and Fauna Reserve totalling 340 has of extension, with good places to camp in its close vicinity.

LOS TAPIALES
Again by the Ruta Provincial No 9, and 10 kms to the North, after over crossing the Rio Grande, the route reaches Los Tapiales, a small village placed at an altitude of 1220 m.a.s.l. where, as the legend sustains the "Puntano" hero, Coronel Juan Pascual Pringles was born.

THE GREAT RIVER AND ITS SEVEN BOXES POOLS
The natural pools carved out from the rock by the river have turned this place into a well-known river beach resort. It can be found close to the artificial lake created by the La Florida Dam over the Río Grande River, some 4 kms to the North of Trapiche, driving along the Ruta Provincial No 9.

TURISMO MINERO - TOURS TO THE MINES
San Luis is proud of its mining heritage. The extraction of its mineral deposits is one of the outstanding features of this vast territory. A tour covering the principal mines and quarries will turn out to be a unique opportunity to come near to the force of the Earth, transfixed into mineral ores of great richness.

Principales Yacimientos - Main Mining Deposits.
Mina de los Cóndores, at 160 kms from the Ciudad de San Luis.
La Carolina, ad 83 kms.
La Florida, at 45 kms.
La Toma, at 84 kms.
Potrerillos, at 134 kms.
Salinas del Bebedero, at 45 kms from the City of San Luis.