NORTHEASTERN CIRCUIT

One of the best options for the traveller during his visit to San Luis is the circuit that goes to the picturesque and lively Valle del Conlara Valley and the beautiful and pleasant Villa de Merlo Village.

Along the length of the trip, the tourist would not be able to neglect the small streams that flow across the plains, cutting the ground in the forms of crevices or deep gorges. And upon the hillsides, now and then, will appear in front of his eyes small woods of algarrobos (carob trees), hawthorns, hackberry, pepper trees and chañares, with static and dark forms amazingly contrasting with the blond curls of the ditch reed and bulrush, permanently dancing along with the wind.

This excursion borders the Sierras de San Luis and the Conlara Valley. It takes some 200 kms over excellent roads, with service stations, bars, hotels and other lodging facilities offered in the towns as you go passing.

After leaving behind the central highlands of San Luis, where the Capital is located, the southernmost mountains of the Sierra de Comechingones begin to appear as a long mountainous chain that seems to be swallowed up by the sedimentary plains, from where rises in isolation the Cerro del Morro Mountain.

SAN JOSE DEL MORRO
At 96 kms from the City of San Luis, by the Ruta Provincial No 20, which connects with the Ruta Nacional No 148, the traveller will find San José del Morro, a small historical town that originated aside a stream, at the feet of the Cerro del Morro, in the Sierra del Morro, and at the gates of the Conlara Valley.

In the course of the Spanish domain it served as a fort in the struggle against the indigenous peoples, and as a staging post on the way from Buenos Aires to Cuyo. Its ancient church, called San José, preserves valuable relics, like the ornaments of the first Bishop of San Luis, and in 1981 it was named a National Historical Monument.

It supplies the service of a daily camping, and has a beach resort near the river, where a natural pool has been built. It is an ideal place for walking; trekking, horse back riding and trips in four wheel drive trucks: just the thing your doctor has ordered.

LA TOMA
At the feet of the Sierra de San Luis, a mining town comes to sight: it is the Capital City of the Department of Pringles, and the name is La Toma The name comes from an old water outlet constructed in the year 1850, and some 56 years before the foundation of the town. Nevertheless, the railway gave true life to this town which started growing from the La Toma railway station.

But what really marks its character is by all means mining. Not in vain people have agreed to call it "Capital del Ónix". Onyx is a kind of marble that is found in the quarries of the area. It is unique in South America and identifiable by the brown streaks over its green base colour.

The tourist in its streets cannot leave before visiting the "Cantera Santa Isabel" quarry, unless they are in a real hurry. The multiple workshops where the craftsman shape the stones in order to obtain fascinating and delicate crafted pieces of art deserve a sight.

Located 84 Kms from the city of San Luis, at the crossroads of the Ruta Provincial No 20 Provincial Route, with routes 10 and 2. It has a beautiful beach resort by the Río Rosario River, 3 kms away from the village, and the information needed to enjoy the attractions and possibilities can be obtained by the traveller in "El Parador Minero", a post located on the Ruta Provincial No 20 along with a restaurant and a museum that exhibits ore samples.

Another interesting attraction is the sober construction called El Castillo, or the Castle, remainder of a ranch house now dormant, showing a strange picture with its turret and battlements crowned walls, making it resemble an ancient fortress.

Every year, during the summer season, the Onyx Provincial Festival takes place with the presence of well-known local and international performers.

NASCHEL
At 120 kms from the Capital City, and seven kms from La Toma, driving by Ruta Nacional No 148 National Route, we will be find Naschel, a farming centre par excellence, and an industrial one as well, due to the tannery and the paper factory It also offers a Provincial hostelry counting with all the necessary services and they will set for you any excursion, even mingling a religious concept with recreation. The "Fiesta Provincial del Maiz", (a corn festival), takes place in the village, with a parade of machinery and chariots, local beauty queen pageant and a grand ball afterwards.

TILISARAO
In the near proximity of Naschel, and 140 kms away from San Luis, again by the Ruta Nacional No 148, appears the village of Tilisarao, a Native cacana word meaning Wild Corn, words full of meaning because the area is dedicated to both animal husbandry and agriculture, corn being the most common crop for centuries.

The Village was founded close to the Renca Train Station, inaugurated in 1904. Its first name was Nueva Renca. But villagers did not like that name much, so in 1925 they made arrangements and changed its name for the present one.

In the locality exist an important sawmill and a factory that makes excellent wood planks of export quality.

RENCA
The name owes its origin to the old parish of Renca, and it is the sanctuary of the Señor del Espino - Lord of the Thorn or Señor de Renca, whose image is taken out in procession every third of May. The small villa was founded in the 18th century, at the shores of the Conlara River. The image of the Señor de Renca is a beautiful carving depicting a lying Jesus inside an axe-made crack in a thorn tree; it was brought from Chile. Before and after the ceremonies lots of produce from the zone is exhibited for sale. There are good lodgings and camping places. From the city of San Luis it takes a 150 kms drive across the No 48 National Route and Provintial Routes Numbers 20 and 40.