no picture on Wikidata:  | ||
| Amaicha del Valle | ||
| province | Tucuman | |
|---|---|---|
| Residents | unknown | |
| no value for residents on Wikidata: | ||
| height | 1,972 m | |
| no tourist info on Wikidata: | ||
| location | ||
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Amaichá del Valle is a small town in northwestArgentina. It is located in the far west of the province Tucuman in the Valle Calchaquí. It is known for the Pachamama Museum, the most elaborate of its kind, as well as the Pachamama Festival in February, a widely known folklore and carnival festival.
background
Amaichá del Valle is the largest Comunidad Indígena Argentina. It is administered by the indigenous people according to traditional rules. The history of this regulation goes back to the colonial times, when a group of the Diaguita Indians defeated in the fortress Quilmes (15 km west of the city) gained freedom after forced labor in a plantation and received today's Amaichá. Much is still different today than in the neighboring communities. The whole land belongs to the Indian community and is only leased, never sold. And the mayor still has the traditional title cacique (for example: "Chief"). Nevertheless, the inhabitants today are without exception Spanish-speaking, since the language of the Diaguitas died out relatively quickly after the decimation of the population in the wars with the Spaniards and that Quechua never caught on in the region. However, there are efforts to introduce Quechua lessons in schools.
The formerly sleepy village only discovered tourism after the Argentina crisis (2001/02). Before that, tourism was largely limited to the days of the Pachamama festival. Well-known citizen of the city is probably Hector Cruz, an artisan who skillfully earned millions with his carpets and thus built the huge Pachamama Museum, which is now the most important cultural museum in the region.
getting there
By plane
The nearest airport is in San Miguel de Tucuman.
By bus
Several buses a day to San Miguel de Tucuman, Santa María del Yocavil and Cafayate. Coming from Belén in the south you have to change trains in Santa María.
In the street
Approach from the south and north via the Ruta Nacional 40, from central Argentina on the other hand via the Ruta Provincial 307 (Tucumán - Tafí del Valle - Amaicha). If the time is right, you should plan a day for the spectacular route, which leads through four climate zones over just a few kilometers, including a jungle gorge and over a pass more than 3,000 m high.
mobility
A local bus shuttles back and forth between Santa María, Amaicha and the suburb of Los Zazos. Otherwise there are taxis. Amaicha is manageable, only the route to Los Zazos (6 km) can be long.
Tourist Attractions
- Museo de la Pachamama. Large museum that brings the history and culture of the region closer to the visitor. Even the architecture of the building (a reinterpretation of the old Diaguita architecture) is worth seeing. The museum is operated by the well-known artisan Héctor Cruz, who also designed the building himself. In one Interview with Cruz you can find out the background of the building.
- Ampimpa. Astronomical observatory, 3 km from the center of the city towards the northeast.
activities
Hiking and mountain biking are very good in the region. The most popular tour probably leads to the Quebrada El Remate (8km east), an extremely narrow gorge with bathing at a waterfall.
shop
A few corner shops are enough for everyday needs. During the season there is a market in the plaza, where numerous well-known artisans from the region come to the Pachamama festival.
For larger purchases you can go to nearby Santa María, where you can buy almost anything.
kitchen
nightlife
A small discotheque is usually sufficient for the village. There is also a large pub Jamaicha (100 m from the Plaza), which only really fills up in the season and otherwise has more of a restaurant character.
accommodation
Numerous families rent rooms in the season or convert the yard into a campsite. Even so, the village is often fully booked during the Pachamama festival.
- Camping El Valle. With room rental, by the river, with swimming pool and canteen, low in price.
health
Practical advice
In 2007 there was no DSL in Amaicha, but there was a small internet café with a modem connection and a switchboard.
trips
- Quilmes ruins. See Santa María del Yocavil.
