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| Londres | ||
| province | Catamarca | |
|---|---|---|
| Residents | 2.000 | |
no value for residents on Wikidata:  | ||
| height | 1,485 m | |
| no tourist info on Wikidata: | ||
| location | ||
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The small town Londres is in the north of the province Catamarca in the north-west Argentina. The place with only 2,000 inhabitants is the second oldest city in Argentina.
The place is attractive due to its unusual development with two city centers and its location in a green valley. The archaeological site is in the vicinity Shinkal and the city Belén.
background
The name of the city (Spanish for London) was made in honor of Maria Tudor Chosen as the second place after the city in 1558 Santiago del Estero Founded. In the first century of its existence, it changed location three times until it returned to its original location. Because of its eventful history, it was never able to establish itself as a major center, and that role was eventually taken by the one founded in 1684 San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca a.
The place is characterized by its two different centers. The "lower center" around Plaza Colombres, closer to Belén, is the more active today, but it is more recent than the "upper center" at Plaza Yrigoyen, the original city, today more with the character of a suburb.
getting there
By plane
The nearest airport is in Campo Arenal (approx. 50 km north), but is usually only accessible to workers in the mines there. He is daily from San Miguel de Tucuman flown to, but has no good bus connections to Londres. It is therefore much better to arrive via San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca or La Rioja.
In the street
The Ruta Nacional 40, Argentina's longest national road, runs through Londres and Belén. It also connects the city indirectly to Catamarca and La Rioja, as well as to the north Santa María del Yocavil (The asphalting is currently in progress, a section is still gravel).
By bus
Londres is well connected to the bus network. Catamarca and Aimogasta (La Rioja) are served daily. There are also connections to Buenos Aires, Cordoba and even after Comodoro Rivadavia (once a week). Reservations are a must, especially during the holiday periods.
mobility
A local bus runs approximately every 3 hours between Londres and Belén. This drives through the entire place to the ruins of Shinkal.
Tourist Attractions
- Iglesia Inmaculada Concepción, in Plaza Hipólito Yrigoyen. Listed colonial church in the typical simple baroque style of the region.
- Iglesia de San Juan Bautista, in the Plaza Colombres. Originally built in the 18th century, it has been restored several times.
- Ruinas de Shinkal. Archaeological site of the Diaguita-Calchaquí- People. The old place is grouped around two "holy mountains" around which the fortifications were built. From here an uprising against the Spaniards took place in 1632, as a result of which the residents of Londres had to temporarily leave the city.
activities
The region is great for hiking and horse riding and, with some reservations, mountain biking. A popular route leads to Río Quimivil south of the Shinkal ruins along through a narrow mountain valley with savannah and thorn forest vegetation.
This takes place in February Festival de la Nuez (Nut Festival).
shop
There are a few small mom and pop shops on both plazas. There are also a few small shops near the ruins of Shinkal.
kitchen
You won't find any luxury restaurants in Londres. Around the plazas there are several small canteens with fast food and simple dishes.
nightlife
accommodation
- Campsite El Molino, 2 km from Plaza Yrigoyen towards the Shinkal ruins. The campsite is the only accommodation option. It is particularly popular with backpackers and hippies because of its very natural location and has a swimming pool that is filled with river water. The water of the canals should not be drunk.
health
Practical advice
There is a telephone switchboard (telecentro) and an internet café in the lower plaza.
