Valle Grande: Trails, Waterfalls and Culture

Valle Grande is located within the RBY. The town's history includes both the Nuestra Sra. De la Merced Church, dating from 1840, and the Finca Tolaba archaeological site. Trails lead to waterfalls, rock pools and river confluences; from Filo Chanchillo, views open up over the town and mountain ranges.

Trails and Landscapes

On the outskirts of Valle Grande, Arroyo Loza features cascades along its course. The similarly named La Loza trail leads to a waterfall with pools in the rock. The Filo Chanchillo trail follows a path traditionally used by the communities of Valle Grande and Caspalá. From the summit of Filo Chanchillo, there are views of Valle Grande and the surrounding mountain ranges. La Junta leads to the confluence of the Valle Colorado and Caspalá rivers.

The destinations are quite distinct: La Loza centers on a waterfall and rock pools, Filo Chanchillo on the traditionally used path and mountain views, and La Junta on the meeting of two rivers. Trekking is listed as a visitor activity in Valle Grande. Check local conditions before setting out.

Another landmark is the walk to the steps and the wooden Christ Protector of the Valleys. From there, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the town of Valle Grande. Along with the viewpoint at Filo Chanchillo, these offer two different perspectives of the town: a panorama from the statue and views of Valle Grande and the surrounding mountain ranges from the summit.

Church and Archaeological Traces

The Iglesia Nuestra Sra. De la Merced in Valle Grande dates from 1840. Finca Tolaba is an important archaeological site within the town limits. It features stone walls and ceramics associated with the Omaguaca culture and dated to around 1200 AD. The church building and the archaeological evidence offer different historical perspectives: a specific year for the church and an approximate date for the finds.

Other Cultural and Natural Connections in Valle Grande Department

Valle Grande Department also has its own historical landmarks. The section of the Qhapaq Ñan between Santa Ana and Valle Colorado is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is considered a route that predates the Incas. Flat stone structures laid across the path diverted rainwater to the sides to protect it from damage.

Caspalá is home to Iglesia Santa Rosa de Lima, a chapel built by Don Tomás Coronel in the 1840s. Caspalá was also selected for the “Best Tourism Villages” initiative as one of the world's particularly beautiful and sustainable rural villages. These landmarks are part of Valle Grande Department and add further regional examples to the history of the town of Valle Grande.

Valle Colorado is surrounded by mountains, rivers and waterfalls in Valle Grande Department, and offers opportunities for hiking and horseback riding. Local crafts also shape the town: women in Valle Colorado embroider multicolored rebozos inspired by the landscape. At the Centro de Interpretación in Valle Colorado, visitors can view and purchase handicrafts made by local women.

Getting There and Planning

Valle Grande is located on Provincial Route 83 and can be reached via this route. The road runs from L.G.S.M. through Calilegua National Park and the town of San Francisco. Valle Grande is also one of the towns along the route connecting the Quebrada de Humahuaca and the Yungas. Road conditions can change; check them before you travel.

For the broader travel overview: Valle Grande Department.