Anta Department: Waterfalls, Forest and Wichí Handicrafts

El Rey National Park is located in Anta Department, in the center of Salta Province. Its self-guided, clearly marked trails allow visitors to explore the park safely and independently. Anta Department offers a range of natural experiences: an easy route, wildlife watching, forest landscapes and destinations with special access conditions. When planning, it is worth considering trail type, means of transport and access separately.

Hiking Trails, Waterfalls and Wildlife Watching

The Chorro de Los Lobitos loop is an easy route that ends at a small waterfall. A trekking route leads to Cascada de Los Loros and a 30-meter-high waterfall. The different types of trails are worth considering when choosing: here, an easy loop is an alternative to a trekking destination. You can use Ruta Vieja on foot or by bicycle.

Laguna Los Patitos can be reached by vehicle and attracts native birds and mammals. At the pools of the Río Popayán, you can observe schools of native fish. Access there is restricted; only four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended for the journey. Pozo Verde is a lagoon about 200 meters long, reached through the lower section of a mountain forest.

Protected Landscapes

Reserva Nacional Pizarro is also located in Anta Department. Covering more than 7,800 hectares, it protects the Yungas and Dry Chaco ecoregions. Via the forested highlands of the Serranía de Santa Bárbara, it is connected to the south with El Rey National Park and to the west with Reserva Provincial Las Lancitas in Jujuy.

Nature Nearby

In the vicinity of the destination, natural hot springs lie along Arroyo Las Tortugas, 21 kilometers west of General Pizarro. The springs have different temperatures and are traditionally used for medicinal purposes. The route includes 12 kilometers of paved gravel road and 9 kilometers of unpaved road. As conditions may vary, check them before setting out.

Wichí Handicrafts and Local History

The Wichí community Eben Ezer lives in Parcel 1 of Reserva Nacional Pizarro. The women artisans create intricate works from chaguar fibers and natural dyes. A visit on Ruta Provincial 5 offers insight into traditions and chaguar crafts; visits must be coordinated with the community authorities.

Bañadero de Las Vacas is a remnant of the livestock system from the early 20th century. The founding of El Quebrachal is associated with a mission established by Jesuits in the mid-16th century. After the earthquake that destroyed Esteco around 1692, survivors sought refuge in the Jesuit ruins, which later came to be called Quebrachal.

Annual Festivals

In General Pizarro, Día de la Virgen de Los Remedios is celebrated every year on September 1. Check the program for the relevant year before your trip. In El Quebrachal, the Cristo Rey festival, in honor of the local patron saint, is celebrated on the third Sunday in November, with artists from the region and across the country.

Discover more destinations: Las Lajitas, Rosario De La Frontera Department, Cachi Department, La Viña, Los Andes Department, Molinos Department, Gral. Martín Miguel De Güemes, Cerrillos Department.

Return to the main travel overview: Salta.