Rosario de Lerma Department: Tastil, Festivals and Regional Cuisine
Accommodation in Rosario de Lerma Department
The pre-Columbian settlement of Santa Rosa de Tastil dates from the 14th to 15th centuries. The Museo de sitio Tastil displays pieces and objects from the nearby archaeological site of Tastil. In this way, the historic settlement and the objects found there offer two distinct perspectives on Tastil.
Historical traces in Rosario de Lerma
Rosario de Lerma also has historical landmarks from different periods: the town cemetery is more than 150 years old. The church was built in the 18th century; its present-day appearance began to take shape around 1940. This information helps distinguish the time of construction from the later development of its current form.
Festivals and culinary experiences
“Rosario le Canta a la Patria” offers a clear calendar date: the festival takes place every year on the eve of May 25, and admission is free. The summer Corsos of Rosario de Lerma feature comparsas, murgas, floats, and costumes. The summer carpas offer a different seasonal highlight, bringing carnival dances together with regional food and drinks from the area.
The gastronomic tour in Rosario de Lerma features live cooking and the making of empanadas and tamales on weekends. Another culinary occasion is the Fiesta de la Papa Andina in El Alfarcito, held in the second week of July. In March, the Fiesta del Choclo Capia is celebrated in Gobernador Manuel Solá; it brings together local small-scale producers and families from the community. The exact date of both festivals may vary from one edition to the next. A country breakfast featuring local products made by communities in the surrounding area is also offered in Rosario de Lerma Department.
Trekking, horseback riding, and mountain biking
The rural roads between Carabajal and El Corralito are suitable for trekking; conditions may vary by season. From Rosario de Lerma, Cerro Negro can be reached on horseback or by mule via an old mule or cattle-driving trail. Access to the mountain depends on local conditions.
The MTB Quebrada del Toro mountain-bike route in Campo Quijano offers another way to experience the landscape. The route passes through natural landscapes within the Quebrada del Toro and is intended for people with some experience in cycle touring. The differences between trekking, horseback riding, and mountain biking therefore lie not only in the mode of transport, but also in the conditions and experience requirements mentioned for each.
Getting your bearings around the railway
Campo Quijano is the first stop on the Tren a las Nubes excursion, where visitors receive an introduction to the history of the C-14 railway line. In the current bus-train-bus offering, Campo Quijano is also a photo stop. Local artisans welcome visitors at the town’s railway station and at the viaduct. As operational details may change, check the latest information about the offering before planning a trip.
The wider setting: Salta
In the broader destination of Salta, the landscape ranges from the dry Puna to the lush green jungle. The Tren a las Nubes is also part of this regional setting: it climbs from San Antonio de los Cobres to Viaducto La Polvorilla, reaching 4,220 meters above sea level in the Puna.
Discover more destinations: La Silleta, Rosario de Lerma, Humahuaca Department, Rivadavia Department, General JosĂ© de San MartĂn Department, Gral. MartĂn Miguel de GĂĽemes, La Caldera Department, Anta Department.
Back to the main travel guide: Salta.
