If you’re wondering what to do in Tucuman, Argentina, this 3-day itinerary covers the best things to do in San Miguel de Tucumán and the surrounding valleys, including Tafí del Valle, Amaicha del Valle and the Quilmes Ruins.
One of the main goals when I started my blog in 2016, was to share not only my trips to other countries but also to show the incredible places that Argentina has to offer. So I was very happy when I was invited to this press trip to Tucumán, a province I’ve visited once when I was about 10 years old.
Tucumán is the smallest province in Argentina, but it has many things to see. It is known as “the garden of the Republic”, and it’s a province with natural landscapes, history and culture.
Best Things to Do in Tucuman, Argentina:
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Explore the historic center of San Miguel de Tucumán
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Visit Tafí del Valle and drive through the scenic mountain roads
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Discover Amaicha del Valle
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Walk among history at the Quilmes Ruins
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Enjoy traditional Tucuman food like empanadas and humitas
DAY 1: Things to do in San Miguel de Tucumán
San Miguel de Tucumán is the starting point for any trip through the province. The capital of Tucumán is much bigger than I imagined.
The first I suggest to do is tour the center of San Miguel, where where you will find many points of interest such as: Plaza Independencia, 9 de Julio Park, the Basilica of San Francisco, the Government House and of the famous Historic House.
A good way to explore the city center and learn about its history is to take this guided tour of San Miguel de Tucumán. It’s ideal if you have limited time or want to understand the historical context before exploring on your own.
- Historic House of Tucuman
The Casa Histórica de Tucumán is the most iconic landmark in the province and an essential stop on any visit. This is the building where the Argentine Declaration of Independence was proclaimed on July 9, 1816, which is why it is considered one of the most important historical monuments in the country. Today, the Casa Histórica functions as a museum and is open to visitors.
- Free admission
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Closed on Mondays.
- Guided tours are highly recommended; you can check the available schedules here.
👉 If you’re visiting Tucumán during peak season or long weekends, it’s best to go early.
- El Cadillal
About 20 minutes from the city center of San Miguel you find El Cadillal, a landscape that I honestly didn’t expect to find in the Capital city. Located on the Salí river, Dique El Cadillal is the perfect place to stroll, eat, and do activities such as kayaking, mountain biking or windsurfing.
- Other places to visit in San Miguel de Tucumán: If you have more time you can visit Cerro San Javier, an ideal place for trekking, paragliding or horseback riding.
Where to stay in San Miguel de Tucumán
- Garden Plaza: We stayed one night in this hotel and I really liked it. It is modern and has the greatest location, just in front Plaza Independencia which is the heart of the city. Click here to see prices for Garden Plaza on Booking
DAY 2: Tafí del Valle & Amaicha del Valle
The second day of this 3-day Tucumán itinerary is perfect for leaving the city behind and discovering some of the most beautiful landscapes in the province.
The road between San Miguel de Tucumán and Tafí del Valle helps you understand why Tucumán is known as the Garden of the Republic. Along the way, you’ll pass through stunning scenery that will make you want to stop frequently to take photos and admire the views.
Tafí del Valle is one of the most picturesque towns in northwestern Argentina and one of Tucumán’s main tourist destinations. Surrounded by mountains and lush green landscapes, it’s an ideal place to slow down, walk around the town center, and enjoy the natural surroundings.
If you don’t have a car or prefer not to drive on mountain roads, a great alternative is to join a guided tour to Tafí del Valle from San Miguel de Tucumán.
El Infiernillo and Amaicha del Valle
On the way to Amaicha del Valle, you’ll pass by Parador El Infiernillo, located at 3,040 meters above sea level, the highest point of the route. This spot marks the transition from the Tafí Valley to the Calchaquí Valleys, with a completely different landscape and spectacular views.
Amaicha del Valle is an indigenous community of the Calchaquí people and one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in Argentina. From here, you can visit:
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the town of Amaicha del Valle
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the Pachamama Museum
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small high-altitude vineyards
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the Quilmes Ruins
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lesser-known areas such as Tiu Punco
Where to stay in Amaicha del Valle
- Finca Albarossa: a beautiful winery founded by italians who fell in love with the valley. Check out Finca Albarossa prices on booking.
- Tio Punco
One of the most striking places of the trip was Tiu Punco, a destination reached by very few visitors, as it can only be accessed with a 4×4 vehicle and good knowledge of the route or accompanied by local guides. It features an arid, desert-like landscape with very little vegetation, in sharp contrast to the lush green scenery seen earlier in the day.
We spent several hours exploring the area and enjoying the silence and vastness of the landscape, staying until nightfall.
DAY 3: Quilmes Ruins and return to San Miguel de Tucumán
The third day of this itinerary is dedicated to one of the most important historical sites in northern Argentina: the Quilmes Ruins, located in the heart of the Calchaquí Valleys.
This is the largest pre-Columbian settlement in Argentina. The Quilmes people resisted the Spanish conquest for more than 130 years, and walking through the ruins really helps you grasp the scale and importance of this ancient civilization. In my opinion, it’s an absolute must if you’re traveling through northern Argentina.
Useful information for visiting:
How to get there:
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By car, via National Route 40
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On a guided tour from San Miguel de Tucumán or Amaicha del Valle
Tips for your visit:
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Don’t miss the Interpretation Center at the base of the site, which provides essential historical context.
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It’s highly recommended to hike up to the upper area for panoramic views of the ruins. We climbed via the southern path (around 35 minutes uphill) and descended via the northern route.
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Wear comfortable shoes and bring water and sunscreen.
Tafí del Valle and return to San Miguel de Tucumán
After visiting the Quilmes Ruins, we returned to Tafí del Valle. In our case, the trip coincided with Easter Week, when the traditional reenactment of the Passion of Christ takes place—an important annual event that attracts thousands of visitors.
Later, we took the road back to San Miguel de Tucumán, where we spent the last night of the trip.
Alternatives if you have more time:
If you have a few extra hours in Tafí del Valle, some great options include:
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Hiking to Cerro de la Cruz or Cristo Redentor
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Visiting El Mollar and La Angostura Dam
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Exploring old Jesuit missions
If instead of returning to Tucumán you want to continue your journey, an excellent option is to travel on to Cafayate, located just 60 km from Amaicha del Valle.
👉 For more information: Road trip from Salta to Quebrada de las Conchas
- Try Tucumán’s local food
I can’t finish this guide without mentioning Tucumán’s cuisine, one of the highlights of the trip. The empanada tucumana is the local star and is usually served as a starter. The town of Famaillá is known as the National Capital of the Empanada, where the National Empanada Festival is held every year.
Other traditional dishes worth trying are tamales, humita, and locro.
How to get to Tucumán
It is very easy to get to Tucumán from any province of Argentina by plane, bus, car or train.
- Airplane: Flights to Tucumán are available daily from Buenos Aires, Rosario (Santa Fé), Córdoba The airlines that operate this route are: Aerolíneas Argentinasand JetSmart. The airport is located in San Miguel de Tucumán a few minutes from the city center.
- Train: The train service connecting Buenos Aires with Tucumán (with stops in Santa Fé and Santiago del Estero provinces) is the cheapest way to get there. The journey time from BA to Tucumán is around 28 hours so I don’t recommend it.
- Bus: There are many bus companies that make daily trips to San Miguel de Tucumán (Tucumán capital city) from all the provinces of Argentina. Website of Tucumán bus terminal.
- Car: Tucumán is connected to the rest of the country via the national routes 40, 9, 38, 157, and 65.
I hope you found this post about Tucumán useful. This trip was an invitation from Tucumán Tourism Board, which I thank for showing me this beautiful province!
More Argentina posts:
- Quebrada de las Conchas, road trip from Salta to Cafayate
- Things to do in Salta city
- Wine tasting in Cafayate: Bodega Piattelli Vineyards
- Buenos Aires City Guide
- Where to stay in Buenos Aires
- Things to do in Puerto Madryn in Patagonia Argentina
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