Anquincila lies on the eastern side of the Sierra Ancasti, in a mountainous region at an elevation of about 1,010 meters above sea level. Three local highlights provide a useful overview of the destination: the river and mountain landscape, a seasonal place to eat, and the chapel dating from 1853. If you are looking for accommodation, these themes can help you decide which part of the town is especially important for your stay.

Río Anquincila and the Mountain Landscape

The Río Anquincila runs through the town. Its water is used there for consumption and irrigation; the river then continues flowing northeast. It is therefore both part of the town's layout and a resource in local daily life. The surroundings combine rolling hills, the river, native vegetation, and the surrounding natural landscape. Together, these features create a landscape in which the riverside setting and the mountain region complement each other.

Seasonal Dining at La Jacinta

Casa de Té La Jacinta in Anquincila offers country-style breakfasts and afternoon snacks during its seasonal operating period. The menu includes picadas, cakes, pastries, and drinks. The open-sided quincho offers a direct view of the Río Anquincila, connecting the dining experience with the river. If you plan to eat there during your visit, check in advance whether the tea house is open at that time.

Chapel Dating from 1853

The chapel of Anquincila dates from 1853 and belongs to the 19th century. It has a portico with five pillars and horizontal lintels in front. The year it was built provides a historical reference, while the portico describes a specific architectural feature. In this way, the building's history adds a distinct cultural aspect of the town to its landscape highlights.

Getting There and Outdoor Activities

From San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca, the route to Anquincila follows Ruta Nacional 38. At El Portezuelo, it continues via the Cuesta del Portezuelo. In Departamento Ancasti, Ruta Provincial No. 2 also passes through the center of Anquincila and continues to Villa de Ancasti. These road details offer different ways to navigate: the approach from the provincial capital and the road running through the town.

The municipal camping and bathing area in Anquincila offers fishing opportunities. The facilities at Camping Municipal Anquincila include pitches, electricity, two separate bathrooms, showers, hot water, and drinking water, as well as grills, tables and chairs, and a first-aid station. Before your trip, check the current fishing conditions and the availability of the camping facilities.

In the Wider Destination of Departamento Ancasti

In Departamento Ancasti, Parque Arqueológico La Tunita protects significant rock paintings and the surrounding forest, which covers 2,000 hectares. Most of the paintings belong to the iconography of the La Aguada culture. Their motifs include big cats, hybrid beings, and anthropozoomorphic figures; the paintings reach their highest expressive power at the La Sixtina rock shelter.

Cueva de La Candelaria, also called Cueva de la Salamanca, is also located in Departamento Ancasti and contains a significant collection of rock paintings. These are stylistically attributed to the La Aguada culture and interpreted as works with ritual and ideological functions. A free, interactive, and immersive virtual tour of the cave has been developed.

Discover more destinations: Ancasti, Concepción, Las Juntas.

For the wider travel overview: Departamento Ancasti.