Tafí del Valle

Tafi del Valle is the capital of the department of Tafi del Valle in the province of Tucumán in northwestern Argentina. The place is located in the west of the province at an altitude of 2,014 meters, has 4,028 inhabitants (2001, INDEC ) and is 126 km from the provincial capital San Miguel de Tucumán. This is achieved via the Ruta Nacional 38 and the Ruta Provincial 307

Geography

Tafi is located in the center of the valley of the same name, between the mountain range of the Nevado del Aconquija in the south and the Calchaquíes peaks to the north. The valley forms the pass between the Calchaquíes the west and the Llanura Chacopampeana in the east. The great contrast between the west and east of the valley shows the height pass Abra del Infiernillo: facing east, you can see the evergreen pastures and forests under clouds roofs and in the west a desert or semi-desert landscape.

Climate

Due to the high elevation, before a temperate climate with winter snow on the peaks. The eastern part of the valley, which is also the place Tafi del Valle is located is moist and promotes the pastoral industry and the growth of the forest. In the West, reduces humidity and pastures and woods give way to the candelabra cactus ( Cardone ) in a barren, arid landscape. In Tafi del Valle, the average summer high temperatures are ( in January) 26 ° C in winter (July) 16 ° C, the thermometer frequently falls to -5 ° C in winter.

History

The original name of the village and the valley was probably Taktikllakta, which comes from the Kakana, the language of the original inhabitants of the valley and has been oversimplified by the Spaniards in Tafi. The importance of Taktikllakta is specified with the people of the glorious gate.

It is believed that the first settlement of the valley dates back over 7,000 years. 2,300 years ago, those farmers and gatherers settled down, which probably form the predecessor of Tafi culture. Mid-16th century the Spanish conquistadors arrived, but met with strong opposition on the part of Diaguitas and in particular the Calchaquíes warriors who inhabited the valley at that time and controlled so that the conquest of the valley was a tedious act.

In 1636 the valley of the Spanish crown, the family Leguizamo y Guevara gets assigned and have founded a Estancia. Those in turn bought by the Jesuits, who had established themselves in the region since 1617. Through the initiative of the Jesuits starting with the dairy industry, especially with the cheese.

Economy

Since the arrival of Europeans in the 16th century, the livestock is the backbone of the economy in Tafi del Valle, favored by the mild- humid climate. Goats bred - In addition to sheep, cattle and horses are - to a lesser extent. The dairy industry has, in turn, that the place became nationally known spot for cheese making. In addition to the livestock and dairy farming of wheat cultivation is one of the significant agricultural activities. In the last decades of slowly at first and last rapidly emerging tourism plays an increasingly important role.

Tourism

Tafi del Valle belongs together with Villa Nogues to most popular weekend destinations of the residents of San Miguel de Tucumán. In the hot summer capital of the place is a haven of rich Tucumanos, which often have a summer residence in Tafi. The mild mountain climate and the contrasting natural beauty created an irresistible amalgam, which attracts more and more national and international tourists for several years.

The Getting to Tafi del Valle is usually of San Miguel de Tucumán via the Ruta Provincial 307 takes you through dense forest area in the Quebrada de los Sosa, a protected nature reserve ( Reserva Natural). Beautiful views and options to purchase handicraft articles provide gazebos El Indio, La Heladera and El Fin del Mundo.

At the eastern entrance to the Valle de Tafi is the community of El Mollar whose special attraction is the Parque de los Menhires. The Lago de Angostura, between El Mollar and Tafi del Valle, located between often snow- capped mountains and used for water sports and fishing. The wild Rio Soso arises as a discharge from the lake, forming in its course through narrow gorges several waterfalls.

In addition to the historic track search when visiting the churches and estancias the valley, especially opportunities for adventure tourism and trekking.

Hotels and restaurants

The growing interest in Tafi del Valle, especially when national tourism, the expansion of the hospitality industry is increasingly invoice. The accommodations range from inexpensive hostels to exclusive mansions on ranches in and around the town. The number of dining establishments has also increased, ranging from traditional local cuisine to parrillas and trout dishes to pasta and pizza. As a special local specialty can be considered the wide range of cheese and sausages.

Attractions

• Museo Casa Duende. The Gnome House Museum is dedicated to the traditions of the region, its myths and its folklore.
• Conjunto Jesuítico de La Banda (about 10 km from the center ) Jesuit system from the beginning of the 18th century.
• Parque de los Menhires (El Mollar ). The word menhir comes from the Gaelic and means high ( hir ) Stone (men ). It is edited by man-made monoliths that were created by the inhabitants of the valley during the time of Tafi culture. Originally, they were scattered all over the valley, but were grouped by order of the military government in the Parque de los Menhires. The laudable desire to protect the stones from predators and damage but was - in the opinion of experts dealing with them - thwarted by their separation from their local context, which makes it difficult to further research.
• Lago de Angostura ( between El Mollar and Tafi del Valle)
• Cerro Grande Ñuñorco

Festivals

• Festival Nacional del Queso. Every year in February.
• Pasión de Cristo. During Easter week, the Passion of Christ is represented by local amateur actors. An event every year attracts a large number of spectators.