Things To Do
in Catamarca

A hearty maize-and-bean stew often made with squash and meat—comfort food for cool mountain mornings; widely available in traditional restaurants and during festivals.

Must-Try!

Local-style empanadas filled with beef or goat, seasoned with regional spices; try them at bakeries and market stalls.

Slow-roasted goat or lamb, commonly served in local restaurants around Fiambalá and Tinogasta; pairs well with regional wines.

Home-made preserves and sweets sold at markets and artisan shops—great for souvenirs and tasting local sugarcane/fruit products.

A lively market where you can sample empanadas, local cheeses, preserves, olives and small prepared foods; ideal for tasting regional products and buying artisanal goods.

Weekend artisan stalls around the main plaza sell pastries, empanadas and local sweets—good for grabbing a quick bite and practicing Spanish with vendors.

A single cheek kiss (or air kiss) and a handshake are common greetings—use first names once introduced. Polite formalities matter in small towns.

Show respect at religious sites, local festivals and when encountering indigenous communities; ask before photographing people, especially in rural settings.

Social events often have relaxed timing, but be punctual for official tours, transport departures and appointments.

Pleasant topics include local food, geography and football. Politics or heated opinions can be sensitive—follow local cues.

Tipping is appreciated but not as mandatory as in some countries—leave 5–10% in restaurants if service is good; round up taxi fares and tip hotel porters a small amount. For guided tours and thermal spa staff, a modest tip is customary.

Cash (Argentine pesos) is widely used, especially in small towns and markets. Major restaurants and hotels accept cards in the capital and tourist centers, but expect card machines to occasionally fail; bring sufficient cash for rural travel and fuel. ATMs exist in provincial capitals; plan ahead for remote areas.

December–February: hot in the lower valleys with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F), but evenings cool off. Summers may bring occasional summer storms in some areas—carry sun protection and water, and expect busy weekends at thermal springs.

March–May: pleasant daytime temperatures and cooler nights; a great time for outdoor activities, fewer tourists and good visibility for photos.

June–August: cold in high-altitude areas, with possible snow on the highest peaks and chilly nights in the valleys. Thermal springs are especially appealing, but some high puna roads may be closed or require 4x4.

September–November: wildflowers in lower valleys and warming days—excellent for hiking, birding and avoiding summer heat and crowds.

Accessible from the capital, these ridgelines offer day hikes, native flora, birdwatching and sunrise viewpoints over the valley.

Short hikes on large dunes near Fiambalá—great for exploring sand formations, sandboarding and wide desert vistas.

Marked routes across the pumice fields in Antofagasta de la Sierra that showcase surreal geology—best with a guide and proper logistics for remote access.

High-altitude treks across volcanic and saline landscapes with unique wildlife like flamingos in seasonal lagoons—plan for altitude acclimatization and limited services.