Have you ever been to San Miguel de Tucumán Argentina? One of the most overlooked cities in Argentina certainly can’t be missed on your Argentina travel plans.
San Miguel de Tucumán is the fifth-largest city and one of the major cities in Argentina. It is located in the northwest region of the country and is considered one of the most important cities in the region due to its rich history and cultural heritage.
Located at the foot of the Andes Mountains, Tucumán offers visitors breathtaking landscapes, making it unique among Argentine cities. Pivotal in the country’s struggle for independence, Tucumán holds a significant place in Argentine history.
The sights, activities, and food you can experience here can make San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina, among the favorite places you have ever visited. We were positively surprised by all the things you can do in San Miguel de Tucumán, having spent several days in the city.
Best Things To Do in San Miguel de Tucumán Argentina – Activities
There are several activities you can do in San Miguel de Tucumán. These activities include:
1. Promenading at Plaza Independencia
Plaza Independencia was built in colonial times and is the city’s main square, where locals go on leisurely promenades at any time.
The city square is filled with restaurants and bars from where you can buy food and eat it on the benches of Plaza Independencia while looking at beautiful flowers all around the area.
2. Visit Casa de Tucumán
Casa de Tucumán is one of the most historically significant buildings used for revolutionary government meetings in San Miguel de Tucumán because in this building, in 1816, Argentina’s independence from Spanish rule was declared.
During your trip, you can visit Casa de Tucumán and learn more about how independence was declared and what role the city of Tucumán played in it.
3. Spend Your Evening in Parque 9 de Julio
Parque 9 de Julio is the largest park in the city, where you can enjoy a lot by walking around beautiful flowers and trees. You can also find lakes and statues within the park, which will keep you busy throughout your visit.
Whenever you come here, make sure to bring something to eat or maybe have a picnic because the environment is so peaceful and beautiful.
4. Trekking at Parque Nacional Campo de Los Alisos
Parque Nacional Campo de Los Alisos is a new park in Tucumán where you have to climb to the park. You can also spot wildlife like Peregrine falcons and wolves when visiting the park.
Parque Nacional Campo de Los Alisos, found southwest of San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina, is a hilly park perfect for trekking and climbing. You can camp for free. The park sits where the montane and cloud forests meet the Andes, giving you a mix of plants and animals.
Enjoy outdoor fun like trekking and climbing while taking in the natural beauty. To get there, take Route 340 from San Miguel de Tucumán towards Cerro San Javier and head to the La Sala Valley.
5. Visit Tafí del Valle
Tafí del Valle is a small town in the Calchaquí Valley, just outside Tucumán. The city offers great views and insight into the well-preserved 18th-century Jesuit architecture.
The town is famous for the old Jesuit architecture and the many cheese factories producing bulk artisanal cheese.
6. Walk at Parque Sierra de San Javier
Parque Sierra de San Javier is a famous park among tourists because of the historical statue built there and the peaceful environment inside the park where you can chill and relax. The statue of Cristo Benedicente is enormous, and beneath it is a small museum where you can learn about the figure.
7. Buy Fresh Stuff From Feria de Simoca
Feria de Simoca is the busiest market in San Miguel Tucumán, Argentina, where you can find fresh livestock, cheese, and milk. The best thing is that you eat cheap dishes of the new stuff in the market.
8. Book a Tour of the Ruins of Quilmes
Discover the fascinating history and culture of Quilmes Ruins with a guided tour from San Miguel de Tucumán. Travel along ancient paths to the Sacred City of Quilmes, the country’s most important archaeological site. Immerse yourself in the heritage of this proud ethnic group as descendants and custodians share the city’s history.
The tour usually provides hotel pickup and drop-off, a bilingual guide, and comfortable transportation.
9. Dive Into Termas de Río Hondo
You can find Termas de Río Hondo, a few kilometers away from Tucumán, where you can have relaxing thermal baths. These thermal baths make you feel relaxed, stress-free, and calm. So, if you are tired, book your thermal bath in Rio Hondo Hot Springs.
10. Stroll Around in Yungas de Jujuy
Explore the beauty of Yungas de Jujuy with a refreshing half-day tour, starting in San Miguel de Tucuman. Experience the lush green landscapes and breathtaking views of Yungas as you pass through charming places like Yerba Buena, Villa Nougues, and San Javier. Take a hike in the Yunga forests, explore archaeological ruins, and immerse yourself in indigenous culture in local villages.
If you prefer a faster journey, the car ride at an average speed of 70 miles/hour (112 kilometers/hour) takes around 2 hours and 59 minutes. At the same time, the bus trip from Jujuy to San Miguel de Tucumán is approximately 5 hours and 10 minutes, covering about 216 mi (348 km).
Best Things To Do in San Miguel de Tucumán Argentina – Sights
San Miguel de Tucumán provides you with beautiful viewpoints along with different activities. These beautiful sights include:
11. Dique El Cadillal
Half an hour’s drive from the central city, you can make your way to one of the most peaceful places in Tucumán. Dique El Cadillal is a reservoir made into a tourist spot in the 1900s. You can find different restaurants, bars, and shops at the boundary of the reservoir.
In addition, you can fish, kite surf, and mountain bike on the wet sand of the reservoir.
12. Make a Trip to La Cascada del Río Noque
La Cascada del Río Noque near San Javier, Tucumán, is a beautiful spot you can reach from San Miguel de Tucumán. It’s a charming waterfall, making it an easy and delightful experience for all ages. Surrounded by lush greenery, it provides a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. Take in the natural beauty and breathtaking scenery.
To get there, follow Route 340 from San Miguel de Tucumán towards Cerro San Javier and head towards the La Sala Valley.
13. Aconquija Mountains
Tucumán is at the Aconquija Mountains’ foothills, so that you can have a beautiful view of these mountains from the city itself. On the eastern slope of the mountains lies Aconquija National Park, which protects the country’s highest rainforests.
The hiking trails of the Aconquija Mountains are in the middle of a lush jungle, home to over 900 species of flora and fauna. We tried to get there by bus and hike back, but unfortunately, the bus took a detour, and we took 1.5 hours to get to the entry point. The buses here aren’t super reliable, in our experience, so consider taking a taxi one way and walking back.
Best Things To Do in San Miguel de Tucumán Argentina – Food
If you have a trip to San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina, you should try some famous local food everyone loves. These food dishes are:
14. Tucumán’s Empanadas
Tucumán’s Empanadas are delicious, and you must try them as soon as you enter the city. These delightful empanadas are fried and stuffed with marinated beef or chicken.
15. Sánguche de Milanesa
Sánguche de milanesa is a famous sandwich in Tucumán province. The sandwich consists of a long piece of bread filled with meat and sauces.
16. Panchuker
Panchuker is an Argentinian snack typical on the streets and in restaurants. Panchuker is when a sausage is covered in a waffle batter. So if you are hungry and tired, eat it at any food stall where it is available.
Transportation Options – How To Travel in San Miguel de Tucumán Argentina
Traveling in San Miguel de Tucumán is made more accessible by numerous taxi services and buses running every hour at a standard time throughout the big city.
While the cheapest option for traveling in the town is through buses, they are usually filled with people during the day. To avoid congested sitting areas and an uncomfortable journey, traveling by taxi is more peaceful and economical.
If you have landed in the capital of Argentina, Bueno Aires, and are traveling from there to San Miguel de Tucumán, then you have these options:
- The best way to get to Tucumán from Buenos Aires is by air, which takes three hours and costs around 84,963.76 Argentine pesos (238 US dollars). It is the quickest yet most expensive option.
- A bus ride would cost 27,486.77 ARS ($77) one-way and nearly seventeen hours of journey, which can be tiring.
Where To Stay in San Miguel de Tucumán Argentina
There are three hotel categories from which you can choose depending on your affordability. We recommend the top three hotels from each category that you should consider when booking a hotel according to your budget.
Budget Hotels
Budget hotels in Tucumán would cost around 16,671 to 20,838 ARS ($80 to $100) and provide all basic facilities. They would give an average room with moderate food services, so eating from a restaurant is better if you stay here.
You might get free Wi-Fi, but that is rare in budget hotels. Here are the top three inexpensive hotels you can stay in during your trip:
Boulevard Lavalle Apartament is nearly 9.3 mi (15 km) from the international airport of Teniente, whereas Hotel Chacabuco 284 is 5.6 mi (9 km) from the airport of Benjamin Matienzo.
Mid-Ranged Hotels
Mid-range hotels are best for tourists because they are relatively inexpensive and provide better spacious rooms, free Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast, better menu options, and other amenities. They are also built in more peaceful, safe places.
Mid-ranged hotels may cost you around 26,048 to 31,258 ARS ($125 to $150) for two to three nights. The top-rated hotels in this category include:
You should know that Laprida 700 Hotel is 5.3 mi (8.5 km) from the airport of Benjamin Matienzo, which can save you a lot of time.
Luxury Hotels
Luxury hotels may be affordable for a few people, but if you want to splurge on your lodgings, it will make your trip even more satisfying and relaxing. These luxury hotels provide nearly everything you want, including luxury rooms, a swimming pool, a gym, a spa, and many more.
For two to three nights, these luxury accommodations cost you around 62,516 to 72,936 ARS ($300 to $350). The top three luxury hotels in Tucumán include:
For more accommodation options, you may click on the map.
Tips To Enjoy Your San Miguel de Tucumán Argentina
When traveling to San Miguel de Tucumán, remember these useful tips to make your trip more convenient, safe, and enjoyable.
- Check the weather forecast before you visit. If you visit during peak rainfall season, you may be unable to make the most of your time.
- When visiting Argentina, remember to bring cash (USD or EUR) to exchange at the blue dollar rate. If you didn’t bring cash, you can use Western Union to exchange money, paying with your credit card.
- If you are a solo woman traveling, keep your expensive jewelry at the hotel when leaving to explore because there are always chances of robbery or pickpocketing.
- Carry safety gear for hiking, trekking, and clothes according to the country’s weather.
- Try to book a hotel in the city center so that everything is accessible to you nearby.
- Consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing, which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay. Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!
Climate in San Miguel de Tucumán
The annual climate in San Miguel de Tucumán is moderate; warm temperature spans over more time but doesn’t go extreme.
Summers start in October and end in the starting days of March because calm winds start to blow in the city because, from January, heavy rainfall begins. The heavy rain starts to calm during the middle of March, so if you travel during these months, carry an umbrella, a waterproof jacket, and extra clothes.
From March to September, San Miguel de Tucumán faces winters, and there is a chance of rainfall where the average temperature of the city is 60.8 Fahrenheit (16 degrees Celcius). It gets below 50 Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celcius) at night.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – San Miguel de Tucumán Argentina
Is San Miguel de Tucumán a Big City?
San Miguel de Tucumán is the largest city in Tucumán province in northern Argentina. The city is the 5th largest in the country, so if you travel here, you have a lot of places to visit.
What Language Do They Speak in Tucumán, Argentina?
In Tucumán, Argentina, the main language spoken is Spanish. The accent is similar to other provinces in Argentina, blending Italian, Spanish, and Creole “Gaucho” accents.
What Is Tucumán Argentina Known For?
Tucumán, Argentina, is renowned for its abundant history, culture, and natural wonders. San Miguel de Tucumán, the capital of Tucumán Province, is the fifth-largest city in Argentina. Notable attractions in the area include the Quilmes Ruins, Casa de Tucumán, and Plaza Independencia.
Conclusion – San Miguel de Tucumán Argentina
Tucumán is one of those places where, one minute, you could be hustling in the middle of a bustling city and then, half an hour later, hiking in a verdant jungle.
Aside from relaxing spots, impressive buildings, vibrant markets, and historical landmarks in the city center, you can also quickly enjoy the fascinating wonders of nature that embrace the city—from waterfalls, mountains, hot springs, and rainforests to its diverse plants and wildlife.
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Founder of Spark Nomad, Radical FIRE, Copywriter
Expertise: Personal finance and travel content. I’m a full-time traveler, and I’ve been to 49 countries and 5 continents.
Education: Bachelor of Economics at Radboud University, Master in Finance at Radboud University, Minor in Economics at Chapman University.
Over 200 articles, essays, and short stories published across the web.
Marjolein Dilven is a journalist and founder of Spark Nomad, a travel platform, and Radical FIRE, a personal finance platform. Marjolein has a finance and economics background with a master’s in Finance. She has quit her job to travel the world, documenting her travels on Spark Nomad to help people plan their travels. Marjolein Dilven has written for publications like MSN, Associated Press, CNBC, Town News syndicate, and more.