Quilmes Ruins

Valuable archaeological complex in the Calchaquí Valleys

They constitute significant archaeological remains of the pre-Inca city in the south of the Calchaquí Valley. Although many refer to it as the most extensive settlement in the area, the truth is that the first place on the podium is occupied by the archaeological site of Tastil, in the Quebrada del Toro in the Province of Salta.

Quilmes was inhabited by the civilization of the same name, settled at the foot of the hill later named Alto del Rey. A pre-Hispanic settlement with a strong economic and social organizational development.

Before the entrance you can visit the Interpretation Center where a video is projected and pieces found in the habitational enclosures are exhibited.

The native people, after being defeated by the Spanish, were exiled to Buenos Aires, settling in the town that bears their name and is nationally famous for its beer. 

In addition to the citadel, two elevated forts were found on the high slope of the mountain.

The views from the archaeological complex are spectacular, as the valley is appreciated in its extension as well as the cacti scattered in the immensity of the sand.

Next to the museum, local artisans exhibit their products and offer the classic stuffed "tortillas", very typical of northwestern Argentina.

@tripticity_ chose a rustic lodge in the neighboring town of El Bañado. Estancia Río de Arena is located less than fifteen minutes from the site, on National Route 40. The establishment has a winery. Its facilities are basic and somewhat rudimentary and the service in the dining room is very modest.

 Junto al museo, los artesanos locales exhiben sus productos y ofrecen las clásicas tortillas rellenas, bien típicas del noroeste argentino.