Things To Do in Tafi del Valle

Jesuitica La Banda Museo, La Banda s/n, Tafi del Valle (tel. 3867/421685), is a quaint white chapel and colonial house displaying Jesuit furniture, Cuzco art, and Independence-era memorabilia. It is located close to the tourism office and is open Monday to Saturday 10am to 4pm, Sunday from 9am to noon. Admission is 70¢ (45p). Los Menhires Archaeological Reserve, at Avenida Las Menhires and Calle Nuñorca, El Mollar (no phone), is a fascinating collection of 150 standing stones gathered in a field. The military dictatorship had ripped these stones up from their original locations across the valley and used them to decorate a motorway. With some measuring 4m (13 ft.) in length, much has been lost of their meaning, but it makes for a fascinating 30-minute visit. The reserve is located 10km (6 1/4 miles) from Tafi del Valle, in the village of El Mollar. It is open daily from 7am to 6pm. Admission is free.

Cheese is the valley's most famous product, and you'll find giant blocks of the cheddar-style local delicacy on every counter. Wool is also in abundance. Cooperativa Union Diaguita, Galeria Los Arcos, Avenida Presidente Perón (tel. 3867/421790), makes sweaters, throws, and tablecloths from local wool using natural dyes. Artesania Lilen, Av. Presidente Perón 176 (tel. 3867/421496), is good for a 20-minute browse through feathered wind chimes and ceramics. Owner Celina Garrido displays local art, including her own colorful landscapes and portraits. Los Artesanias, Av. Presidente Perón 252 (tel. 3867/421758), and Tinkus Huasi, Av. Presidente Perón 120 (tel. 3867/420190), are both crammed with local handicrafts.