San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca

San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca is the capital of the province of the same name in northwestern Argentina, spreading at the foot of Cerro Ambato. The city follows the course of the Rio Valle river across roughly 400 square kilometers, connecting residential neighborhoods with farming zones.

Fernando de Mendoza y Mate de Luna founded the permanent settlement in 1683, following earlier failed attempts to establish a colony called Londres. The first of these ventures took place in 1558 and marked the beginning of Spanish efforts in the region.

The cathedral combines pointed Gothic arches with decorative Baroque elements on its facade, drawing worshippers during the Virgen del Valle festival. This annual celebration transforms the streets into procession routes as pilgrims arrive from across the region.

Coronel Felipe Varela International Airport connects the city with Buenos Aires through regular flights, while National Route 38 provides road access. Visitors find most sights and services in the central area around Plaza 25 de Mayo.

Local wineries in the surrounding area use irrigation systems due to low rainfall, producing distinctive wines from grapes grown in semi-arid conditions. This technique allows cultivation in a region that would otherwise be too dry, giving the wines their own character.

Location: Capital Department

Inception: June 5, 1683

Elevation above the sea: 500 m

Website: http://sfvcatamarca.gov.ar

GPS coordinates: -28.46891,-65.77907

Latest update: December 13, 2025 16:57