Catamarca Province

Catamarca Province spans 102,602 square kilometers of mountainous terrain in northwestern Argentina, featuring high peaks, desert landscapes, and volcanic formations reaching elevations over 6,000 meters above sea level.

Spanish conquistadors established settlements in this region during the 16th century, encountering indigenous Diaguita and Calchaquí peoples who had inhabited the area for over 3,000 years before European arrival.

The province celebrates the Fiesta Nacional del Poncho each July, showcasing traditional textiles, folk music, and handicrafts that reflect the blend of indigenous and Spanish colonial cultural heritage.

The provincial capital San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca serves as the main administrative center, accessible by road and air connections, with tourist services available year-round for visitors.

Catamarca contains the Salar del Hombre Muerto, one of the world's highest salt flats at 4,000 meters elevation, which harbors significant lithium deposits crucial for modern battery production.

Inception: 1821

Capital city: San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca

Elevation above the sea: 3,347 m

Reference: CTM

Part of: South America Midwest Integrated Zone

Shares border with: Salta Province, Tucumán Province, Santiago del Estero Province, La Rioja Province, Córdoba Province, Antofagasta Region, Atacama Region

Website: https://catamarca.gob.ar

GPS coordinates: -28.46889,-65.77917

Latest update: December 15, 2025 04:01