Yatasto relay, Historic relay station near San Jose de Metan, Argentina
Yatasto relay is a two-story colonial building located south of Metan with four ground-floor rooms, a kitchen, and a wooden-columned gallery that opens to the landscape. The structure reflects the practical design of way-stations from that period, with thick walls and spacious interiors built to accommodate passing travelers.
The station was established to support travelers on the Royal Road, a major colonial South American communication network that connected distant regions. During the independence wars, it became a strategic meeting point where military leaders made decisions that shaped the nation's future.
The relay served as a meeting point where travelers and merchants paused to exchange horses and share news during their journeys across the region. Today, the simple furnishings and objects scattered through the rooms tell stories of the ordinary people who passed through this place.
The station sits near a main highway and is accessible by turning onto a local road south of the city. The final approach involves a short drive on unpaved ground, so visiting during dry weather and with time to spare is recommended.
An upper-floor balcony overlooks the surrounding valley, allowing staff to spot approaching travelers from a distance and manage the station's operations. This vantage point set the building apart from other similar way-stations and made it recognizable across the landscape.
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