The town of San Carlos is the place with the longest historic tradition in the Valle Calchaquí Valley. The Spanish conquistadors founded four cities standing at 1710 metres above sea level, in its current location and in the surrounding area.

The city of El Barco II was founded by Juan Núñez del Prado in 1551; in 1559, Juan Pérez de Zurita founded the city of Córdoba del Calchaquí; in 1577, Gonzalo de Abreu y Figueroa renames it San Clemente de la Nueva Sevilla; and finally, in 1630, Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe was founded by Felipe de Albornoz.

They all succumbed under the natives' attacks. Then, in the year 1630, the Jesuits established a mission in the site, under the tutelage of San Carlos de Borromeo, which later gave place to the current picturesque town.

The Calchaquí Wars forced a new start in the last third of the 17th century. Its economy was then based upon making use of the pastures during the winter stops of muleteer caravans on their way to Alto Perú (currently Bolivia).

At the beginning of the 18th century, the Calchaquí Valley becomes Salta's granary, and the winegrowing industry, which had already started at a small scale in the 16th century, was much developed.

This is a period of prosperity that attracted many Spaniards. There were as many Spanish families as native ones in 1808.

The main church in the town was moved to its current location during the first third of the 19th century, and from it, the urban layout was modified for good with a big plaza of typical Spanish dimensions.

It is during those years that Salta becomes the most important city in the valley, with a b royalist inclination and constituting the Spanish reaction centre, led by Cornel Aramburú.

The church of San Carlos keeps statuary from the 17th century brought from Alto Perú, and Europe. It was declared a National Historical Monument in 1941.

There are excellent textile, leather and pottery artisans, as well as regional wines.

WEATHER
Dry and arid. It has many sunny days.

HOW TO GET THERE
It is a 212 kilometre trip from Salta to the town centre, going through the Ruta Nacional Nº 40 National Route, and passing by Cafayate; and a 298 kilometre journey passing by Cachi. It is 20 kilometres away from Cafayate.

WHAT TO DO THERE?
Travellers arriving at San Carlos can go to the municipal resort or to the camping area, and enjoy some hikes. Besides, they can participate of popular fairs, the Fiesta del Barro Calchaquí (Calchaquí's Mud Fiesta), and the Festival Artesanal de los Valles (Artisan's Valley Festival). There is the authentic vallisto (belonging to Argentinean's northern valleys) carnival in February, with folk singers, flouring and much basil. The Fiesta Patronal (Patron's Fiesta) is celebrated the 4th of November, and that day the townspeople carry the image of their saint patron, San Carlos de Borromeo, through the streets.