Doctor Manuel Belgrano Department: Urban History and Nature
Accommodation in Doctor Manuel Belgrano Department
Doctor Manuel Belgrano Department offers two distinct fields of discovery side by side: San Salvador de Jujuy, with its museums, historic buildings and urban parks, and the natural surroundings of Parque Provincial Potrero de Yala. When planning your holiday, you can choose whether to focus on urban history and culture or on lagoons, forest and trekking trails.
Yungas, Lagoons and Trails in Potrero de Yala
Parque Provincial Potrero de Yala is one of the core areas of the Reserva de Biosfera de las Yungas. It protects Yungas ecosystems, particularly montane forest and cloud grassland. The park is home to more than 250 bird species and more than 16 bat species. The six Lagunas de Yala are also set among montane forest and cloud grasslands, providing habitat for birds and other species.
The activities on offer at Parque Provincial Potrero de Yala include a complex of four lagoons, a trout farm, a lookout point with panoramic views and several trekking trails. The park can be reached from San Salvador de Jujuy via National Route 9 and Provincial Route 4. If you would like to include nature and outdoor activities in your trip, these trails and landscapes may help you decide what to focus on during your holiday. Note that the six Lagunas de Yala and the park’s four-lagoon complex are distinct named locations or areas.
Urban Parks and the Río Xibi-Xibi
Nature is also part of the cityscape in San Salvador de Jujuy. Parque Botánico Barón Carlos María Schuel is set on a 15-hectare site within the city, where you can observe birds, flora and fauna. Parque San Martín brings together several recreational areas: it includes children’s play areas, fountains, spaces for various sports, a municipal swimming pool, some mechanical rides and walking paths. This means you can cater to different interests during a city stay, from play and exercise to a leisurely stroll.
The Río Xibi-Xibi divides the valley of San Salvador de Jujuy. Parque Lineal Río Xibi Xibi includes the Las Lavanderas Amphitheatre, dedicated to the women who once washed clothes in the river. Its name recalls an activity associated with the river, giving this aspect of the city’s culture a tangible historical connection.
Museums and Historical Landmarks
The Museo del Cabildo presents the history of the province across eight rooms. Topics range from ethnic origins through the colonial and pre-revolutionary periods to connections with Belgrano. The presentation features theatrical and audiovisual elements. The Salón de la Bandera in the Casa de Gobierno preserves another historical connection: Argentina’s oldest flag is kept there. General Manuel Belgrano gave it to the people of Jujuy after the Jujuy Exodus in August 1812.
Two pulpits, made from different materials and featuring distinct designs, are among the notable furnishings in the religious buildings. Catedral de San Salvador de Jujuy has a Baroque pulpit made of Ñandubay wood, while Basílica de San Francisco has a gilded pulpit made of carved wood. Capilla de Santa Bárbara houses a collection of 18th-century paintings.
Museo Histórico Provincial is housed in a mansion dating from the mid-18th century, where General Lavalle was killed. The building is designated a National Historic Monument. Casa Museo Macedonio Graz adds another cultural stop, with a permanent exhibition on the 19th century. It includes original rooms and personal belongings of Macedonio Graz, a journalist from Jujuy. The house also serves as a museum, exhibition centre and cultural space.
Local Offerings and Getting Around
Stalls at Paseo de los Artesanos, also known as Plazoleta Antonio López Iriarte, offer regional sweets, empanadillas and regional wines. Another cultural tradition is the annual pilgrimage to Cerro Las Rosas: it takes place on Good Friday and is attended by worshippers from San Salvador de Jujuy.
San Salvador de Jujuy is located on the paved National Routes 9 and 66. The route to Parque Provincial Potrero de Yala via National Route 9 and Provincial Route 4 is also useful to know. Gobernador Horacio Guzmán International Airport has good connections with the rest of Argentina. There are three tourist information offices in San Salvador de Jujuy. When looking for a holiday rental, choose your focus based on whether you mainly want to visit the city’s museums and parks or the natural attractions in Potrero de Yala.
Other places below this administrative level include Termas De Reyes and León.
For the broader travel overview: Jujuy.
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