How to get to Santa Maria

When planning a trip to Santa Maria, you are embarking on a journey to the picturesque heart of the Calchaquí Valleys in the country's northwest. This cosy town in the province of Catamarca attracts travellers with its rich archaeological history, colonial architecture, and breathtaking mountain landscapes. You can reach Santa Maria by combining a flight to the nearest major hubs with a car or bus ride along the region's most beautiful roads.

Since Santa Maria does not have its own airport, flying serves only as the first stage of your journey. The most convenient option is a flight to the airport in San Miguel de Tucumán (TUC), which is located approximately 83 km away in a straight line, although the journey along the mountain roads will take longer. This airport receives regular flights from the capital and major cities of the country.

Alternative arrival points can be the airports in Termas de Río Hondo (147 km) or in the provincial capital, the city of Catamarca (197 km). All these transport hubs have well-established connections with the region, allowing you to easily continue your journey to Santa Maria by land transport while enjoying views of the Andean foothills.

At the moment, it is impossible to reach Santa Maria directly by train, as the city lacks a railway station. The railway network in this part of Argentina is not as widely developed as the bus service and is oriented primarily towards freight transport or rare tourist routes in other zones.

If you prefer rail travel, the nearest points theoretically accessible by train (followed by a transfer to road transport) are major regional centres such as San Miguel de Tucumán or Catamarca. However, for the final leg of the journey to the Calchaquí Valleys, you will invariably need to use a bus or a rented car.

Bus services are a popular and affordable way to get to Santa Maria, allowing you to enjoy the atmosphere of the local roads. Regular services connect the city with San Miguel de Tucumán; despite the relatively short distance on the map, the trip along the winding serpentine road through Tafí del Valle may take several hours, but the views from the window will be unforgettable.

There are also routes from the city of Catamarca and the resort town of Termas de Río Hondo. Travelling by bus in these directions is an excellent opportunity to witness the shift in natural zones from subtropical forests to the high-altitude deserts characteristic of northern Argentina.

A trip to Santa Maria by car is a true adventure, offering complete freedom of movement through the famous valleys. One of the most scenic routes leads from the city of San Miguel de Tucumán: you will have to drive about 185 km, which will take approximately 3.4 hours. The road passes through dense "Yungas" forests and mountain passes, requiring attention from the driver but rewarding you with stunning panoramas.

If you are driving from Termas de Río Hondo, the journey will be around 225 km (about 3.9 hours on the road). The route from the city of Catamarca is longer — about 319 km and a 5-hour drive — but it allows you to see the diversity of the province's landscapes. Taxis or private transfers for such distances are possible but will cost significantly more than a bus.

A journey to the Calchaquí Valleys requires a little preparation so that nothing distracts you from immersing yourself in the region's culture and nature. Here are a few practical recommendations for a comfortable trip to Santa Maria:

1. Clothing and Climate. A dry climate with significant temperature fluctuations prevails here. Be sure to dress in layers: it can be hot during the day, while the temperature drops sharply at night. Comfortable trekking shoes are essential for walking in the hills.
2. Transport. The town is small, and its centre is easy to navigate on foot. For trips to the surrounding areas and archaeological sites, it is best to rent a car or arrange a ride with a local driver (remis).
3. Finances. The official currency is the Peso. In small towns, ATMs may not work or may run out of cash, and cards are not accepted everywhere. Always carry a supply of cash, preferably in small denominations.
4. Health. The sun in the mountains is very active. Always use high SPF sunscreen, wear a head covering, and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and facilitate acclimatisation to the altitude.
5. Siesta. Keep in mind the local daily schedule: from 13:00 to 17:00, most shops and establishments close for a siesta (midday break). Plan your shopping and dining in advance or rest during this time, just like the locals.
6. Language and Communication. The primary language is Spanish. English is not widely understood everywhere, so knowing basic phrases or having an offline translator on your phone will be a great advantage.

Following these simple rules will help you feel confident and enjoy the hospitality of Santa Maria without unnecessary hassle.