San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca.

It owes its name due its location at the foothill. The word Catamarca means in Quechua language, the fortress at the foothill. It was originally founded in 1558 by Juan Pérez de Zurita in The Quinmivil Valley with the name of Londres. Then in 1591 it was re-founded by Ramírez de Velazco in the same place; and finally on July the 5 th of 1683 by Don Fernando Mendoza de Mate de Luna with the name of San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca.

Today is the capital city of Catamarca province and is a tourist and commercial center with an active cultural and traditional life that is displayed mostly on its University, institutions and museums.

Its urban building style keeps some colonial characteristics.

The main economic activity is the production of olives, nuts, vegetables and desiccated fruits among others. However what constitutes the bases of its future wealth are the mines, such as Farallón Negro, Bajo de la Alumbrera and Capillitas. All of them possess a huge reserve of gold, copper, silver and tin.

The geography of Catamarca represents one of the most incredible attractions of the city. From west or north the city is covered by mountains and ravines that usually end into valleys. On the southeast it rise the Pampas Sierras range, showing its oriental side with an astonish panorama colored in intense green tones. About ravines, clearly stand out La Cébila, Los Angeles and El Tala which are uphill drawing zigzagging paths into the mountains. The most famous paths are Totoral, Portezuelo, Clavillo, La Chilca and Capillitas.

The beauty of San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca landscapes attract visitors who want to find relax hospitality and deep-rooted traditions.

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