La Mejicana Mine
Mina La Mejicana
A four-wheel-drive trip up old mining tracks to an abandoned gold mine at about 4,600 metres, where colourful mountainsides and the cableway's final station are truly striking.
This century-old gold, silver and copper mining site in the Famatina mountains has its ninth cableway station, miners' dormitories and mine tunnel entrances scattered across slopes between 4,400 and 4,600 metres. Along the way, the mineralised rock layers show reds, yellows, greens and purples, and rock formations such as the Gypsy Girl's Skirt are popular photo spots. You can only visit with a licensed local four-wheel-drive tour company, departing from Chilecito or the town of Famatina. The full trip takes about 9 to 10 hours and includes lunch. The high altitude can cause altitude sickness, so bring a warm jacket, sunscreen and water. People with heart or respiratory conditions should take care.
Opening hours
Guided tours only; usually departs 7:00, returns in the evening
Nearby sights
- Sierra de Famatina (Cerro General Belgrano)
- Santa Florentina
- Famatina
- Tamberías del Inca
- Bodega La Riojana
- Museo Molino de San Francisco
- Chapel of Santa Clara de Asís, Los Sarmientos
- Chirau Mita Botanical Garden