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This is the southwestern most province of the NOA region and also the least visited The Sierras Pampeanas contain ancient crystal blocks and rocks dating back to 500 million years ago and they cut across the Province of Catamarca up to the Andes. The Andean Altiplano contains some of the highest peaks in South America and a large number of volcanoes. The mountain slopes are full of attractive secondary roads, passes, ports or portezuelos typical of Catamarca. Because vehicle traffic does not justify the construction of tunnels, the provincial roads are still narrow, twisty and very scenic as they climb up and down the mountains. These roads link small towns ripe with tradition as well as some interesting archeological sites. The local pottery and metalwork that the craftsmen produce is part of their inherited culture. Some 2000 years ago and up to the Inca invasion, the natives built circular houses with 3 to 6 rooms and produced highly developed pottery and ornaments in gold, silver, copper, and metal alloys.
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