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Monumento al Indio

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Monumento al Indio (Argentina)

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The Monumento al Indio, officially named 'El Chasqui,' is located in the Tucumán province along Provincial Route 307 within the Quebrada de los Sosa canyon. Created in 1943 by Argentine sculptor Enrique Prat Gay, the monument pays tribute to the indigenous roots and heritage of Argentina's northwestern region. The six-meter-tall concrete sculpture stands on a large base and depicts an Inca messenger blowing a seashell to communicate information across distances. Geographically, the monument is positioned at an altitude of approximately 1,100 meters above sea level, surrounded by the dense subtropical vegetation of the Yungas forests. It serves as a popular resting point for travelers heading from the city of San Miguel de Tucumán to the high mountain valley of Tafí del Valle. The statue symbolizes the cultural endurance of the Diaguita-Calchaquí people who inhabited the area prior to the Spanish conquest. Its prominent location in the misty canyon makes it a significant icon of provincial identity and history.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Sep–Nov.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C212018161210101214182020
Rain mm187155122772420461448100151

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Monumento al Indio in northwestern Argentina honors the indigenous roots of the region. The statue is outdoors and accessible free of charge at any time.
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Typical hours
As a public monument, there are no fixed opening hours. Access is easy during the day, but the area is often dark at night.
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Photography
Photography is allowed and encouraged. The statue with the Andes in the background has an impressive photo backdrop.
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Time needed
A visit typically takes 15 to 20 minutes. The site is good for a short stop on a tour of the region.
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Combine with
Combine your visit with other indigenous sites in the province, such as the Quilmes ruins or the markets of Humahuaca. The landscape of Quebrada de Humahuaca is also worth seeing.
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Getting there
The monument is usually located on a through road and accessible by car or bus. Parking is generally available nearby.
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Insider tip
Ask at the local tourist information office about the exact meaning of the statue. A visit at sunset gives the scene a special atmosphere.

Geography

Coordinates
-27.06830, -65.65920

Facts

  • The monument was completed in 1943 by the sculptor Enrique Prat Gay.
  • The statue itself is 6 meters tall and is made of solid concrete.
  • It is located at an elevation of 1,100 meters above sea level in the canyon.
  • The figure represents a 'Chasqui,' the official messenger of the Inca Empire.
  • It is situated at kilometer 45 on the road connecting Tucumán to Tafí del Valle.
  • The messenger is shown blowing a 'Pututu,' a conch shell used as a trumpet.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Los Menhires Archaeological ReserveLos Menhires Archaeological Reserve12 km · SEExplore →
Amaicha del ValleAmaicha del Valle36 km · SEExplore →
Pucará de AconquijaPucará de Aconquija46 km · SWExplore →
📍Ruins of Quilmes48 km · SEExplore →
Quebrada de las ConchasQuebrada de las Conchas51 km · EExplore →
Ruins of TolombónRuins of Tolombón52 km · SEExplore →
Historical House of IndependenceHistorical House of Independence52 km · NExplore →
CafayateCafayate58 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Monumento al Indio (4)

Cerro Ñuñorco Chico🌿 nature

Cerro Ñuñorco Chico is a prominent mountain peak in Tucumán Province, near the Monumento al Indio.

El Gigante Dormido📍 landmark

El Gigante Dormido is a distinctive natural hill formation near the Monumento al Indio whose outline resembles a sleeping giant.

Mirador del Rio🌿 nature

The Mirador del Rio is a viewpoint near the Monumento al Indio offering pretty sights over the local river valley.

Virgen de las Flores⛪ religious

Virgen de las Flores is a local place of worship near the Monumento al Indio dedicated to the Virgin of the Flowers.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is the place very crowded with tourists?
No, it is usually a quiet viewpoint for stops.
What can be seen from there?
There is a fantastic view of the surrounding valley.
Is there parking available?
Yes, there are small parking spaces right by the road.
Does the visit cost anything?
No, access to the monument is free.
Is the place suitable for photos?
Yes, the statue features a great subject against the mountain scenery.
Monumento al Indio: where is it located?
Monumento al Indio is located in Argentina.
Monumento al Indio: what is there to see?
Highlights include Cerro Ñuñorco Chico, El Gigante Dormido, Mirador del Rio.
Monumento al Indio: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Sep, Nov.
Monumento al Indio: why is it worth visiting?
The Monumento al Indio, officially named 'El Chasqui,' is located in the Tucumán province along Provincial Route 307 within the Quebrada de los Sosa canyon.
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Nearby cities

San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca — Monumento al Indio (Argentina)
San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca
Formally San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca, this city sits in a mountain valley and is known for its colonial architecture and weaving.
Andalgalá — Monumento al Indio (Argentina)
Andalgalá
A picturesque town located at the foot of the Aconquija mountains, known for its mining history and agricultural production.

History & landmarks

Ruins of Quilmes — Monumento al Indio (Argentina)
Ruins of Quilmes
Remains of an ancient city, illustrating the resistance of the Quilmes people against colonization.
Amaicha del Valle — Monumento al Indio (Argentina)
Amaicha del Valle
A deeply rooted indigenous community known for its stunning Pachamama Museum, 360 days of sunshine, and proximity to Quilmes ruins.
Cafayate — Monumento al Indio (Argentina)
Cafayate
Cafayate is a town in the Calchaquí Valleys, famous for its high-altitude vineyards producing Torrontés wine and the nearby red rock form…

More places

Los Menhires Archaeological Reserve — Monumento al Indio (Argentina)
Los Menhires Archaeological Reserve
A collection of ancient carved stones, significant for its pre-colonial cultural and artistic value.
Historical House of Independence — Monumento al Indio (Argentina)
Historical House of Independence
The site where the Argentine Declaration of Independence was signed in 1816.
Pucará de Aconquija — Monumento al Indio (Argentina)
Pucará de Aconquija
A mountain fortress demonstrating advanced indigenous engineering in the Catamarca region.
Quebrada de las Conchas — Monumento al Indio (Argentina)
Quebrada de las Conchas
A deep river valley with impressive, wind-sculpted rust-red rock formations, such as the Amphitheater and the Devil's Throat.
Ruins of Tolombón — Monumento al Indio (Argentina)
Ruins of Tolombón
Archaeological ruins in the Salta region, reflecting the lifestyle of indigenous cultures.