DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Ruins of Quilmes

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
—°6
Ruins of Quilmes (Argentina)

Weather…

The Quilmes Ruins are the remains of one of Argentina's most significant pre-Hispanic settlements, located in the Calchaquí Valleys of Tucumán Province. The Quilmes people inhabited this site from approximately 800 AD, developing a complex urban system with agricultural terraces and defensive structures. The settlement is famous for its inhabitants' heroic resistance against Spanish colonization, which lasted over 130 years until their final defeat in 1667. Following their surrender, the survivors were forced on a long march to Buenos Aires, leading to the founding of the modern city of Quilmes. The archaeological site was rediscovered in 1888 and later partially reconstructed for tourism. The ruins offer an impressive view of the mountainous landscape and bear witness to the advanced architecture and social organization of the Diaguita cultures.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Sep–Nov.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C12111085334691012
Rain mm199166126782419451145100159

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
The ruins of Quilmes are a pre-Columbian city in the Calchaquí Valley, open to visitors. You can explore the terraces and fortifications.
🕒
Typical hours
The archaeological site usually has fixed opening hours, typically 9am-5pm or 6pm. It is wise to check ahead as hours may vary seasonally.
📷
Photography
Photography is allowed; the sprawling stone structures against the mountain backdrop are spectacular. Use early morning sun for long shadows and warm colors.
⏱️
Time needed
Plan 1.5-2 hours for walking through the ruined city. If you climb up to the viewpoint, add another 30 minutes.
➕
Combine with
Combine the ruins with a visit to the nearby Quebrada de Cafayate or the wineries of Cafayate. The drive through the Calchaquí Valley is scenic.
🧭
Getting there
The ruins are about 30 km south of Cafayate on RN 40. Best reached by private car or taxi; parking is available on site.
💡
Insider tip
Arrive early to avoid crowds and the midday heat. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat; there is little shade on the site.

Geography

Coordinates
-26.51600, -66.02700

Facts

  • Inhabited from approx. 800 AD to 1667
  • Peak population of about 5,000 people
  • Part of the Diaguita ethnic group
  • Resisted Spanish rule for over 130 years
  • Located in the province of Tucumán
  • Rediscovered in 1888 by Samuel Lafone Quevedo

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Amaicha del ValleAmaicha del Valle13 km · NExplore →
Ruins of TolombónRuins of Tolombón17 km · NEExplore →
CafayateCafayate21 km · EExplore →
Los Menhires Archaeological ReserveLos Menhires Archaeological Reserve38 km · NWExplore →
Calchaquí ValleysCalchaquí Valleys46 km · EExplore →
Monumento al IndioMonumento al Indio48 km · NWExplore →
Colomé WineryColomé Winery49 km · SEExplore →
Quebrada de las ConchasQuebrada de las Conchas49 km · NEExplore →

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 Ruins of Quilmes (6)

Ruinas de los Quilmes📍 landmark

The Ruinas de los Quilmes are extensive archaeological remains of an indigenous pre-Columbian settlement terraced into the hillside.

Mirador sur🌿 nature

This southern viewpoint features panoramic vistas across the terraced stone walls of the ancient Quilmes settlement.

Llama📍 landmark

This attraction at the Quilmes ruins allows visitors to observe Andean llamas native to the region's high-altitude environment.

Pircas📍 landmark

These traditional dry stone walls, known as pircas, form the foundational terraces of the pre-Hispanic Quilmes settlement.

Mortero🏺 historical

This ancient grinding stone, or mortero, is carved directly into the bedrock and was used by the Quilmes people to process grain.

Quilmes🏺 historical

The ancient archaeological site of Quilmes preserves the labyrinthine stone foundations of a fierce indigenous society that resisted Spanish conquest.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What are the ruins of Quilmes?
The remains of a massive fortified settlement of the Diaguita indigenous people.
Is the trip worth it?
Yes, the place is historically very significant and features a sweeping setting.
Are there museums there?
Yes, an attached interpretation center conveys the history of the Quilmes.
Is the area very hot?
Yes, shade is rare, so definitely bring sun protection.
Can one stay overnight there?
Yes, there is a hotel right at the site, which is very convenient.
Ruins of Quilmes: where is it located?
Ruins of Quilmes is located in Argentina.
Ruins of Quilmes: what is there to see?
Highlights include Ruinas de los Quilmes, Mirador sur, Llama.
Ruins of Quilmes: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Sep, Nov.
Ruins of Quilmes: why is it worth visiting?
The Quilmes Ruins are the remains of one of Argentina's most significant pre-Hispanic settlements, located in the Calchaquí Valleys of Tucumán Province.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
South America
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in South America
More places in Argentina →

Nearby cities

Andalgalá — Ruins of Quilmes (Argentina)
Andalgalá
A picturesque town located at the foot of the Aconquija mountains, known for its mining history and agricultural production.

History & landmarks

Monumento al Indio — Ruins of Quilmes (Argentina)
Monumento al Indio
A tribute monument celebrating the indigenous roots and heritage of Argentina's northwestern region.
Amaicha del Valle — Ruins of Quilmes (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 — Ruins of Quilmes (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…
Cachi — Ruins of Quilmes (Argentina)
Cachi
A picturesque colonial village in the Calchaquí Valleys surrounded by towering Andean peaks and cactus forests.

More places

Los Menhires Archaeological Reserve — Ruins of Quilmes (Argentina)
Los Menhires Archaeological Reserve
A collection of ancient carved stones, significant for its pre-colonial cultural and artistic value.
Historical House of Independence — Ruins of Quilmes (Argentina)
Historical House of Independence
The site where the Argentine Declaration of Independence was signed in 1816.
Ruins of Tolombón — Ruins of Quilmes (Argentina)
Ruins of Tolombón
Archaeological ruins in the Salta region, reflecting the lifestyle of indigenous cultures.
Calchaquí Valleys — Ruins of Quilmes (Argentina)
Calchaquí Valleys
An extensive system of valleys and mountains, famous for its contrasting landscapes of red rocks and green oases.
🗺️
Colomé Winery
The oldest continuously operating winery in Argentina, boasting some of the highest-altitude vineyards in the world.
Quebrada de las Conchas — Ruins of Quilmes (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.
Pucará de Aconquija — Ruins of Quilmes (Argentina)
Pucará de Aconquija
A mountain fortress demonstrating advanced indigenous engineering in the Catamarca region.
Cuesta del Obispo — Ruins of Quilmes (Argentina)
Cuesta del Obispo
A winding, steep mountain pass road leading through green, cloud-draped mountains, offering spectacular views of deep gorges.