Abandoned mines and ghost town of Paramillo in Uspallata

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Ciudad fantasmal de Paramillos

Alta Montaña

The Paramillo Mines in Uspallata will amaze you with centuries-old ruins, deep tunnels, and incredible viewpoints over the valley. A journey through history, nature, and Andean landscapes, where you can explore ancient mining complexes and walk through the mystical “ghost town” while observing local wildlife and panoramic views of the Uspallata valley.

The Paramillos Mines represent the first mining exploitation in Argentina, with activity dating back to the pre-Columbian period, intensified by the Incas and later by the Jesuit Order during the Colonial era.

Today, the ruins preserve remains of more than 40 veins and thousands of underground tunnels.

HOW TO GET THERE

The Paramillo Mines are located along Route 52, the old road that connects the Villavicencio Hot Springs with Uspallata.

From Uspallata, heading north for about 25 km, you will find the first sector marked by the sign of the Paramillos Mining Geopark. From there, take the right-hand detour that leads to the first complex, located on a small hill.

Continuing along Route 52, after crossing the Darwin Forest, you will see old unloading ruins next to the road, marking the entrance to the Paramillos Ghost Town.

WHAT TO SEE

This site combines Andean landscapes, historic ruins, and a surprising presence of native wildlife.

From the top of both complexes, the views of the Uspallata valley are exceptional: mountain ranges, reddish plains, and an endless horizon.

The area offers frequent sightings of condors, llamas, foxes, rheas, and other species.

The mining ruins scattered across the hillsides allow you to imagine what work was like centuries ago: tunnels, chimneys, pits, and old milling structures that are still visible. SUBACTIVITIES

Walk among ruins and short trails
Explore superficial mine entrances (no deep entry)
Photograph landscapes, structures, and wildlife
Take self-guided historical and geological tours
Visit the Ghost Town to observe different construction stages

Services and Activities

There are specialized guides to this place, inquire in Uspallata.

Characteristics

Check the road conditions before leaving at the tourist information office in Uspallata.
Avoid going after rain or snowfall; the road becomes muddy and washboarded.
Going with a guide is highly recommended.
If you plan to enter the mine tunnels, ALWAYS do so with a certified guide. Many galleries are unstable, with hidden shafts, low oxygen, and rockfalls.
If you visit on your own, stay in safe areas, there are vertical shafts over 100 meters deep.
Keep children within sight at all times and, if possible, hold their hands.
The best time to visit is in spring and autumn, when temperatures are mild.
Summer weather: If you go in summer, bring plenty of water and sun protection.
Winter weather: If you go in winter, bring warm clothing for the intense cold.
Respect the local wildlife. Do not start fires.
Needed time: 1h 30m
Price: Free entrance

Interest points locations

Explore what lies beyond: sites, corners, and attractions that make this place even more special.

Ghost Town of Paramillos

Darwin's fossil forest

South Mine (mining geopark)

History

The Paramillo Mines were discovered around 1638, although evidence indicates that the Huarpe and Inca peoples had already exploited the area. During the colonial period, the Jesuits developed the first systematic exploitation, employing thousands of Indigenous workers. In the 19th century, Argentine and European capital drove their greatest expansion, building shafts over 100 meters deep, furnaces, and a concentration plant. Although activity ceased around 1940, today it remains one of the oldest and most valuable industrial heritage sites in the country.

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