Las Bóvedas De Uspallata - XVIIIth century mining footprint

Las Bóvedas De Uspallata - XVIIIth century mining footprint

Somewhere, not that far from the end of the world, deep in the mountains, in the small town of Uspallata – the last town before crossing the border between Argentina and Chile – there is a tiny history museum. The first impression while looking at the construction suggests the Middle East rather than Latino or Andean culture. Not many would have guessed that the architects of this curiosity were actually Jesuits, who, by using rock, straw mixed with clay, and occasionally brick, managed to create a building with four rooms and three weird chimneys.

Okay, but what were those chimneys used for? Already two hundred years ago, in the very same region, the first mining began. I’d say mining became a source of big income, but also nature’s devastation, and water pollution remains, until now, a big controversy in the region, and a object of discussion, sometimes protests. If you remember me describing in one of the previous posts how big mining corporations were not welcomed near Salta, you should have an idea what I’m talking about. Same scenario, and the very same protests are happening near Mendoza.

Back to Las Bóvedas de Uspallata. Jesuits created the construction to smelt copper and other minerals from the local mines. The chimneys allowed to reach proper temperatures in a relatively safe way.

Those who like the history of independence will appreciate the information that General San Martin stopped here during his Liberating Campaign. He made Las Bóvedas his temporary quarters. The museum has a short exhibition related to that fact, plus a few archeological artefacts from the valley, and some local art.

For foreigners, the spot is quite invisible. It doesn’t have its own website, just a mention on the town’s page. It’s not that popular, and local tour companies rarely offer trips here. For Argentinians, especially those who love history, this spot on the map is quite important though. I wouldn’t say it’s worth flying from Buenos Aires just to see this exact destination, but when you’re nearby, why not make a short trip to see Las Bóvedas? It’s not only the museum – it’s a beautiful road in the mountains, it’s the nature and calm, chilling atmosphere of a small town in the middle of nowhere.

You can enter the museum on your own or join a guided tour. Both options are free (in case of the guided tour, for a customary tip), and available every day from 8:00 to 18:00. The visit should take you approximately 30 minutes.
Next to the museum, you’ll find a small parking lot; in the town, there are a few shops and a gas station.