Major city · Argentina
Santa Maria, CatamarcaSanta María
Use Santa Maria as a quiet base for 1–2 nights to explore the Quilmes ruins and nearby vineyards, not a destination on its own.
Santa Maria is a small, affordable town in the Andean Northwest, near the border with Salta and Tucumán. It's not a tourist hub like Tafí del Valle or Cachi, so accommodation and food are cheaper. Most travellers stop for a night or two to visit the Ruinas de Quilmes and the small wineries in the valley.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- ARS
- Best months
- Sep–Apr (spring and summer)
- avoid Jun–Aug (cold nights, some services reduced)
- Airports
- TUC · SLA
- Nights
- 1–2
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the fir…
- South America ↗Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the first day light; sleep lower where you can (Sacred Valley before Cusco) and descend if headache comes with vomiting or confusion.
- South America ↗A yellow fever certificate is required on arrival in French Guiana, and asked for on some routes into Bolivia, Paraguay, Suriname and Guyana, or when arriving from Amazon areas — vaccinate at least 10 days before travel and carry the card.
- South America ↗Overnight buses are the norm in Argentina, Chile and Peru, but pick top-tier companies and keep valuables on your body; on-board thefts from overhead racks are the common loss.
- Argentina ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Argentina's National Migration Directorate (Migraciones) or an Argentine consulate before booking.
- Argentina ↗Since April 2025 the official, MEP and street ('blue') dollar rates sit within a few percent of each other; a foreign card is usually the best-value way to pay, while ATM withdrawals carry high fixed fees. Rules have changed often — check before you fly.
- Argentina ↗Patagonia (El Calafate, El Chaltén, Ushuaia) is a November–March trip; in winter many services close and hiking is limited.
- Argentina ↗Since August 2026 non-resident foreigners must show insurance or pay for non-urgent care at nationally run public hospitals, and Buenos Aires City, Mendoza, Salta, Jujuy and Santa Cruz charge visitors for scheduled care; emergencies are still treated. Travel with medical insurance — check the current rules.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Santa Maria, Catamarca911 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Santa Maria, Catamarca, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Argentine peso (ARS, $).Argentina-wide
- SIM or eSIMClaro, Movistar and Personal cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their shops with a passport, or an eSIM before you fly.Argentina-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable in Buenos Aires and most cities; in the Northwest and rural areas ask or use bottled.Argentina-wide
- TippingRestaurant: About 10% in cash; the cubierto (cover charge) is not a tip.Argentina-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/I. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 220 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Argentina-wide
- SafetySanta Maria is safe for tourists.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsUse cafés, shopping centres and bus terminals (small fee sometimes); carry tissues.Argentina-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police · 107 ambulance · 100 fire
- Sundays & holidaysSiesta hours (13:00–17:00) in the provinces close many shops; Buenos Aires works straight through.Siesta hours (1:00 PM–5:00 PM) in the provinces close many shops; Buenos Aires works straight through.Argentina-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportTUC Teniente General Benjamín Matienzo International Airport (Tucumán) (About 180 km (112 mi), 3 h drive; buses take 4–5 h).TUC Teniente General Benjamín Matienzo International Airport (Tucumán) (About 112 mi (180 km), 3 h drive; buses take 4–5 h).
- Getting aroundThe town is walkable.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee at a caféARS 800–1,500
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi within townARS 1,500–2,500
- Metro or bus rideBus to Tucumán (one way)checkARS 4,000–6,000
- Budget bedDouble room in a guesthouse, a night, per roomARS 15,000
- Mid-range bedDouble room in a guesthouse, a night, per roomARS 25,000
- High-end bedDouble room in a guesthouse, a night, per roomARS 40,000
A day, not counting the bed: Budget ARS 15,000 · Mid ARS 25,000 · High ARS 45,000
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- TUC Teniente General Benjamín Matienzo International Airport (Tucumán) (About 180 km (112 mi), 3 h drive; buses take 4–5 h) · SLA Martín Miguel de Güemes International Airport (Salta) (About 3.5 h drive; better road than from Tucumán)TUC Teniente General Benjamín Matienzo International Airport (Tucumán) (About 112 mi (180 km), 3 h drive; buses take 4–5 h) · SLA Martín Miguel de Güemes International Airport (Salta) (About 3.5 h drive; better road than from Tucumán)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Feb
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Mar
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Apr
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
May
not flagged
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Jun
Avoid
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Jul
Avoid
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Aug
Avoid
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Sep
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Oct
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Nov
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Dec
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Best: Sep–Apr. Avoid: Jun–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)), coolest Jul (3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C) low), wettest Jan (8 rain days), driest Jun (1). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Santa Maria, Catamarca: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
8 rd
Feb
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
7 rd
Mar
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
6 rd
Apr
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
4 rd
May
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
2 rd
Jun
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
1 rd
Jul
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
1 rd
Aug
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
1 rd
Sep
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
2 rd
Oct
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
4 rd
Nov
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
5 rd
Dec
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
7 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The town is walkable. For the Quilmes ruins and wineries, you need a car or a taxi (negotiate a half-day rate).
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Ruinas de Quilmes
goDoor to door: About 30 min each way
Taxi or car, about 20 km (12 mi) south on Ruta 40Taxi or car, about 12 mi (20 km) south on Ruta 40
The largest pre-Columbian settlement in Argentina; allow 2 h on site.
Amaicha del Valle
goDoor to door: About 40 min
Car or taxi, about 30 km (19 mi) south on Ruta 40Car or taxi, about 19 mi (30 km) south on Ruta 40
Small town with a museum and artisan market; combine with Quilmes.
Tafí del Valle
cautionDoor to door: About 1.5 h
Car via Ruta 40 and RP 307, about 70 km (43 mi)Car via Ruta 40 and RP 307, about 43 mi (70 km)
Scenic drive but winding roads; better as a half-day if you have a car.
Cachi
skipDoor to door: About 2.5 h
Car via Ruta 40 and RP 33, about 120 km (75 mi)Car via Ruta 40 and RP 33, about 75 mi (120 km)
Too far for a day return; stay overnight in Cachi instead.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Town centre
Most hostels and budget hotels within walking distance of the main square.
Outskirts / Ruta 40
A few fincas and guesthouses with vineyard views; you'll need your own transport.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ARS 15,000–25,000 excl. bed
- Mid
- ARS 25,000–45,000 excl. bed
- High
- ARS 45,000+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room in a guesthouse1 × 2 nights × ARS 25,000 | ARS 50,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × ARS 25,000 | ARS 100,000 |
| Taxi from Tucumán airport to Santa Maria (one way)1 × ARS 25,000 · check | ARS 25,000 |
| Bus from Tucumán to Santa Maria (one way)2 × ARS 5,000 · check | ARS 10,000 |
| Half-day taxi to Quilmes ruins and wineries1 × ARS 15,000 · check | ARS 15,000 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | ARS 20,000 |
| Trip total≈ ARS 55,000 per person per day, bed included | ARS 220,000 |
2026 estimate in Argentine pesos; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee at a café | ARS 800–1,500 |
| Empanada (one) | ARS 500–800 |
| Bottle of local wine (at a winery) | ARS 3,000–6,000 |
| Taxi within town | ARS 1,500–2,500 |
| Bus to Tucumán (one way)check | ARS 4,000–6,000 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Sun is intense: bring a hat, sunscreen and water even in spring.
- Buses from Salta make many stops; driving is much faster.
- Wineries are small and may not have regular opening hours: call ahead or ask at your accommodation.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 911
- Ambulance
- 107
- Fire
- 100
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
Santa Maria, CatamarcaSanta María
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police911
- Ambulance107
- Fire100
Embassy
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Taxi from Tucumán airport to Santa Maria: about ARS 25,000, 3 h (check)
- Bus from Tucumán to Santa Maria: about ARS 5,000, 4–5 h (check)
- Half-day taxi to Quilmes and wineries: about ARS 15,000 (check)
Say or show
- Hola — Hello (OH-lah)
- Gracias — Thank you (GRAH-syas)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (KWAHN-toh KWES-tah)
- ¿Dónde está el baño? — Where is the bathroom? (DON-deh es-TAH el BAH-nyo)
- No entiendo — I don't understand (no en-TYEN-doh)
- ¿Aceptan tarjeta? — Do you accept card? (ah-SEP-tan tar-HEH-tah)
Spanish is the local language; English is not widely spoken outside tourist businesses.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Santa Maria, Catamarca. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Sep–Apr (spring and summer) · avoid Jun–Aug (cold nights, some services reduced) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Place pages for Quilmes ruins and 2–3 wineries with verified opening hours.
- Eat pages for 3–4 restaurants with last-order times.
- Taxi and transfer fixtures from Tucumán and Salta airports.
- Accommodation pages with budget/mid/high bands.
Sources
Ask about Santa Maria, Catamarca
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