San Miguel de Tucuman is the capital city of The Tucuman Province, and the largest city in the Northwest region of Argentina.
San Miguel de Tucumán is an important historic spot in the country since the Declaration of Independence from Spain took place here on July 9, 1816. The actual place where this important event occurred is a colonial-style house known as "Casa Historica" by tucumanos or "Casita de Tucuman" by Argentineans from other regions.
The city sits on the slopes of the Aconquija mountains, the easternmost mountain range before the large Chaco-Pampean flats. It is the commercial center of an irrigated area that produces large quantities of sugarcane, rice, tobacco, and fruit, and provides the province with its nickname, the Garden of the Republic. The National University of Tucumán (1914) and the Saint Thomas Aquinas University of the North (1965) are in the city.
On July 9, 1816 a congress gathered in Tucumán declared the independence from Spain, which did not officially recognize it until 1862. The meeting place of the congress, the House of Tucumán, has been reconstructed as a national monument.
PLACE TO VISIT
Independence House. The most important tourist and historic spot in the city. The Independence of the country was declared here on July 9, 1816, by representatives from the different provinces. The only part of the house that remains of the original building is the room where the congressmen gathered and the declaration took place. The facade was rebuilt after the original one based on photographs of the XIX Century.
Government House, Located across from the main square "Plaza Independencia". This magnicent building was built where the old Cabildo was formerly situated.
Plaza Independencia, the city's main square. One of the best places to see local people and a start point to tour the downtown area. There is a beautiful "Statue of Liberty" in its center made by the famous local artist Lola Mora.
San Franciso Church right across the Plaza Independencia. The interior is beautifully decorated.
9 de Julio Park, 5 blocks east of downtown, across from the bus station. One of the largest public parks in the country (100 hectares) designed by French architect Charles Thays (who also designed the public parks in Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Rosario and Mendoza. Among its many attractions are the San Miguel Lake, Bishop Colombres's House (a colonial style house which includes a museum of the sugarcane industry), the Flower Clock and several sculptures scattered around the park. There are some good bars and restaurants as well.
HOW TO REACH
By plane - Tucumán is served by Teniente Benjamín Matienzo International Airport. On average, there are 4 daily flights departing from Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) in Buenos Aires. This Airport is located 12 kilometers east of Downtown Tucuman. From the airport, taxis cost approximately 10 pesos (roughly US$3.00). Airport can also be reached with Bus Line 121, once every hour.
By train - There is a weekly train from Buenos Aires and back. The journey takes approximately 25 hours as it stops in many towns and cities along the railroad. It costs 35/45 pesos in tourist class/primera.
It leaves Buenos Aires at 9:40AM on Mondays and Fridays and returns from Tucumán on Wednesdays at 5:47pm and on Saturdays at 8:33PM. During vacations there might be a second service per week. Get your tickets early - they are sometimes sold out 10 days in advance.
By bus - Several bus companies provide services from Tucuman City to almost all major and mid-size cities in Argentina. The city boasts one the largest bus stations in the country and it is located at walking distance from downtown and the main hotels.
