Hidden among the immense mountain ranges of northern Argentina there is a small town anchored in the past, where the peaks and valleys have kept it isolated. For this reason, life here remains slow, with the landscapes and customs of yesteryear still marking the rhythm of life of the neighbors.
El Naranjo is a rural town in the province of Salta, surrounded by green valleys and fruit trees that give it an air of serenity and disconnection. These plantations were introduced by the Spanish conquistadors centuries ago and have thrived thanks to the temperate climate, splashing the entire town with colors and giving it its name.
Central Square
The architecture of El Naranjo is very traditional, with old single-story houses, period warehouses and dirt and grass streets that make it even more authentic. Life revolves around the central square, where the Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes chapel is located, a 19th century Jesuit colonial temple in a baroque style. Inside there is a wooden carving of Christ, made by the indigenous people in the 18th century.
Our Lady of Mercedes Chapel and Fortín El Naranjo
Attached to the church is the Historical Museum, full of objects, clothing and documents that reflect the local history of El Naranjo. There are also two gaucho forts: El Naranjo and Agrupación 24 de Septiembre, responsible for keeping Creole traditions alive through cultural activities.
The town is a jewel of the interior of Argentina, but the most incredible thing about it is in its surroundings. Located in a privileged natural space, El Naranjo is full of rural roads that cross green fields, rivers, waterfalls and agricultural and livestock farms, with the mountains always as a backdrop. For this reason, travelers take the opportunity to hike or ride horses, soak up nature and take quiet walks to recharge their batteries before returning to work.
