Argentina

Once upon a time, Tucumán flourished. Given an economic boost, it seems possible that this proud, sophisticated city will do so again. It has a character all of its own, with colonial and 19th-century historical sites, lots of cultural attractions, and enough cafe-bars to keep any traveller happy.

Before the 20th century

Founded in 1565, Tucumán and its hinterland were oriented towards Salta and Bolivia for most of the colonial period. Only during and after Argentine independence did Tucumán distinguish itself from the rest of the region.

In the early 19th century, Tucumán hosted the congress that declared Argentine independence in 1816. Dominated by Unitarist merchants, lawyers, soldiers and clergy, the congress accomplished little else; despite a virtual boycott by Federalist factions, it failed to agree on a constitution that would have institutionalized a constitutional monarchy.

Unlike other colonial cities of the Noroeste, Tucumán successfully reoriented its economy after independence.

Modern history

Modern Tucumán dates from the late 19th century and owes its importance to location; at the southern end of the frost-free zone of sugarcane production, it was just close enough to Buenos Aires to take advantage of the federal capital's growing market. By 1874, a railroad connected Tucumán with Córdoba, permitting easy transport of sugar. In addition, local and British capital contributed to the industry's growth.

Recent history

In contemporary Argentina, Tucumán is synonymous with sugar. However, while this monoculture has enabled the province to develop secondary industries (mainly tobacco and citrus), it has also created tremendous inequities in wealth and land distribution, as well as ecological problems.

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Tucumán has a subtropical climate with a dry winter (June through August) and average daily temperatures of around 19°C (66°F). October through March brings buckets of rain - bring an umbrella or stay indoors! The hottest months are January and February, with the mercury hovering around a pleasant 29°C (84°F).

Average weather

• Temperature
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Transport

Getting around

For getting around the city, remember that buses here do not accept cash - you'll need to purchase cospeles from the downtown kiosks; cospeles are less readily available elsewhere in the city.

If you want to rent a car, try Móvil Renta (tel: 431 0550; San Lorenzo 370).

Getting there and away

Aeropuerto Internacional Benjamín Matienzo (tel: 426 4906) is situated 8km (5mi) east of downtown via Av Gobernador del Campo, which is the northern boundary of Parque 9 de Julio. Empresa 120 Alderete operates airport minibuses that leave from the bus terminal every 20 minutes during the day.

Aerolíneas Argentinas (tel: 431 1030; 9 de Julio 110) and Southern Winds (tel: 421 1410; Marcos Paz 194) both fly daily to Buenos Aires' Aeroparque airport. Lloyd Aéreo Boliviano (LAB; tel: 422 3030; San Martín 667, 4th fl) flies on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday to Santa Cruz, Bolivia.

Tucumán's sparkling bus terminal (tel: 422 2221; Brígido Terán 350) is a major public-works project with 60 platforms, a post office, telephone services, a supermarket, bars and restaurants. Inside the complex, Shopping del Jardín's information booth (tel: 430 6400) provides information on the bus station and the shopping center only.