Tucumán · Argentina

Famaillá and the Empanada Route

Town in central Tucumán, the National Capital of the Empanada, with the empanada festival in September, parks with replicas and sculptures, and the Jesuit ruins of Lules to the north.

North

In the photo: Replica of the Cabildo of Buenos Aires in the Parque Temático Histórico del Bicentenario, in Famaillá.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

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Get to know the place

A region to enjoy
at your own pace.

Famaillá is in the center of Tucumán province, in northwest Argentina, about 35 km south of San Miguel de Tucumán, the provincial capital. The town stretches at the foot of the hills that separate the plain of sugarcane fields from the higher valleys, in a subtropical climate region where sugarcane shapes the landscape and the economy.

The name Famaillá is associated with the Tucumán empanada. The town holds the title National Capital of the Empanada and, since 1979, hosts the Fiesta Nacional de la Empanada, with a contest that selects the best empanadera or empanadero of the year. Famaillá, together with San Miguel de Tucumán, Yerba Buena and Simoca, forms the so‑called Ruta de la Empanada.

For the rest of the year, visitors come for the sculpture parks. At the northern entrance, the Parque Temático Histórico del Bicentenario gathers replicas of the Cabildo of Buenos Aires and the Casa Histórica de la Independencia, while the Galería de la Veneración at the southern entrance groups statues and murals of religious figures. In the center, the parish of Nuestra Señora del Carmen, the town’s patron, stands in front of the main square.

About 20 km to the north, along provincial road 301, are the Ruinas de San José de Lules, a National Historic Monument, with the church and convent of the former Jesuit estancia where sugarcane was planted for the first time in Tucumán.

This destination brings together 1 city: Famaillá.

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Where Famaillá and the Empanada Route is

Fuente: Instituto Geográfico Nacional de la República Argentina (IGN), contornos de 2019. Adaptação do Cidade Turismo.

How to get there: Famaillá and the Empanada Route

✈ Aeropuerto Internacional Teniente General Benjamín Matienzo (TUC), in San Miguel de Tucumán · 45 km to Famaillá

The nearest airport is San Miguel de Tucumán (TUC), with flights from Buenos Aires and other Argentine cities. From the capital to Famaillá it’s about 35 km via National Route 38 by car or intercity bus. The town has its own bus terminal.

Tucumán · Famaillá and the Empanada Route

Famaillá

Town in central Tucumán, 35 km south of San Miguel de Tucumán, at the foot of the hills and among sugarcane fields. It is the National Capital of the Empanada and has hosted the Fiesta Nacional de la Empanada since 1979, in September. At the northern entrance is the Parque Temático Histórico del Bicentenario, with replicas of the country’s historic buildings, and at the southern entrance the Galería de la Veneración; in the center, the parish of Nuestra Señora del Carmen. To the north are the Ruinas de San José de Lules.

The local experience

Things to do in Famaillá and the Empanada Route

Famaillá · Tucumán · Theme park

Parque Temático Histórico del Bicentenario

A walk of a few blocks at Famaillá’s northern entrance with replicas of the Cabildo of Buenos Aires, the Casa Histórica de la Independencia and the Pirámide de Mayo, figures of independence leaders and sculptures depicting colonial life.

Famaillá · Tucumán · Religious space

Galería de la Veneración

A walk at Famaillá’s entrance, by the roadside, with statues and murals of religious figures, including the Virgin of Mount Carmel, the town’s patroness.

Famaillá · Tucumán · Church

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish

Famaillá’s main church, facing the main square. It houses the 18th-century wooden image of the Virgin of Mount Carmel, the town’s patroness, who is carried in procession every July 16.

Famaillá · Tucumán · Historic site

Ruins of San José de Lules

Church and convent of the former Jesuit estancia of San José del Monte de los Lules, a National Historic Monument, beside provincial road 301. There the Jesuits planted sugar cane for the first time in Tucumán.

Before you go

Practical information

A little planning leaves more time to enjoy the journey.

When to go

September, the month of the Fiesta Nacional de la Empanada, is the busiest time. From April to October days are usually dry and mild, good for walking in the parks. From December to March it is hot and rainier, generally in afternoon showers.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

How many days to stay

One day is enough for the sculpture parks, the parish and the Lules ruins. During the Fiesta Nacional de la Empanada in September it’s worth allowing two days to follow the contest and the shows. Many people visit on a day trip from San Miguel de Tucumán.

Which city to stay in

People who come for the September festival usually stay in San Miguel de Tucumán or Yerba Buena, which offer more lodging options, and go to Famaillá by car or bus. Famaillá has few accommodations, concentrated near the center and main access roads; during festival week they fill up quickly.

Respect the place

Take your trash with you, follow the signs and support local businesses. In natural areas, follow the visiting guidelines.

Get your questions answered

Frequently asked questions about Famaillá and the Empanada Route

When is the Fiesta Nacional de la Empanada in Famaillá?

It takes place every year in September, for about three days, on the banks of the Famaillá River. The contest selects the best empanada of the year and there are folk and popular music shows. Dates change each edition: confirm before you go.

Can you visit Famaillá on a day trip from San Miguel de Tucumán?

Yes. It’s about 35 km via National Route 38 by car. There are intercity buses between the capital and Famaillá. In one day you can see the sculpture parks, the parish and the Lules ruins, which are along the way.

Do you need a car to visit Famaillá?

It’s not essential: buses link the capital and the town, and the center and parks are walkable. A car helps to reach the Ruinas de San José de Lules and to combine stops in the same day.

What is the best time to go to Famaillá?

September, for the empanada festival. For quiet outings, from April to October days are usually dry and mild. Summer, from December to March, is hot and rainy.

What to eat in Famaillá?

The Tucumán empanada, with matambre cut by hand, baked in a clay oven or fried. The town is the National Capital of the Empanada, and empanadas are sold year‑round, not only at the festival.

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Famaillá and the Empanada Route

A region to enjoy
at your own pace.

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