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This Argentine town was chosen among the best in the world - La Nacion Propiedades
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Este pueblo argentino fue elegido entre los mejores del mundo
Se destacó por su enfoque sostenible y por mantener vivas sus tradiciones y paisajes originales
www.lanacion.com.ar
May 29, 2025
It stood out for its sustainable approach and for keeping its original traditions and landscapes alive.
La Carolina is the town of San Luis recognized as one of the best rural destinations in the world. Télam
There are places where time seems to have stood still. Where silence blends with the sound of streams, and cobblestone streets invite you to stroll leisurely. In one of these places, among hills and ancient stone buildings, a small Argentine community was recognized by UN Tourism for representing the best of rural tourism worldwide.
This is La Carolina, a picturesque town of just 300 inhabitants located high in the San Luis mountains, 86 kilometers from the city of San Luis and approximately 1,600 meters above sea level. Founded around the mining industry, it owes its name to Charles III of Spain and has been included in the UN Tourism Board's list of "Best Tourism Villages" since 2023 , which recognizes its valuable historical and natural heritage.
The award, presented by the World Tourism Organization , recognizes towns that preserve their culture, their natural environment, and offer sustainable experiences. In this sense, La Carolina became an example for its efforts to maintain a way of life linked to history and the landscape. As part of this commitment, this year the town made a radical decision: to become pedestrian-only to protect its appearance and the relationship between residents and visitors.
The old La Carolina warehouse.San Luis Tourism Secretariat
La Carolina was born in the late 18th century around gold mining, an activity that left its mark on the landscape and the collective imagination.
You can still explore the ancient tunnels of Tomolasta Hill , where gold mining activity took place, or learn about traditional extraction techniques on the Yellow River. This golden memory is not only preserved in the rocks: it is also expressed in the colonial architecture, the dirt roads, and the surrounding tranquility.
The La Carolina gold mine - San Luis province - was exploited mainly during the 19th centurySoledad Aznarez - LA NACION
The road access to the town, with a tribute to the miners extracting goldSan Luis Tourism Secretariat
Exploring this town is an experience that appeals to the senses. The old church, the low houses with wrought iron railings, the fresh mountain air, and the trails that wind through the mountains create a unique setting.
Added to this is the cultural history: La Carolina was home to the poet and philosopher Juan Crisóstomo Lafinur , and its museum is a must-see. But there's also room for adventure: trekking, rappelling, horseback riding, llama herding, and a visit to the Inti Huasi Grotto , an archaeological site that preserves vestiges of ancient cultures.
The international recognition La Carolina has received is not merely symbolic : it puts a different way of thinking about tourism and development on the agenda. One in which environmental conservation doesn't compete with progress, but rather redefines it.
At a time when many rural communities struggle to survive oblivion, this small town in San Luis demonstrates that identity, when preserved, can also be a driving force for the future.
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