The Chaku

Did you know that vicuñas are sacred animals? In the times of the Inca Empire, a ritual was practiced to obtain their wool: chaku. The shepherds drove them and grouped them in corrals. There, they were shorn with respect, and then left free. Come to witness this tradition that remains alive in the north of Argentina. Get close to a rite that takes place only in spring, and always at noon, when the vicuñas move to get water.

Vicuña fiber is one of the finest in the world. With it, artisan ladies weave typical garments such as ponchos and scarves, shawls and ties, blankets and gloves. Watch them work, and take a woven item with you as a souvenir. Would you like to witness the chaku? Get close to Laguna Blanca, a biosphere reserve that protects the vicuña. Also visit Belén and El Peñón, Calalaste and Antofalla. Live this experience in the province of Catamarca.

Geographic location: Province of Catamarca, north of Argentina.

How to get there: While the ritual is practiced at different towns around the province, the most representative place is the town of Laguna Blanca, located 450 km away from San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca, the provincial capital. Laguna Blanca can be accessed via Ruta Nacional 60 and then Ruta Nacional 40.

Altitude: 3,200 meters above sea level.

Climate: Cold and dry.

Recommended length of stay: 1 day.

Recommended clothing and gear: Windbreaker and warm clothes suitable for temperature changes. 

Tips: The ritual takes place between the months of October and December.