La Rioja is a province with a fascinating indigenous history and scenic terrain. Among the first areas to be settled by Spanish settlers in the 16th century, the province has a national park with a red-soil canyon and fascinating rock formations. Get a sense of the region’s culture with trips to the national park and the main cities.
In the eastern part of the province is the glorious Talampaya National Park. Hike along the many valley trails past fascinating rock formations. Capture photos of the remarkable red hues of the rocks. The main gorge has natural red walls as high as 656 feet (200 meters). Spot some of the local fauna, such as hares, foxes, condors and guanacos.
Visit the cultural sights of the province’s eponymous capital city of La Rioja in the valley of the Velasco Sierra. Admire the central statue of José de San Martín on horseback in the center of the Plaza 25 de Mayo. Stroll through the narrow streets of the city and appreciate the colonial architecture. Among the architectural treasures is the Cathedral San Nicolás de Bari, which contains intriguing ecclesiastical artifacts and religious decorations.
A little to the west is the region’s second city of Chilecito in the Antinaco Valley. Explore its churches and museums for a sense of the culture in this quaint town. Visit the Virgen de la Merced Chapel in La Puntilla to the east of the town.
Learn about the rich history of the region, where petroglyphs from indigenous peoples dating back to 10,000 B.C. have been discovered. Fossils have also been found here. The dinosaur Riojasaurus takes its name from this province. Imagine these animals roaming this arid desert millions of years ago.
In the northeastern suburbs of the province’s namesake city is the Capitán Vicente Almandos Almonacid Airport, which has direct flights from Buenos AiresOpens in a new window. La Rioja province is located between the provinces of Salta and Mendoza in the Andes of the northwestern region of Argentina. Expect a fairly dry and warm climate with scorching summers and mild winters.
La Rioja has some intriguing towns and a stunning landscape of red valleys.