La Rioja Province, Argentina

La Rioja is the capital of the province.

Distances: 1.167 kilometers from Buenos Aires
460 kilometers from Córdoba
388 kilometers from San Miguel de Tucumán

The city Todos Los Santos was founded in 1591. Walking round the capital city is like traveling through the history of the country in the different times. It belongs to the group of the oldest cities of the country. It was founded on March 20, 1591 by Don Juan Ramirez de Velasco.

In order to know the city of La Rioja, it is recommendable to walk downtown by visiting the most outstanding landmarks.

In La Rioja, you will find the biggest variety of hills, canyons, narrow passes and plains of red grounds.

Places of interest

· Convent of Santo Domingo
· San Francisco Convent
· The Cathedral Basilica San Nicolás de Bari
· Inca Huasi Archaeology Museum
· Folkloric Museum
· Historical Museum of La Rioja
· Sacred Art Museum
· Handicraft Market
· Canyon of Talampaya
· Provincial Park Guasamayo

Attractive Tourist Places

Laguna Brava is located 448 kilometers from La Rioja. It is the Provincial Reservation of Vicuñas and Protection of the Ecosystem Laguna Brava. On the route of Comecaballos, you can find this place which is inhabited by flamingos and that contains volcanoes in the background. It can be reached only with special cars. It also serves as an entrance to specialized areas for the practice and development of mountain activities because of the imposing volcanoes (Bonete-6759 meters above the sea level, Veladero-6436 m.a.s.l., and Pissis-6882 m.a.s.l.); the latter one is the second in height after the hill Aconcagua.

Guasamayo Natural Park possesses an extension of 70.000 hectares. It contains surprising eroded formations.

Los Sauces Dike is located 15 kilometers from the city La Rioja. This is a magnificent mirror of water that allows the practice of nautical sports and fishing.

Cerro de la Cruz is situated 680 meters above the sea level, from there, it is possible to observe the city La Rioja. This is a good location for delta wings and paragliding.

Villa Sanagasta is a summer place with vineyards and typical cellars. It is located 30 kilometers from La Rioja. It has a wide municipal pool and places to camp. Here, you will be able to taste the famous "patero" wine.

Anillaco is located 96 kilometers from La Rioja. This is an immense rock that has been eroded in such form that it looks like the Jesus Christ's profile. Annually, during the days of the liturgy of The Holy Week, a great number of faithful people arrive to this place.

Thermal baths of Santa Teresita is located 124 kilometers from La Rioja. It is known as "Aguas Calientes". The area presents a dry climate. Their sedative and thermal waters, with little mineral content, are recommended for rheumatic affections.

Villa Unión is a town that is located 274 kilometers from La Rioja. It is an ideal operations center for trips all along the area.

La ruta de los caudillos. In order to arrive to this place, it is necessary to start in Patquía where the reddish lands begin. Then, continue from Olta where fossilized vegetables have been found. Finally, passing through the Provincial Park Guasamayo, you will arrive to Malanzán where you can see the great rock known as El Elefante. Here, from the summit of the hill Tama, the white panorama of the Famatina summits can be contemplated.