Welcome to La Rioja
Tourism in La Rioja: What Can You Do in the Province?
The vivid red of the mountains. The unspoilt nature. Calm streams, unexplored trails, and unique native fauna. Land of the legendary dinosaurs and indigenous communities. Cradle of leaders. House of extensive vineyards, wineries, gorges, salt flats, and nature reserves… La Rioja is packed with stories, myths, legends, and secrets you can discover at every turn.
Explore a territory of caudillos
Get your feet going around a province with a history. A land of epic achievements. The home of caudillos who emerged in the 19th century, during the anarchy that followed the declaration of independence. Follow the footsteps of Facundo Quiroga, the “Tiger of the Plains”, who organized peasants to fight for the federal ideals. Discover Tinkunaco, the most important popular religious ceremony that recalls the uprising of the Diaguitas against the Spaniards in 1593. Find out about the legend of La Chaya, celebrated every year.
Explore La Rioja’s rich nature. The Trail of the Caudillos and El Chiflón Provincial Reserve. The Talampaya National Park and the Laguna Brava Reserve. Villages by the mountains and valleys with vineyards and olive, walnut and fruit trees. Taste the worldwide-acclaimed wines from La Rioja. Try olive oil and homemade walnut confections. Treat yourself to some local crafts. La Rioja is waiting for you.
About La Rioja
Adventures, History, and Native Flavours
About the Province
There are tons of places that you can visit in La Rioja, each with a unique charm. From the main cities, such as La Rioja Capital, Chilecito, Chamical, Aimogasta, and Chepes, to parks and sites extremely valuable for Argentina’s historical and cultural heritage. Embark on incredible adventures and explore wonderful landscapes in this province surrounded by deep-red hills.
Must-see Attractions
Crossing the Famous Cuesta de Miranda
The Cuesta de Miranda, functioning as a passage since pre-Columbian times, is currently a stretch of the mythical Route 40, being distinguished for its narrow corniche that runs along impressive red rock faces.
Tampalaya National Park, a World Heritage Site
It contains one of the most complete continental fossil records in the world. Find dinosaur remains and exotic plants from the Triassic period in this protected area declared a UNESCO’s World Heritage Site.
Visiting the Laguna Brava Nature Reserve
Amid snow-capped peaks, salt flats, and lagoons, this magical high-altitude place is home to tons of flamingos, guanacos, and vicuñas.
El Chiflón Provincial Park
Explore whimsically-shaped rocks, vast nature, amazing views, petrified remains from the Triassic era, and a great archaeological wealth.
Dinosaurs in the Sanagasta Geological Park
Located in the city of Sanagasta, this Dinosaur Theme Park invites you to travel back in time and examine the traces of species, nests, and eggs found in this soil, which is immensely rich for science.
Native Culture in Los Colorados Reserve
In the past, the Capayán people lived among these massive blocks of red sandstone. Today, you can contemplate here this extinct indigenous people’s cave art, valuable archaeological sites, symbols, and fossils.
Bird Watching in Quebrada de los Cóndores
Slowly climb winding paths on horse until you reach the Quebrada de los Cóndores viewpoint: a real La Rioja treasure, where you will be surrounded by majestic condors, admiring these birds from the heights.
What is the weather like in La Rioja?
The climate in La Rioja is semi-arid continental and also arid in the mountain area. While summer is hot, humid, and rainy, winter is short, cold, and dry. Its average annual temperature is 25 °C, with clear skies most of the year.
What is the best time to visit La Rioja?
It is surely better to visit La Rioja from the beginning of March to the end of April, or from mid-September to the end of November to avoid the peaks of the heat in summer heat and cold in winter. Yet, La Rioja and its magic will always welcome you with open arms.
What are the traditional foods of La Rioja?
The chanfaina, api de zapallo, humita en chala, the exquisite roast goat kid or cabrito a la llama, fruit jams, artisanal walnut conserves, or the classic locro. Imagine trying some of these typical delicacies of La Rioja’s cuisine, while savouring some of the best wines of this province, such as the classic Torrontés, recognised and awarded worldwide.
What is the capital of La Rioja?
The capital of the province of La Rioja is La Rioja city, in the centre-east of the territory. There, you can visit important icons, such as the 25 de Mayo Square, the Museum of Sacred Art, the Santo Domingo Church and Convent, the Folkloric Museum, and more treasures of La Rioja’s culture.