The province of La Rioja is located in the Andean Northwest region of Argentina bordering the country of Chile. La Rioja is composed of canyons, gorges, hills, plains of red earth, salt lakes and vineyards. The capital city of the same name boasts a beautiful colonial architecture, much of it rebuilt after an earthquake left its mark in 1894. There are numerous museums to visit including the Historical Museum and the Inca Huasi Archeological Museum, which houses priceless artifacts and pieces from the native cultures in the province. The entire city can be viewed from the summit of Cerro de la Cruz, a popular place for paragliding.
There are numerous national parks and reserves to visit in La Rioja. The Talampaya Canyon lies 90 miles southwest from the capital city and is noted for its reddish earth and odd shapes caused by erosion, some reaching over 470 feet. The walls of the canyon reveal traces of the Triassic Period, one of the few places on earth where archeological findings from this 200 million year old period can be found. Carvings and rock drawings known as Petroglyphs are also visible in the canyon.
The Provincial Reserve of Vicunas, 278 miles northwest of La Rioja City, is another interesting site for visitors. It contains the Laguna Brava ecosystem consisting of shallow lagoons frequented by pink flamingos! Volcanoes rise up from this area 8,000 to 14,000 feet above sea level.
A great area for watersports and fishing is found just 9 miles west outside of the capital at Los Sauces Dike. After a day of swimming, one can enjoy evening entertainment at the many bars and clubs nearby.
For healing therapeutic benefits visitors can bathe in the Thermal Baths of Santa Teresita, 77 miles north of La Rioja City. The waters contain a very high mineral content said to be very beneficial for arthritis sufferers.
Landscapes and Wine Region Video
The
wines
of this region are harvested in the Famatina Valley vineyards surrounded by the Famatina and Del Velazco mountain ranges. Wine cellars are opened to visitors in the towns of Nonogasta and Villa Sanagasta.
The weather in this region is hot and dry. Summer is somewhat rainy with temperatures from 69 - 95 Fahrenheit (21 - 35 Celsius). Winter temperatures average 41 - 68 Fahrenheit (5 - 20 Celsius) with abundant sunshine.
The Capitan Vicente A. Almonacid Airport is located less than 5 miles outside of the capital (airport code "IRJ"). Flights can be arranged from Buenos Aires and other Argentine cities. You can also compare rates for the following hotel accommodations:
Plaza Hotel In Hotel Plaza La Rioja, you will have all the amenities that you are used to have. In order to get a comfortable stay or concentrate in your work, you Great rates for RealAdventures visitors >> Click For Details & Pictures
This webpage contains affiliate links to Amazon.com, Infohub.com, RealAdventures.com and Sitesell.com. A commission is paid to this website when an order is placed through an affiliate link. Click here for full advertising policy.
is composed of canyons, gorges, hills, plains of red earth, salt lakes and vineyards. The capital city of the same name boasts a beautiful colonial architecture, much of it rebuilt after an earthquake left its mark in 1894. There are numerous museums to visit including the Historical Museum and the Inca Huasi Archeological Museum, which houses priceless artifacts and pieces from the native cultures in the province. The entire city can be viewed from the summit of Cerro de la Cruz, a popular place for paragliding.
There are numerous national parks and reserves to visit in La Rioja. The Talampaya Canyon lies 90 miles southwest from the capital city and is noted for its reddish earth and odd shapes caused by erosion, some reaching over 470 feet. The walls of the canyon reveal traces of the Triassic Period, one of the few places on earth where archeological findings from this 200 million year old period can be found. Carvings and rock drawings known as Petroglyphs are also visible in the canyon.
