La Rioja is a province in the northwest of Argentina that stretches from snowy peaks of the Andes, such as Mount Pissis, 6,793 meters high, to the valleys full of vineyards. Arid Talampaya National Park is known for its 200 m high red sandstone cliffs, Triassic period fossils and 1,500 years old engravings on rocks. Laguna Brava Provincial Reserve is a high altitudevolcanic area that hosts wildlife, such as flamingos and vicuñas. La Rioja is the capital and access road to the province and has a colonial style.
La Rioja economy is based on agriculture under artificial irrigation, wine production and olive trees mainly, however, tourism has also grown considerably in recent years, highlighting The Talampaya national park as the main attraction.
Natural beauties of the province form an attractive invitation to tourism. Some of the main centers are in Chilecito, on foot of the majestic Famatina massif; in Nonogasta, in the valley of Rio Grande or the Sauces, and in Villa Union, from where you can access Talampaya National Park, which, due to its landscape and paleontological value, has been declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco, next to Ischigualasto in neighboring province of San Juan. On the plains, Olta, Malanzán and General Department Ocampo stand out (Balneario de Aguadita de Los Peralta and Ambil).
In the capital city, La Rioja, you can visit Artisan Route, Religious Circuit at historic center, Inca Huasi Archaeological Museum and Castro Barros Cultural Walk. at outskirts is City Park, as a space for multiple uses, and Ruins of Las Padercitas, which allow to know about the first inhabitants of La Rioja.
Province has los Sauces Dam, a traditional place for water sports and pejerrey fishing, as well as Sanagasta Dam, which is characterized by a special microclimate, its craft markets and museums, there is also a chance for practicing activities such as trekking, horseback riding and rappelling, and knowing places such as Cueva de las Brujas, The Sanagasta and Huaco Geological Park, all accompanied by a captivating landscape.
In Castro Barros Department there are small towns located at 1,000 masl where peace reigns and have a special micro climate, these towns are enclosed by eastern and western skirt of Velasco mountain they are called Coast Riojana
In the Department Arauco in the Lord of the Rock every Thursday and Holy Friday, pilgrims and promising arrive in search of spiritual peace, invoking their protection, from different points of the region and the country.
Santa Teresita springs hot water is located in a mountainous area, provides waters that reach between 42 ° and 46 °, producing hydrotherapeutic effects.
Passing through Aimogasta is Archaeological Site of Huaco, located in Department of San Blas de los Sauces. On the other hand, Chilecito has a photographic safari through La Mejicana Mine cable lane, rural tourism activities between farms and wineries. At Río Guachín is Cuesta de Miranda, together with circuit of historic chapels, all declared national historical monument. In Famatina you can practice paragliding and get to know Ocher ravine. Angulos and Campanas town call every year thousands of parishioners for The Fiesta of Niño de Hualco. In Chañarmuyo there is a dike for recreational activities. In Patquía is The Provincal Park of Chiflón, in which guided visits are made between petroglyphs and community mortars of aboriginal essence, and Los Colorados Provincial Reserve, where hiking is practiced.
In Ángel Vicente Peñaloza General Department there are several historical, cultural and natural attractions, such as Chila lagoons, especially Quebrada de los Cóndores. This is a plateau that has a panoramic view towards Olta and its dam, adding to the fact that more than 150 condors inhabit, which makes it the most important condor reserve outside the Andes. In Olta is the dike of the same name and there is famous Caminito in which Gabino Peñaloza was inspired.
The city of Villa Union is the most important center of Bermejo Valley (which integrates Chiflon Provincial Park, Talampaya National Park and Laguna Brava Nature Reserve) and is the starting point to continue learning about the history in El Condado, Quebrada del Yeso and Cerro el Toro.
In Vinchina you can see Diaguitas Stars, Quebrada de la Troya and discover fossilized footprints and petrified forests.