La Rioja Province

An arid province in the Andean foothills, home to the red canyons of Talampaya National Park, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.

La Rioja Province lies in northwestern Argentina on the eastern slopes of the Andes. Its climate is dry, with valleys and desert landscapes interlacing, and it is known for its olives and Torrontés wines. Its best-known attraction is Talampaya National Park, where towering red sandstone cliffs and ancient rock art are breathtaking; together with Ischigualasto in San Juan Province, it is inscribed as a World Natural Heritage Site. The Famatina mountains preserve the remains of an old mining cableway. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit, while summers are scorching. The provincial capital, La Rioja, has an airport.

Destinations

• Chilecito
• Ischigualasto & Talampaya

Itineraries

• Central Argentina: Cuyo to Córdoba – Cross San Juan and La Rioja to see Ischigualasto (Valley of the Moon) and Talampaya, then enter the hills of Córdoba.