Mountain
Los SeismilesWest of Fiambalá, the paved road winds through the high desert, past picturesque red rock escarpments known as the Quebrada Angosturas, and into some…
Catamarca & La Rioja
Often overlooked by travelers, these provinces are an adventure, rich in scenery and tradition. Both were home to important pre-Columbian cultures and consequently the region contains many important archaeological sites. The provinces rise westward into the Andes, with some of the country's most spectacular highland scenery, punctuated by ice-crusted volcanoes soaring above 19600ft (6000m), accessible by tour or 4WD. It's an utterly memorable landscape, and one you should not miss.
Explore Catamarca & La Rioja
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Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Catamarca & La Rioja.
National Park
Parque Nacional TalampayaThe spectacular rock formations and canyons of this dusty desert national park are evidence of the erosive creativity of water. The sandstone cliffs are…
Museum
Museo del CablecarrilThis old cable-car station documents the extraordinary engineering and mining project that created modern Chilecito at the beginning of the 20th century…
Ruins
El ShincalThe Inca ruins of El Shincal are located 7km west of Londres. Founded in 1471, the town occupied a commanding position in the foothills of the mountains,…
Cathedral
Catedral Basílica de Nuestra Señora del ValleThis 19th-century cathedral shelters the Virgen del Valle, patron saint of Catamarca and one of northern Argentina’s most venerated images. Her back is to…
Museum
Museo Arqueológico Adán QuirogaThis fine archaeological museum displays a superb collection of pre-Columbian ceramics from several different cultures and eras. Some pieces –…
Museum
Museo FolklóricoThis worthwhile museum is set in a wonderful early 17th-century adobe building, and has fine regional cultural displays. Themes include chaya (local La…
Dunes
Duna MagicáA network of stunning, red and white sand dunes rises from the desert floor 15km north of Fiambalá. It's best to arrive in the early morning before the…
Canyon
Cañón de TalampayaThe focus of a visit to Parque Nacional Talampaya is this spectacular, (usually) dry watercourse bounded by sheer sandstone cliffs. Condors soar on…
Natural Feature
Ciudad Perdida & Cañón Arco IrisIn Parque Nacional Talampaya, accessed from the road 14km before reaching the main park entrance, these impressive formations are visited via guided 4WD…
Historic Building
Ruta del AdobeThe road between Tinogasta and Fiambalá is designated the 'adobe route' for its ensemble of fantastic historic buildings. These are built with thick walls…
Museum
Museo de la Virgen del ValleQuirky, strange and sanctimonious, this relatively new museum is free and stocked with sculpture, paintings and even digital and photographic art, all of…
Spring
Termas de FiambaláLying 15km east into the mountains from Fiambalá, these thermal springs emerge from rock and cascade down the mountainside in a series of pools: the…
Winery
La RiojanaLa Riojana is the area’s main wine producer, and a sizable concern; some 30 million liters a year are produced here thanks to fruit sourced from vineyards…
Monument
Cristo del PortezueloHead down Maestro from Chilecito's plaza to reach this relatively recent addition to the town: a huge statue of Christ on a platform accessed by a 203…
Church
Convento de San FranciscoThe order of St Francis was on the scene very early and began building here in the late 16th century. Bad luck with construction and then an earthquake…
Museum
Molino de San FranciscoChilecito founder Don Domingo de Castro y Bazán owned this 300-year-old flour mill, which houses an eclectic assemblage of archaeological tools, antique…
Arts Center
Rua ChakyDrop by any time to this family home in a pretty barrio to watch shawls and ponchos being made on the loom in the traditional manner. They've been weaving…
Museum
Museo del HombreThis interesting local museum has sections on geology and archaeology, including quality ceramics and two haunting Inca mummies with well-preserved…
Cathedral
CatedralThe enormous, sober-toned, 1899 neo-Byzantine (and a few other 'neos') cathedral contains the image of patron saint Nicolás de Bari. He's an object of…