Argentina Travel Planet

Chilecito

Chilecito, La Rioja

With golden hills, snow-capped mountains, rich green flora and towering cacti, Chilecito is pure beauty, sitting in the northern Argentine province of La Rioja. Surrounded by the famous Valle de Famatina, Chilecito is one of the principal cities in the province. With a thriving tourist scene, it is a culturally rich area, in a magnificent setting.

This spectacularly colored landscape can be accessed off of the famous and historic Route 40. Once there, you will find that there are many different circuits to explore, depending on your interests. Take a route that will direct you through the mountains and the valleys, with breathtaking views from the natural lookout points. Interested in the land itself? There are pre-planned geological itineraries. Or if adventure is what gets you going, there are plenty of adventure activities to get your adrenaline pumping.

The best place to start is in the city itself, where you can visit the archaeological museum and get a good feel for the history of the land you’re going to explore. There is also a colonial Molino San Francisco, which has different rooms that highlight different points in the region’s history; the indigenous period, the colonial period, and that of the 19^th and 20^th centuries are each featured. The Museo Samuay Huasi is another must-see, showing the workings of an ancient, famous vineyard. The miner’s cable car excursion, which connects with the Santa Florentina foundry, is another unique feature to the region. While the foundry is still rather young, it is an interesting look into the industry of the area.

Also within the city is the Capilla de Nuestra Señora de la Merced, which is regularly a subject in local artwork. Its walls are made of earth, and a roof of carob tree materials, a rather unique point for a church.

Adventure tourism in Chilecito includes everything from hiking and trekking to mountaineering, rock climbing, and horseback rides, which give insight into the traditional customs of the area. You can even go paragliding, rent 4×4s, or go mountain biking. However you get there, Tamberías del Inca is another sight that you must see while here, as it is the ancient settlement of the Incas, who spent a fair amount of time here during their reign in South America.

If you are interested in local food and wine, there are options for you, too. Visit the bodegas and vineyards for tours and tastings, or head to the fruit orchards and other fields to learn about production and cultivation. You can also participate in various farm and country activities, taking advantage of a unique opportunity to learn about rural Argentine life, first hand. To read more about the province and the Valle de Famatina, visit this Argentina Travel Guide.

The area has agreeable temperatures and climate year round, making it a prime destination whenever you can go. The city is accessible by way of RN 38 and 40; the city is 198 kilometers from the City of La Rioja.