Perfect Places to Discover the Red Hues of La Rioja

The following places are a must to discover the magical pigment of La Rioja.

As the palette of an enthusiastic painter, La Rioja dyes spaces where the main figure is red, exhibiting canyons, rock faces, and roads in 89,680 square metres to the country’s northeast. This province is all set to be photographed by expert lenses —or amateurs. Your eyes will be captivated by the intense colorimetry, which will entice you to get deeper inside the province. So, as adventurers, we just have to give in to our travellers’ drive.

There are loads of touristic alternatives hidden among hues of red. The final painting doesn’t change: rocky elevations rising above sea level and embracing those who decide to step on the La Rioja soil. Which are the must-see places to soak up the typical colour?

1. Talampaya National Park

Impressive reddish rock faces of 150 metres high create the perfect environment to enjoy a UNESCO natural World Heritage. It’s not surprising that more than 70,000 tourists per year visit this place. Besides its scenic potential, there are archaeological remains dating back to the Mesozoic Era, 225 million years ago. This means that dinosaurs lived in the area back then. The word AMAZING falls short, doesn’t it?

The typical geological forms designed among rocks, such as El Monje (The Monk) and La Torre (The Tower), are worth loads of shots. Actually, Talampaya is packed with fascinating postcard pictures. Arcoiris canyon and Ciudad Perdida are not to be missed. You can also visit them on a bike tour. If you are a clear sky lover, this experience doubles down, offering the possibility of camping inside the park with thousands of twinkling stars watching over you.

2. Cuesta de Miranda

The iconic Route 40 will also surprise you with a distinctive colour scheme. So much so that your travel experience will be completed on all fronts —going down the legendary road, a symbol of the country, and gazing at dream-like panoramic views guiding a 12-kilometre journey. 

Cuesta de Miranda is a winding road with ledges connecting the cities Villa Unión and Chilecito. What makes it unique? The road trip is painted in hues of red and green that will dazzle you and make you pull over more often than not to simply gaze at the scene unfolding among the elevations (the highest at 2,020 metres).

3. Vallecito Encantado 

This destination is perfect for covering it on four wheels or for wearing your trainers out. Walking through Vallecito Encantado, close to the border with San Juan, is part of stunning trekking for nature and adventure lovers.

Large valleys form amazing figures, and the real magic lying behind the name of this place shows up. Encantado translates into ‘enchanted’ in English. The beds of dry rivers going through this place make it look enchanted. The ability to take you to another planet makes this place look enchanted. The contrast between the light-blue sky and the distinctive hues of red make this place look enchanted. This place won’t let you down. 

4. Los Colorados Provincial Reserve

Its name speaks for itself: colours are still the main characteristic of La Rioja and are hidden in the most amazing corners. Los Colorados Provincial Reserve is another example that reinforces the saturated feature of the province. 

Los Colorados was declared a reserve in 2015 in order to protect the area’s archaeological and cultural heritage. It is home to numerous geological forms, product of erosion. The intense wall scarlet shows its best version among the sunbeams that finish up the classic portrait of La Rioja. The picture you must take has vegetal surroundings, a light-blue sky, and an iconic rocky bridge. 

5. Quebrada de la Troya

An unprecedented natural wonder. The rock faces take the typical 90° angle to another level. Mountains are leaning in such a way that they create a perfect picture: a small pyramid-shaped elevation in the centre and the river surrounding it. 

A few kilometres away from Vinchina, the passing of time becomes evident in the gorge Quebrada de la Troya. Formations are made of 260-million-year old sediments, making the remote past prevail and echo on the rock faces. Tip: If you are already there, you must visit Brava lagoon, a gem of the province.

6. Cañón de Anchumbil

Another block of rocks dating back to the Triassic period. Infinite history, well-kept millenary secrets, and passages taking you to an endless red colour scheme dyeing figures and rock faces. There are also cave paintings of 900 years old, wrapping up the adventure in Villa Unión.