Tourism of Colours in La Rioja: Four Incredible Places to Photograph

Travelling is a synonym of having a joyful heart, adrenaline, strong emotions, and magical memories in the depths of the soul. Who doesn't come back from a trip with the mobile phone memory full of photos? When you travel to Argentina, the temptation to capture with your camera every landscape, local dish and detail is quite strong. And with the travel alternatives offered by this South American country, you only have to surrender and immerse yourself in these destinations.

Getting the perfect shot where colours are the main attraction is possible in the land of blue and white shades. La Rioja, in the northwest of Argentina, meets all the requirements to join the list of most Instagrammable destinations. An endless number of pigments unfold along its corners and surprise tourists with dreamy panoramas. The rainbow appearance is made up of yellow, red, green, and blue, offering the best palette in the province.

1. Red in the Talampaya National Park 

Of course, we start with the province’s most representative colour. Red is the shade that gives the place its hallmark and portraits an irresistible image for those addicted to colourful postcards. It is a colour associated with La Rioja’s land and there are many locations honouring this symbolic tint. That is why it is no coincidence that its main attraction is all in red and makes locals proud about its stunning landscapes, which are perfect for sharpening the photographic eye. 

It was declared a World Heritage Site in 2000, the stars of this natural masterpiece are its geological formations, which are as impressive as the province that houses them. How old is this soil? It is just 250 million years old and belongs to the Triassic period. It is not by chance then, that palaeontological finds are something happening often and one of its great charms.

However, if we are talking about immortalising images, the canyon is a perfect setting for the task. The coloured walls of up to 150 metres high are outstanding and have the most original shapes: El Monje, La Tortuga and La Chimenea are unmissable geoforms and a must to capture their intense reddish colour.

2. Blue in Corona del Inca

As all along of Argentina, blue colour is present in every landscape and is a must-see for tourists. La Rioja is not far behind any other province and shows this colour with pride. Where can you see it? Well, to keep things simple, you can start looking up. The breath-taking sky, which is rarely covered with grey clouds, matches the rest of the natural features. The weather is ideal, offering a clear and impressive sky. Plus, when night falls, the stars decorate the landscape and shine bright giving visibility and unsurpassed clarity. 

Whenever you get tired of looking upwards, you can just look down. Soil in La Rioja is also disguised in blue colour and is as captivating as the sky. The province also displays faithfully the diversity of the country's landscape. There are plenty of mountains, valleys, rivers, and even volcanoes. Visiting this last natural marvel is one of the most popular tours in the region: to go up 5550 metres above sea level and find, among snow-capped peaks, a crater whose main attraction is the highest volcanic lake in the world with a hypnotising vivid blue colour. Corona del Inca offers surreal scenery and reveals one of the best kept secrets.

But, if walking through clouds is too much adrenaline, the bluish colour can also be seen in Laguna Brava, where outstanding panoramic photographs can be taken. 

3. Yellow in the Cañón del Ocre 

In Famatina, 270 kilometres away from the capital city of La Rioja, there is a mountain range with its own distinctive mark: Cañón del Ocre. Its incredible walls rise between valleys that contrast with the striking yellow tint of the rocks. What is the reason for this colour? It is due to the presence of sulphur and ochre in the stones. 

Also, at the foot of the canyon run the waters of the Yellow River, a torrent tinged with a strong golden colour blending in with the rest of the spectacle. The outcome is a painting with yellowish brushstrokes worthy of a museum display.

4. Green in the Vineyards of Chilecito

The elixir of grapes finds its best version in Argentina. As soon as you step on its soil, you will want to taste the outstanding blends of each region. And, with no doubt, La Rioja is one of the best places to do so. 

Its high-altitude wines with an intense fruity flavour are one of the region's must-try wines. The mecca of the crop is in Chilecito, a place that has become a tourist attraction because it produces 78% of the beverage in the province. Which is the emblematic grape variety? Torrontés riojano, a native variety belonging to the Criollo grape family. 

At harvest time, green colours stand out, flavours intensify, and La Rioja exceeds all expectations over 6538 hectares of cultivated area.