From sandstone cliffs to rocky desert moonscapes and snow-capped Andean peaks, the Argentinian province of La Rioja is home to some of the country's most unique and least-explored landscapes. The wild region between Tucumán, Córdoba, and Mendoza is known for its white Torrontés wines (yes, Argentina produces white wine, too!), dinosaur fossils, and UNESCO–listed parks. Unforgettable things to do in La Rioja include hiking, rafting, and climbing at Talampaya National Park; admiring the salt flats and lagoons of Laguna Brava Provincial Reserve; and bird-watching at Quebrada de los Cóndores.
The mountain valleys of La Rioja have a desert climate, which means scorching hot summers (December–February) and bitterly cold winters (June–August). With this in mind, the shoulder seasons provide the most suitable weather for road trips and outdoor activities. Spring (October–November) is a magical time to visit La Rioja city, as the jacaranda and orange trees are in bloom, while autumn (March–April) is an exciting time to visit the vineyards and watch the grape harvest.
While you can reach La Rioja city and many provincial towns by bus, it’s far more practical to get around by car. Many travelers rent a car to explore the region, and a road trip along National Route 76 links many of the most popular sights. If you don’t have your own wheels, you can also join a guided tour of the wineries or national parks. Note that a 4WD is required for Talampaya National Park and Ischigualasto Provincial Park.
South of Talampaya National Park, the adjoining Ischigualasto Provincial Park is nicknamed the “Valley of the Moon" and is one of the province’s most spectacular sights. Explore the stark desert valleys on a hike, mountain bike, or 4WD tour, jumping out to marvel at wind-sculpted sandstone cliffs and otherworldly rock formations. Even more exciting for budding paleontologists and Jurassic Park fans is that this park is known for its Triassic-era geology and dinosaur fossils.