Rioja, town in San Martín, Peru
Rioja is a city in the Alto Mayo valley, in the San Martín region of northern Peru, surrounded by forested hills. Its center is compact, with a main plaza, straightforward streets, and small shops that form the core of daily life for residents.
The city was founded in 1772 under the name Santo Toribio de la Nueva Rioja, chosen after a region in Spain. In the early 19th century, people from the area took part in the local battles that led to Peru's independence.
Rioja is known for its woven straw hats, made by local craftspeople and worn during festivals and everyday life. Around the main plaza, small market stalls sell these hats alongside fiber crafts and ceramics produced in the region.
The weather is warm and humid throughout the year, so light clothing and rain cover are worth bringing along. The banks of the Tónchima River are a popular spot for local families, especially during the warmer months.
Before receiving its current name in 1772, the place was known as Uquihua, a name tied to a pre-Columbian lineage from the area. This older name is a reminder that the site was already settled and named long before Spanish colonization arrived.
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