La Rioja Province

La Rioja Province is a first-level administrative division in northwestern Argentina, bordered by the Andes to the west and the plains to the east. The region spreads over mountainous terrain, irrigated valleys, and dry lowlands shaped by rivers flowing from the high peaks.

The region was originally home to indigenous groups including the Diaguita and Capayán before Spanish colonization brought it under the Viceroyalty of Peru. After independence, the territory joined the Argentine Republic in 1853 and became a province with its own government.

The Talampaya National Park contains petroglyphs and geological formations documenting 10,000 years of human presence and dinosaur remains in northwestern Argentina.

The province is accessible by road from other parts of Argentina, with travel times varying considerably depending on your starting point. The climate is dry with strong temperature swings between day and night, so layered clothing is recommended for comfort throughout the day.

Talampaya National Park preserves rock art and geological layers that document both ancient human settlement and prehistoric fossils in the same area. These sites sit within a landscape of red sandstone cliffs shaped by erosion into unusual forms over millions of years.

Location: Argentina

Inception: 1853

Capital city: La Rioja

Reference: LR

Part of: South America Midwest Integrated Zone

Shares border with: San Juan Province, San Luis Province, Córdoba Province, Catamarca Province, Atacama Region

Address: La Rioja, La Rioja Province, Argentina

Website: https://larioja.gov.ar

GPS coordinates: -29.41333,-66.85667

Latest update: December 11, 2025 19:09