Talampaya & Moon Valley

Reception at La Rioja airport and transfer to the city.

The past and the modern come together along the streets of La Rioja. This city with the soul of a small town retains the characteristic perfume of the orange blossoms that surround its main square.
Along its streets you will find the history of its most emblematic and important buildings. You will visit notable historical and cultural landmarks, beautiful museums and the residential area.
Arranged in the shape of a checkerboard, the walk begins at Plaza 25 de Mayo square, the epicenter of the city where you will find the most notable buildings in the capital of the Cuyo region.
The Government House, inaugurated in 1937, is located on one of the corners across from the square. It was built in an adapted Greco-Roman style with a wide entranceway leading to courtyards and galleries. Portraits of the governors of the province are hung along the interior walls of its rooms.
On the other side of the square, you will find the famous La Rioja Social Club, formerly the Application School for boys. All kinds of exhibitions are held there and its façade is a classic silhouette of the city. The front of the building preserves Italian characteristics and its gallery, which faces the square, invites you to rest.
Also in front of the square stands the Minor Basilica of San Nicolás de Bari, dating from the early 20th century. Built in the Byzantine style, the central nave has a sanctuary dedicated to Saint Nicholas of Bari.
Two blocks from there, you can find the House of Joaquín Víctor González. This house, built in the second half of the 19th century, has a colonial style with the appearance of a medieval castle. The Historical Archive of the Province is located within its walls.

At scheduled time you will be transferred by land to your next destination: Posta Pueblo Hotel at El Chiflon, where you will spend the next 3 nights.   Chiflón Posta Pueblo is the closest hotel to the Ischigualasto and Talamapaya natural parks in the province of La Rioja. The property has a picturesque architecture that simulates a typical mountain village, with winding corridors that go up towards the hill and decorative details in stone and dry trunks.  

Wake up early and enjoy your breakfast. Afterwards, it’s off for a drive to Ischigualasto Provincial Park. The park has an area of around 62,000 hectares and is home to a remarkable geological and paleontological heritage. It has been an UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000 and dates back to the Triassic period over 300 million years ago. It is truly one of South America’s natural wonders. Home to the oldest known predator dinosaur, the park is a playground of rock formations, painted valleys, and other geological rock formations. Spend the day exploring the park, including the intriguing Valley of the Moon.  

There is a snack bar at the park offering toilets and hot drinks.  Should you prefer to take a lunch box, please order it at your hotel the previous evening. 

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and get ready to visit Talampaya National Park, another of Argentina's magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Tectonic movements and a millennia of water and wind erosion have created the amazing formations that make up the park. The traces of the first dinosaurs can be found here, thus the park’s dedication to protect the archaeological and paleontological resources of the area. In the evening , return to El Chiflon to relax and enjoy  a tasty local dinner and why not a refreshing glass of wine (dinner & drinks not included). 

Come back soon!

After your last sumptuous breakfast, make sure you save some time to take  your last-minute photos.  At the scheduled time, you'll be picked up from your hotel to be transferred to La Rioja Airport (150kms) to take your flight back home. It's certain you'll carry the warmth of Argentina's people in your soul, not to mention the natural beauties of this wonderful country in your camera! It wouldn't be too much of a surprise if you're back over this way some time soon.

Argentina’s waiting...