Visit To Chilecito And Cuesta De Miranda

At 8 AM, we embark on a journey from La Rioja toward Patquía, a town known for the intersection of five major routes. Our adventure leads us to Los Colorados, famous for its vivid red hues and low-lying mountains rising from the arid landscape. Here, we'll explore the cave of the Riojano leader Chacho Peñaloza, a historic hideout where he strategized and awaited his adversaries with his troops.

Continuing northward, we traverse through Catinzaco and Nonogasta, eventually arriving at Chilecito. In this captivating location, we'll explore the majestic Famatina mountain range, with visits to Cuesta Las Talas, Santa Florentina, the Río del Oro, and the first two stations of the cableway. We'll also explore the La Mejicana mine and its remarkable museum, which exhibits the historical gold, silver, and copper mining operations of the early 20th century.

Further exploration of Chilecito includes the districts such as Samay Huasi, home to the house and museum of Dr. Joaquín Víctor González (now part of the University of La Plata). We'll also visit the Cristo del Portezuelo and the winery "La Riojana", where a delightful tasting room awaits us.

As the day progresses, we'll ascend the Cuesta de Miranda to reach the Mirador del Monolito. Here, the stunning panorama blends green, red, and blue vistas, providing a perfect conclusion to our day before we return to the city of La Rioja.