>> La Rioja (500 meters over sea level)

It is the capital city of the province of the same name. The city is located at the foot of the magnificent Velasco Hill.

The main characteristic of this province is its geography, which presents a great number of accidents, it is an odd mixture of mountains and plains, and also characteristic hills and valleys, which yellowish- brown color is interrupted by the different colors of the plantations. From the point of view of the architecture, it presents a combination of ancient and modern, with low buildings, narrow streets, and well decorated squares.

The commercial center is active, and mainly located around the main square. Some traditional festivities are, the National Festivity of the "Chaya", San Nicolás, and Niño Alcalde, the last being a moving religious ceremony which origins can be traced back to the year 1593.