La Rioja, Argentina
La Rioja, founded as City of All Saints of New Rioja, is the capital and largest city of La Rioja Province, Argentina, located in the east of the province. The city and its eponymous province are named after La Rioja, a region in Spain.
La Rioja is located on the foot of the Velasco Sierras, from Buenos Aires, and from Córdoba.
History
It was founded in 1591 by Spanish conquistador, Juan Ramírez de Velasco.
Geography
Climate
La Rioja has a semi-arid climate, with average temperatures of to in winter and to in summer, but with maximum temperatures of more than. The average annual rainfall is, falling almost exclusively during the summer when moist tropical air from the northeast enters the region. The highest recorded temperature was on 28 December 1971 while the lowest recorded temperature was on 5 August 1966.
Sights
The Museo Folklórico is set in a 17th-century building, and its displays include local chaya music and the Tinkunaco festival. The 35,000-capacity Estadio Carlos Augusto Mercado Luna is located in La Rioja.
Transportation
The city is served by Capitán Vicente Almandos Almonacid Airport, with flights on Aerolíneas Argentinas.