Settled at the foot of Velasco mountains, it is the Capital City of the homonimous province. It was founded with the name of " Ciudad de todos los santos de la Nueva Rioja" by the name of the Spanish Region and it is imposing and beautiful because of its valleys, mountains , rivers and narrow passes. The climate of the city is dry and hot with temperatures ranging from 21º C to 35º C in Summer and from 5ºC to 20º C in Winter. Topographically, the area is arid due to the dryness of the air and to the sand lay which is sensitive to the hot action from the sun. In order to get to this area, one can do it by plane arriving at " Capitán Vicente A. Almonacid" Airport 7 Km away from the city center. The city is a joint of antiquity and modernity - narrow streets , low houses, museums, historical monuments , churches and convents contrast with a dinamic commercial centre providing the tourist with an excellent cultural alternative. La Rioja presents interesting chances of adventure and contemplative tourism , agrotourism in the vineyards and wine cellars that allow the tourist to taste the various fragances and flavours of Rioja wines. From the city, one can go tthrough Nº 75 National Route to Las Padercitas, a national monument that has walls from the end of the XVI Century where San Francisco Solano with his cross and violin evangelized the natives from Yacampis Valley. Another recommended circuit to make is the Dam Los Sauces- a beautiful mirror of water to fish pejerrey and practise water sports. At the top of Cerro de la Cruz ( Cross Hill ) , 1,680 m high, there is a launching pad to practise hand gliding or paragliding. Night life offers casino, discoes and pubs that cover the demand of different tastes and ages.
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