Villa Unión brings together scenic views, water, cultural heritage and wine-making. Mirador La Loma offers panoramic views of the city; at the foot of the hill, you can stroll along the Costanera, and Embalse Lateral Villa Unión is accessible via Costanera de La Loma.

Views and Water

Mirador La Loma is four blocks from Villa Unión’s main square. A flight of 136 steps leads to its viewpoint, which offers panoramic views of Villa Unión. At the foot of the Mirador, you can stroll along the Costanera. Here, you can enjoy both a viewpoint and a walk at the foot of the hill.

Embalse Lateral Villa Unión is three kilometres from Villa Unión and offers kayaking. It is accessible via Costanera de La Loma. While the Mirador highlights views over the city and the steps leading to the viewpoint, the reservoir’s kayaking offers a different way to experience the area.

Culture and Wine in Villa Unión

The remains of Angelito Milagroso Miguel Ángel Gaitán are at Villa Unión’s local cemetery. In the wider destination of Coronel Felipe Varela, Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Rosario is in the centre of Villa Unión. The church was built in 1895 on land donated by Don Honorato Guerrero, after a major earthquake had affected the entire province.

The Fiesta Nacional del Peón Viñador is held in Villa Unión and began in 1973. It celebrates the grape harvest, wine-growing workers and regional copleros. If you would like to plan a trip around this festival, check the dates for each event.

Bodega Haras San José is in the San José neighbourhood. It produces artisan wines made from 100% single-varietal grapes.

In the wider destination of Coronel Felipe Varela

There are scenic and cultural landmarks beyond the city, too. Vallecito Encantado is on Ruta Nacional 40 between Villa Unión and Guandacol. Its rock formations include Copa del Mundo and Sombrero Mexicano. Hikes through Cañón de Anchumbil pass prehistoric rock paintings. Banda Florida, on the outskirts of Villa Unión, preserves adobe houses and old orchards.

Cañón de Talampaya can be explored by bus or 4x4 vehicle, as well as on foot, by bicycle or at night during a full moon. Full-moon visits take place on five nights each month; check the relevant dates when planning your trip. Parque Nacional Talampaya was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. Thus, the wider destination of Coronel Felipe Varela offers everything from hikes and geological formations to a celebrated natural site.

Discover more destinations: El Mollar, Tama, Los Molinos

See the wider travel guide: La Rioja.