Usno is connected to a regional cultural outreach project through the Diaguita Ugno community. Between 2017 and 2019, the first node of ethnic tourism was established in Valle Fértil as part of a university outreach project, together with the community. It is important to distinguish the roles: the participating community is from Usno; the first node was established in Valle Fértil. This connects the town’s cultural significance with a specific collaboration.

The Diaguita Ugno Community and the Project

The project was titled “La Ruta Ancestral Diaguita: producción participativa de la señalética y folletería para su divulgación” (The Ancestral Diaguita Route: Participatory Production of Signage and Brochures for Its Promotion). The title also describes the outreach work: signage and brochures were developed collaboratively. The historical context therefore encompasses both the participation of the Ugno community from Usno and the development of materials to share the subject. The dates 2017 to 2019 place this initiative clearly in the past.

For travelers who consider cultural context when choosing a destination, this story offers a specific connection to Usno. It also makes clear that the community from Usno participated in the project, while the first node of ethnic tourism was established in Valle Fértil. The project name also draws attention to how cultural content is shared—through signage and brochures developed collaboratively.

La Rioja: Nature and Culture in the Wider Destination

The wider destination of La Rioja offers distinctive natural and cultural attractions. Talampaya National Park, in La Rioja Province, is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its landscape includes red sandstone cliffs that reach up to 200 meters in height. Reserva Provincial Laguna Brava offers a different natural setting: this Ramsar wetland lies in the Andes of La Rioja Province, near the Chilean border. These two examples contrast a rocky landscape with a high-Andean wetland.

Geological features in La Rioja can also be explored in different ways. Guided tours in Parque Provincial El Chiflón include the El Hongo formation. Cuesta de Miranda runs along a 114-kilometer section of Ruta 40, connecting Chilecito with General Felipe Varela. Viewpoints along Cuesta de Miranda offer opportunities to observe geological features, as well as flora and fauna. Together, guided tours of a formation and viewpoints along a longer stretch of road cater to different interests in nature.

For archaeological attractions, Centro de Interpretación Tamberia del Inca offers guided tours of the site. The Hualco archaeological site offers a different focus: interpretive walks along trails connect landscape, archaeology, and cultural heritage. These options give visitors a clear thematic choice—from guided tours of an archaeological site to walks that bring together several aspects.

Byzantine, Gothic, and Italian Baroque architectural styles come together at Iglesia Catedral San Nicolás de Bari. The cathedral museum houses liturgical and historical artifacts. Another cultural attraction is the Museum of Anthropological and Natural Sciences at Universidad Nacional de La Rioja: it offers free guided tours to the general public and also welcomes school groups. The wider destination’s cultural offerings therefore range from architecture and museum artifacts to guided visits.

Discover more destinations: Ferreyra.

View the wider travel overview: Departamento Valle Fértil.