Exploring La Rioja, Argentina |
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The Puna in northwestern Argentina has called to us for years. The high altitude desert with otherworldly volcanic landscapes and remote Andean communities feels like the next great Argentine frontier.
La Rioja sits at the southern edge of the Puna, uniquely accessible and with plenty to offer. Laguna Brava sits 4,000 meters above sea level, flanked by flamingos and colored mountains that look like something between a fever dream and a geology textbook. From there, the road drops you into Talampaya, where red sandstone canyons rise like towers carved by the elements.
What is especially compelling about this region is how much it offers in a short time. The experience travelers typically chase across six or seven nights in the broader Northwest - vast open landscapes, genuine cultural encounters, a real sense of being somewhere few people are - is here in three.
Our DMC partner in Argentina, Onesixth Expeditions, just returned from a scouting trip here. We're really excited about what they found.
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How to include La Rioja in an itinerary |
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La Rioja sits in that perfect sweet spot between remoteness and accessibility. Flights from Buenos Aires to La Rioja airport (IRJ) operate daily. From there, the province becomes a road trip heaven where the journey is the destination. Landscapes shift in a short amount of time, with endless excuses to pull over and take in the view.
This region is best explored with a local driver/guide, who knows how to handle the roads and will show off the best spots for views, walks, or meals that a traveler would otherwise drive right past. Hotels here are simple and warm, B&B style.
La Rioja works well for adventurous travelers who don't want to be extremely physically active - similar to the Atacama Desert or Salta. We would put this as a first stop in an Argentina itinerary (after a night or two in Buenos Aires), and follow it with a destination with completely distinct landscapes and a higher level of luxury, like Mendoza, Iguazu, or Patagonia. |
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Lately, we've been thinking a lot about the relationship between travel advisors and DMCs. When done well, these partnerships can be the best part of the job. |
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Things rarely go as planned in Latin America - it's one of the things we love most about it. That's also one of the reasons why advisors should always plan their LATAM itineraries with the help of a DMC.
Read the Blog→ |
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As advisors, we couldn't do our jobs without DMCs. Read our tips for creating and maintaining fruitful relationships with your DMCs. The key is to think of them as partners, not employees.
Read the Blog→ |
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Thank you, NYC community! |
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I just got back from a week well spent in New York - our first Cabra Collection road show!
I'm returning feeling inspired by the advisors I met who bring such intentionality to their work. This industry can feel rushed and transactional at times, but my conversations last week left me feeling refreshed and encouraged about the direction travel is heading. It's clear that a tide is shifting, and advisors are looking to support small and locally owned businesses, mitigate over-tourism, and seek lesser known destinations for their clients.
I'm also inspired by the art I managed to see between meetings! I hosted a guided tour of El Museo del Barrio in East Harlem, a small museum with a great contemporary collection. I also squeezed in a visit to the Americas collection at the MET - the metal work, ceramics, and textiles were remarkable! |
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Our curated portfolio of DMCs and lodges represents what we love about Latin America. They are owner-run, locally-owned, sustainability-minded, and fun to work with. |
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The representation company dedicated to Latin America |
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