Miranda’s Cuesta in La Rioja

In addition to the famous Talampaya Canyon, La Rioja has another imposing natural monument that is unmissable for every tourist! It is the beautiful Cuesta de Miranda, a winding stretch of Route 40 that crosses the passage between the Sierra de Sañogasta and the Sierra de Famatina, following the old path of the Inca between Chilecito and Villa Unión. So, the historical part doesn’t fall behind.

The difficulty of the Cuesta de Miranda route is mainly due to the narrow cornice road that borders the walls of the Miranda River ravage, the sinuousness and the fact that it is located at 2040 meters above sea level. However, despite the complexity of these characteristics, today the road is completely paved and is traveled very easily.

KNOWING THE CUESTA DE MIRANDA

The route was built between 1918 and 1928, being at that time a great achievement of engineering. However, starting in 2011, work was launched for an alternative route through the zone. This work was completed in 2015.

The highest point of the Cuesta de Miranda is located 2040 meters above sea level, in Bordo Atravesado. Despite this, the route begins in Villa Unión at just 1142 meters and in Nonogasta, at the end of the stretch, the height drops to 934 meters. 

Although the Cuesta de Miranda can be visited all year round, you should keep in mind that in winter it can snow and be very cold overall. On the contrary, in the summer there is a possibility of torrential and deslaves rains. Just because of these summer and winter weather situations is that we recommend that you visit this place during autumn or spring if possible. The climate of these seasons is ideal for sunny, dry and not so hot days. Take advantage and consult the weather in La Rioja.

In addition to walking along the path of the Cuesta de Miranda and appreciating the beautiful landscape, you can do other activities in the destination, such as: rappelling, zip line, trekking, climbing, bird watching and mining tourism. You can also make sightings of the huemul, which is currently endangered.

An excellent option to get to know the slope is from Villa Unión, a city where you are sure to stay to visit the famous Talampaya National Park. Check out the best travel itineraries to La Rioja.

THE FAMOUS CUESTA TOUR IN LA RIOJA

As mentioned above, the Cuesta de Miranda goes from Chilecito to Villa Unión and vice versa. Assuming we start our journey from Chilecito, the first great landscape we have is Cerro Famatina, usually with snow on the peaks. What most catches the eye of this landscape is the contrast of the white of the snow-capped peaks with the blue of the sky and the green of the mountains.

In the meantime, departing from Chilecito begins touring the National Route 40, passing through Nonogasta (birthplace of the famous jurist Joaquín V. González), and Sañogasta. Along the way, on the side of the route, you can find retamas, chañares, ram trees and jars. You can also see cardones bordering the Miranda River.

As you advance on the tour through the Cuesta de Miranda, you can see a spectacular landscape of hills and mountains.

After transiting a few kilometers and some curves, the route becomes gravel and begins to travel along the slope itself, which consists of a geological formation belonging to the carboniferous-permic where iron oxide predominates, which gives it the reddish color.

Further along the route is located the highest point of the crossing on Board Crossed. Thanks to the height, you can see the large wall of Talampaya National Park in the distance. After this peak of the route, you can finally return to Chilecito or continue journey towards Villa Unión.

Without a doubt, Cuesta de Miranda is a perfect adventure to get to know incredible landscapes of La Rioja. From Moebius we will be happy to help you in the planning of the trip through this beautiful province. If you want expert advice for an agenda in this destination, we invite you to contact us via WhatsApp. We will be happy to help you!