Chilecito Welcomes WTJO with Journalists from Seven Countries

Chilecito (Argentina) hosted 21 journalists from the World Travel Journalism Organization (WTJO) as part of the organization’s international tour. The delegation was made up of professionals from the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia, Germany, Brazil and Argentina. They arrived in this city of La Rioja Province to explore its tourism offerings on the ground.

Located in western La Rioja Province, Chilecito is surrounded by mountains. It boasts attractions linked to history, culture, local industries and natural heritage. The city also serves as a landmark stop for travellers along National Route 40 and the Famatina (Argentina) region.

One of its main attractions is Cristo del Portezuelo (Argentina), an iron and concrete sculpture that has become one of Chilecito’s tourism symbols. Visitors need to climb 200 steps to reach its base; the number 200 honours the 200th anniversary of the nation. From the site, visitors can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the valleys and mountains surrounding the city.

The Christ statue sits in central Chilecito and acts as both a viewpoint and a gathering space. It brings together religious heritage, scenery and travel experience in one place.

Another iconic landmark embodying Chilecito’s identity is the Chilecito‑La Mejicana Cable Car (Argentina), tied to the region’s mining history. Station No.1 and its museum introduce visitors to the story of this engineering project and the mining industry that shaped local development.

The city also preserves sites associated with key figures in La Rioja’s cultural history. Among them is Samay Huasi (Argentina), a historic estate linked to Joaquín Víctor González, writer, educator, jurist and founder of the National University of La Plata. Located a few kilometres outside Chilecito, the estate has been designated a National Historic Monument and is now an important cultural and heritage site.

Chilecito’s tourism portfolio also includes the archaeological heritage of Tambería del Inca (Argentina), religious and historic sites, wineries and experiences showcasing local production. The municipality markets the city as a destination where the Famatina Mountain Range, mining heritage, Inca legacy, architecture, wine production and local culture converge.

For WTJO journalists, exploring Chilecito means discovering a destination whose tourism identity is not defined by a single attraction. The city offers diverse ways to experience its land: admiring the scenery from Cristo del Portezuelo, uncovering mining history, visiting heritage sites, learning about local industries, and connecting with the cultures that left their marks on this part of La Rioja.

The visit by journalists from seven countries once again allowed the destination to be viewed through multiple international perspectives. This on‑site experience serves as a medium to introduce Chilecito to new audiences and highlight what makes this city in La Rioja unique: a history forged among mountains, heritage, industries, culture and landscapes.