Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(AE Dávila 70; 9:15am-2pm & 8:30pm-2am Mon-Sat) Simple but atmospheric, this bohemi-
an spot is comfortably Chilecito's best cafe, serving fine coffee, cold beer and decent
mixed drinks. Watch the locals' epic chess battles.
Information
The plaza has banks with ATMs and internet/telephone places.
Tourist Office ( 422688; www.emutur.com.ar ; Castro y Bazán 52; 8am-10pm; ) Enthu-
siastic staff and good material. Half a block off the plaza. There's also a booth at the bus
terminal.
Getting There & Away
The bus terminal (Av Presidente Perón s/n; ) is 1.5km south of the center. It's a spectac-
ular trip from La Rioja (AR$80, three hours), passing the red rock formations of Los Co-
lorados en-route, with the snowcapped Sierra de Famatina in the background. There are
direct services from Chilecito to farther-flung destinations like Buenos Aires. La Riojana
( 424710; Maestro 61) minibuses also do the La Rioja run a little quicker for a few pesos
more. There are no buses north to Belén; to avoid the lengthy backtrack you could take a
tour to El Shinkal.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Parque Nacional Talampaya
03825 / ELEV 1300M
The spectacular rock formations and canyons of this dusty desert national park are evid-
ence of erosive action of water that these days is hard to believe existed here. The sand-
stone cliffs are amazing, as are the distant surrounding mountainscapes. Talampaya is re-
latively close to fossil-rich Parque Provincial Ischigualasto in San Juan province and it's
easy to combine the two if you have transport or visit with a tour.
Sights & Activities
You must enter by guided visit, arranged at the visitor center. The standard 2½-hour
(AR$165) or longer 4½-hour excursions (AR$240), taking in more remote sights, are in
comfortable minibuses and there's little walking involved; nevertheless, take water and
protection from the fierce sun. Guided walks (AR$120 to AR$200) and trips on bicycles
 
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