The red canyon
Vivid cliffs.
miroab — CC BY-SA 2.0 · miroab — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Kevin Jones — CC BY-SA 2.0 · miroab — CC BY-SA 2.0 · miroab — CC BY-SA 2.0
The Cuesta de Miranda is one of the most beautiful stretches of National Route 40: a winding mountain road across the Sierra de Sañogasta in La Rioja, between the Famatina valley where Chilecito lies and the Villa Unión valley to the west, beside a deep canyon of vivid red rock walls with the Miranda river at its floor. The road twists through many bends between red cliffs and broken rock, climbing and descending, and its viewpoints show the canyon in reds and oranges against the green of desert plants and the blue sky. Once a rough gravel track, it was paved in 2014 with retaining walls to protect vehicles, making the drive easier and safer. The road is open and free, usually driven between Chilecito and Talampaya or Villa Unión, at its best in the morning or just before sunset when the rock glows. Stop only at the safe viewpoints.
Vivid cliffs.
A winding road.
Sunset colours.
National Route 40, Sierra de Sañogasta, between Chilecito and Villa Unión, La Rioja
Yes, paved in 2014 with retaining walls, linking Chilecito with the Villa Unión valley.