Río Hondo: Thermal Waters, Nature and Culture

Río Hondo brings together the Chaco landscape, thermal waters, archaeological finds and a lively craft tradition. The department is home to natural areas such as the Pozo del Arbolito Private Nature Reserve, while the municipality it belongs to, Las Termas de Río Hondo, is known for its thermal mineral waters. There are also museums, historic sites and regional cuisine. Which of these aspects interests you most may help determine your choice of holiday apartment in the region.

Discover Nature and Crafts

The Pozo del Arbolito Private Nature Reserve protects 60 hectares of semi-arid Chaco forest and is of considerable ecotourism value. Isla de los Castillos offers a different kind of landscape: this locality in the department lies on the Embalse Río Hondo and combines thermal waters and native species with scenery along the reservoir’s shore.

The municipality it belongs to is home to the Isla Tara Inti Nature Reserve. The area covers approximately 24 hectares and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, paleontological remains, and a lagoon fed by natural thermal springs. Four lookout points offer views of these different natural and landscape features. A signposted elevated trail made of Quebracho Colorado wood runs through the reserve, which is home to an estimated 100 bird species. If you are particularly interested in nature watching, this offers a specific focus for your stay.

Cestería (basket weaving) is also part of Santiago del Estero’s regional identity. In Río Hondo Department, craftspeople work with plant fibers. In Las Termas de Río Hondo, the Paseo Manos Laboriosas forms a cultural corridor along Caseros Street, sections of Rivadavia Street and National Route 9, where you can learn about the work of basket weavers.

Thermal Waters and Outdoor Activities in Las Termas

Las Termas de Río Hondo sits above extensive thermal mineral aquifers and is considered an open-air spa. Visitors in the municipality can enjoy waters with varying mineral compositions, even within the same establishment. The temperatures of the hyperthermal waters range from approximately 30°C to 70°C. This range and the varying mineral compositions give the thermal waters several distinct characteristics.

For outdoor activities, the Costanera in Las Termas stretches a total of 3,400 meters. It includes a two-meter-wide cycle lane and a three-meter-wide pedestrian area. If you would like to combine your stay with walks or cycling, you can include these areas in your plans. The Circuito Termas de Río Hondo is six kilometers from the city it is named after, on a 150-hectare site along the shore of the Dique Frontal. The international MotoGP Grand Prix takes place at the Autódromo Internacional de Termas de Río Hondo.

Museums and Historic Sites

The Museo Rincón de Athacama displays archaeological materials relating to the Tonocote, who lived in Río Hondo Department in the past. It also exhibits the remains of Quaternary animals from the Americas, found in the department and in the riverbed of the Río Dulce. The museum thus focuses both on early settlement and on finds from the animal world.

In the municipality it belongs to, the Museo del Automóvil explores landmark moments in Argentine and international motor racing and motorcycle racing history across six areas. The museum displays a significant vehicle collection, including loans or vehicles from the Fangio, La Plata and Arturo Scalise museums, and has a particularly large number of antique motorcycles. Another highlight is the German locomotive built by Richard Hartman, in the garden of the Museo de Artes y Artesanías Regionales. It is one of two locomotives of this type currently preserved in Argentina. The museum is housed in the oldest station of the Ferrocarriles Argentinos, dating from 1929 and largely preserving its original design.

You can also discover the area’s history in Vinará and Sotelo. Vinará was established in the early 18th century as a post station on the Camino Real, at the border between Santiago del Estero and Tucumán. The Pacto de Vinará was signed there in 1821; visitors can see the museum and the Río Dulce. Sotelo was also established as a post station on the Camino Real. There you can visit the Capilla Nuestra Señora del Rosario, considered one of the oldest chapels in the country and located in the center of the local cemetery.

Regional Cuisine and More to Discover

At the Fiesta Nacional del Canasto, visitors share folklore and typical regional dishes. Santiagueño empanadas are recommended as a local specialty to try. The Paseo Escultórico Temático Solano is considered a religious and historic site. The Instituto de Hidrobiología offers guided visits for insights into the Embalse: visitors learn more about current and historical conditions at the reservoir and its importance in regulating water outflows.

If you are planning your trip around Río Hondo, nature, thermal waters, crafts and history can each offer a different focus. The department also includes Pérez de Zurita. Other destinations at the same level include Departamento Capital, Departamento Guasayán, Departamento Moreno, La Banda, Departamento Choya and Robles.

For the broader travel overview: Santiago Del Estero.