Río Hondo: Thermal Waters, Nature and History

Río Hondo offers a variety of ways to explore the region: thermal waters in Las Termas de Río Hondo, natural areas along the Río Dulce and historic places such as Vinará. Archaeological finds and basket weaving are also part of the picture in Departamento Río Hondo. The region’s attractions range from landscapes and wildlife to traditional crafts and motorsports—giving you a starting point for planning your stay around your own interests.

Thermal Waters and Landscape

Las Termas de Río Hondo sits above extensive thermomineral aquifers and is known as an open-air spa. The city is also located on a vast artesian basin, where meteoric waters rise to the surface as springs and natural upwellings. Visitors can enjoy waters with different mineral compositions, even within the same establishment. The hyperthermal waters are approximately 30°C to 70°C; individual springs and facilities may vary.

Another way to experience the landscape is along the Costanera in Las Termas de Río Hondo: It is 3,400 meters long in total and includes a two-meter-wide bike lane and a three-meter-wide pedestrian area. Water and landscape also define Isla de los Castillos, a locality in Departamento Río Hondo on the Embalse Río Hondo. Thermal waters, native species and the landscape along the reservoir’s shore are among its defining features.

Nature Reserves and Wildlife

The Reserva Isla Tara Inti is located within the municipality of Termas de Río Hondo. The reserve covers approximately 24 hectares and is home to diverse flora and fauna, paleontological remains, and a lagoon fed by natural thermal springs. A signposted, elevated path made of Quebracho Colorado wood leads through the reserve; its birdlife is estimated at around 100 species. Four viewpoints offer views of the flora and fauna, paleontological remains and Río Dulce landscape.

The Reserva Natural Privada Pozo del Arbolito preserves a different natural setting: 60 hectares of semi-arid Chaco forest with significant ecotourism value. The two reserves have different highlights—forest here, and a lagoon, thermal springs and viewpoints there. This means you can explore Río Hondo’s natural side through both Chaco forest and its waters and wildlife.

Archaeology, Crafts and History

The Museo Rincón de Athacama displays archaeological materials relating to the Tonocote, who lived in Departamento Río Hondo in the past. The collection also includes bone remains of Quaternary animals from the Americas, discovered in Departamento Río Hondo and in the Río Dulce riverbed. Archaeological and paleontological subjects are presented side by side, but have different connections to the region: one tells of its former inhabitants, the other of its wildlife during the Quaternary.

Cestería, or basket weaving, is a traditional craft and part of Santiago Del Estero’s identity; artisans in Departamento Río Hondo work with plant fibers. In Termas de Río Hondo, the Paseo Manos Laboriosas is a cultural corridor along Caseros Street and parts of Rivadavia and Ruta Nacional 9. Visitors can learn about the work of local basket weavers there. The corridor is designed as a permanent craft exhibition; specific displays may change.

Vinará was established in the early 18th century as a post station on the Camino Real, on the border between Santiago del Estero and Tucumán. The Pacto de Vinará was signed there in 1821. The museum and Río Dulce are open to visitors. Sotelo also originated as a post station on the Camino Real. The Capilla Nuestra Señora del Rosario stands at the center of the local cemetery; it is considered one of the oldest chapels in the country.

Museums, Events and Other Experiences

The permanent exhibition at the Museo del Automóvil de Termas de Río Hondo is divided into six sections and covers major moments in Argentine and international motorsports and motorcycle racing history. The vehicle collection also includes loans or vehicles from the Fangio, La Plata and Arturo Scalise museums; it also features a particularly large number of vintage motorcycles. Another object of technical and historical interest stands in the garden of the Museo de Artes y Artesanías Regionales: a German locomotive made by the Richard Hartman company, one of only two locomotives of this type currently preserved in Argentina. The museum is housed in the oldest station of Ferrocarriles Argentinos, built in 1929 and largely retaining its original design.

The Instituto de Hidrobiología offers guided visits exploring current and historical conditions at the Embalse and its importance in regulating water flows. The rooms at the Centro Cultural General San Martín can be used for congresses, seminars, business meetings, workshops, press conferences, fairs and exhibitions; the program for individual events may vary. Golf enthusiasts can find more information at the Termas de Río Hondo Golf Club: the course was designed by Robert Tren Jones II and is surrounded by lush vegetation characteristic of a warm climate.

Six kilometers from the city for which it is named, the Circuito Termas de Río Hondo occupies a 150-hectare site along the shore of the Dique Frontal. The international MotoGP Grand Prix takes place at the Autódromo. The Fiesta Nacional del Canasto is associated with Termas de Río Hondo; its program includes folklore and typical regional dishes, though offerings may vary from one edition to another. Check event dates before your trip. Empanadas santiagueñas are recommended as a local specialty to try.

Discover more destinations: Pérez de Zurita, Departamento Choya, Departamento Moreno, Robles, La Banda, Departamento Capital, Departamento Guasayán.

For the broader travel overview: Santiago Del Estero.