Getting There -- Aeropuerto Vicente Almandoz Almonacid (tel. 3822/439211) is 7km (4 miles) from the city center. Aerolíneas Argentinas (tel. 0810/222-86527) flies from Buenos Aires for $250 (£169) and $300 (£203), depending on the season and availability.

The Terminal de Omnibus, or main bus station, is located at Ortiz de Ocampo Avenue and Circunvalación (tel. 3822/425453). Buses arrive from Buenos Aires and travel to Salta, Catamarca, and other cities in the region. Empresa La Riojana (tel. 3822/435279) offers buses daily to locations within the province such as Chilecito.

If you opt to rent a car, try Winer Rent, Santa Fe 642 (tel. 3822/425453).

Visitor Information & Fast Facts -- The regional visitor center is located at Av. Pelagio B Luna 345 (tel. 3822/426384). It is open weekdays from 7am to 9pm and weekends from 9am to 9pm.

Banco Río faces the main plaza and has a 24-hour ATM. The bank is open weekdays from 9am to 2pm.

Tour Operators -- Runacay, Villa Union (tel. 3825/470368; www.runacay.com), and Rolling Travel, 25 de Mayo 36, 2nd floor, Córdoba (tel. 351/5709909; www.rollingtravel.com), are the two local agencies that conduct 1-day tours of the national parks. Always make sure your guide is bilingual before booking.

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