The city and its eponymous province are named after La Rioja, a region in Spain.

The average annual rainfall is 411.4 mm (16 in), falling almost exclusively during the summer when moist tropical air from the northeast enters the region.

[3] The Museo Folklórico is set in a 17th-century building, and its displays include local chaya music and the Tinkunaco festival.

[9] The 35,000-capacity Estadio Carlos Augusto Mercado Luna is located in La Rioja.

The city is served by Capitán Vicente Almandos Almonacid Airport, with flights on Aerolíneas Argentinas.