During the period of the Incas, the Rioja Province was inhabited by two tribes, the Uquihuas and the Chepenes.

[citation needed] At the end of the 16th century, one of the first Catholic missionaries arrived at Uquihua.

Rioja is situated in the valley of the upper Mayo River in the north of the San Martín Region.

The Rioja Airport accommodates small and medium sized airplanes, both for passengers and cargo.

Motor boats, canoes and rafts use the Mayo, Tonchima and Negro rivers for small cargo.