Historically, the economy was based on livestock and agricultural production and was later supplemented by a growing tourism sector related to the scenic Ventana System, a minor mountain range of 195 km (121 mi) NW to SE that dominates the flat countryside.

The city's most important municipal, educational, civic, and commercial activities center around Ernesto Tornquist Plaza.

The plaza fully occupies four city blocks and contains a man-made pond on the north end along 9 de Julio Avenue.

The Iglesia Santa Rosa de Lima, a neo-Gothic chapel, is situated in the middle of the plaza boasting a singular tower about five storeys tall.

The city hall was designed and built by the Italian-Argentine architect Francisco Salamone in the 1930s, under the provincial government of the conservative Manuel Fresco.