Chilecito facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Chilecito
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 Chilecito
Location in Argentina
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| Country |  Argentina |
| Province | La Rioja |
| Department | Chilecito |
| Founded | 1715 |
| Elevation | 1,080 m (3,540 ft) |
| Population
(2022)
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| • Total | 58,798 |
| Demonym(s) | chileciteño/a |
| Time zone | UTC−3 (ART) |
| CPA base |
F5360
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| Area code(s) | 3825 |
| Climate | BWk |
Chilecito is a city located in the La Rioja province of Argentina. It is the main city of the Chilecito Department. The city sits in a beautiful valley. To the east, you can see the Sierras de Velazco mountains. To the west, there are the Sierras de Famatina mountains.
Contents
Discover Chilecito: A City in Argentina
History and What Makes Chilecito Special
Chilecito was started by Spanish settlers in 1715. It has a rich history, especially linked to mining. The city still has a famous cable car from the La Mejicana mine. This cable car was built by a company called Bleichert. It shows how important mining was here in the late 1800s.
Farming and Local Products
Chilecito is surrounded by green areas that get water from irrigation. This water comes from underground sources. A lot of the farmland is used to grow grapes for wine. Making wine is a very important industry here. People also grow walnuts and other fruits. These fruits are then processed and used locally.
Samay Huasi: A Rest House for Artists
A famous Argentine educator and politician, Joaquín V. González, grew up near Chilecito. He loved the area so much that he built a home here for his vacations. He called it Samay Huasi. This name comes from the Quechua language and means "rest house." Later, he gave this property to the University of La Plata. Now, it is a special place where artists can go to relax and create.
Chilecito's Own University
In the late 1990s, the university in Chilecito became its own school. It used to be part of the National University of La Rioja. This new university is now called the National University of Chilecito.
People and Climate of Chilecito
How Many People Live Here?
According to the 2022 census, about 58,798 people live in Chilecito. This number includes people from nearby towns like Anguinán, Malligasta, San Miguel, Los Sarmientos, and La Puntilla.
What's the Weather Like?
Chilecito has a cold desert climate. This means it's generally dry with hot summers and cool winters.
Important People from Chilecito
- Joaquín V. González: He was a very important person for Chilecito and the La Rioja province. He was an educator, lawyer, senator, and governor. His ideas and contributions helped the area a lot.
Images for kids
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Samay Huasi, a historic property in Chilecito.
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Chirau Mita Botanical Gardens.
See also
In Spanish: Chilecito para niños
