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12732 Bacchus Hwy. Herriman, UT 84096

Kennecott Copper Mine

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Join Rio Tinto Kennecott for the Visitor Experience at Bingham Canyon Mine.

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Rio Tinto Kennecott

Rio Tinto Kennecott Visitor Experience  

The Rio Tinto Kennecott Visitor Experience is dedicated to educating the public about Kennecott's key role in modern life, safe mining practices, and responsible environmental stewardship. Learn about our history and see first-hand the gigantic scale of our operation, vehicles, and artifacts. Discover how ore gets processed and refined to become 99.99% copper, an essential element in today’s infrastructure, manufacturing, and technology.

Our Kennecott mine has operated for 120 years, providing domestically -sourced copper to the United States and beyond. As we look towards the energy transition, Kennecott will continue to play an important role by responsibly mining and smelting this critical mineral for our electric vehicles, our renewable energy, and numerous other vital applications.

Reservations

Tickets are $6 each and children under the age of five are free. All proceeds will be generously donated to the Kennecott Charitable Foundation.

Tickets should be purchased in advance. Walk-up visitors run the risk of not being able to visit the mine overlook if they are at capacity that day. Walk-up visitors will need to use a credit card to complete an onsite ticket purchase. Cash transactions are not available at the Visitor Experience.

Kennecott Charitable Foundation

The Kennecott Charitable Foundation is a Utah-based charitable organization committed to positively impacting Utah residents and the community since its inception in 1992. This includes supporting charities and non-profits that assist vulnerable populations in the Salt Lake region. The Foundation raises money for worthy organizations through tax-deductible entrance fees to the Kennecott Visitor Experience. The Bingham Canyon Lions Club contributes additional funds to the Foundation from items sold at the Gift Shop.

Bingham Canyon Lions Gift Shop, located in the Lark visitor parking area, sells an assortment of items. From copper jewelry and trinkets to educational excavation kits, visitors of all ages are sure to find something special to take home with them. While there is a vending machine available with drinks, food is not available for purchase.

Safety Policies  

Safety is essential to everything they do at Kennecott - and your safety is their number one priority when visiting the Bingham Canyon Mine. They are committed to protecting the health and safety of all our employees and visitors. All safety rules and policies must be followed.

• Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult
• You must use the shuttle services to visit the overlook
• Children and adults must wear a seat belt while on the shuttle – car/booster seats are not required, and infants may be held in arms during travel
• Stay inside the designated visitor area (always fenced or otherwise)
• Use of drugs, alcohol or smoking/vaping are strictly prohibited
• Firearms, knives, and other weapons are prohibited on all Rio Tinto Kennecott property
• Unauthorized use of drones or professional photography are prohibited on all property

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Rio Tinto Kennecott Visitor Experience

Review Highlights

“ I had visited the mine many years ago and a lot has changed since a landslide forced the visitor center to be closed for 6 years. ” in 3 reviews

“ d. Th e bus driv er we got told us so much about what was going on and what happen tha ” in 2 reviews

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12732 Bacchus Hwy

Herriman, UT 84096

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Such a unique experience- not too often so you get to see a 0.75-mile hole in the earth! The scale of everything here, including the trucks, is massive! You can buy tickets online for a specific time slot to take a bus to the overlook. It's $6 well-spent- check it out!

What a view! Grab $6 tickets online and Follow the maps to the parking area near the base of the mine. Be sure to check in with the workers inside the visitor center then load the Bus at Your appointed time. Seatbelts are a must! Sit on the right side of the bus while you travel 15min up to the viewing area. You'll see many interesting things along the way We took the 10:00 shuttle up and took the 11:00 shuttle back down 2 viewing areas with placards along the fences. Not a guided tour, so do your best to read about it on your own Crazy huge pit with awesome views inside. We live in a wonderful world :)

See all photos from Lisa N. for Rio Tinto Kennecott Visitor Experience

Pretty cool mine outside Salt Lake City. The size is big, and apparently it's also one of the very few things visible from space. You purchase a ticket to shuttle up to the top, and it's a self-guided tour then. Expect to spend about an hour to an hour & half.

Newly opened tours of Kennecott Copper Mine. Tickets for tour are required and can be purchased online. Once they are sold out they are full for the day. We risked it and did walk up for tickets at the gift shop. It was about 11am on a Sunday. The bus was nearly full. Maybe 5 empty seats. You take an air conditioned bus up into the mine. They drop you off and it's self guided. The bus driver on the way up didn't have a microphone so we could hardly hear him. Especially hard for my hard of hearing daughter and some Other older passengers. Up top the center is all outside so dress for the elements. Porta potties are your bathrooms at the bottom (visitor center ) as well as up top. Busses run every half hour, I believe. Half hour was enough for me and my three Kids to read all The info and take Pictures.

The best $5 we spent on our trip. I had visited the mine many years ago and a lot has changed since a landslide forced the visitor center to be closed for 6 years. The views of the bottom of the pit are obstructed, but there is much to see! The sheer size of the pit and the equipment is difficult to comprehend. You can stand in the bed of a truck and next to a 12 foot tire. There are two observation levels with a ramp connecting them. There are signs for a self-guarded "tour".

Havent been since '97 when I went on a field trip. Went back in '22 and wow it was worth it. The workers there were super friendly and had given a lot of information. Yes you do have to book online but honestly about everywhere is doing that, for $6 I will be going back again. Thank you to everyone that made my kids experience as great as mine when I was a kid. The bus driver we got told us so much about what was going on and what happen than. The gift shop lady that gave my kids some mineral, the gift shop is small but has so much incredible stuff to look at and want. The mine is amazing we got our tour early because we went early*. Would give more stars if I could, and all I did was look in the worlds biggest man made hole. It was incredible. Not for everyone but do your history research and learn about it and hopefully the experience will just as great for you.

I haven't been here in years, it has changed so much. Definitely cool to look at. I bought our tickets online for a Saturday. I'm glad I did they were sold out when we arrived. My only complaint is that the parking lot is very limited, we had to drive around a few times before a parking spot opened up.

Rio Tinto Kennecott Copper Mine

I'm a Rio Tinto employee and visited the Visitor Experience Center after they recently opened it back to the public. If you haven't been here before, or haven't been since 2013 when it was last open, a lot has changed. When you work here every day, so much can change in a week. As a visitor, so much can change in a year. It's definitely a cool little activity for the family. There's a gift shop for those looking for souvenirs. The tour takes you up to a overlook point where you'll be able to see the pit. The overlook has some small exhibits and small examples of the machinery used in the mine. Currently, there is a shovel loading haul trucks pretty close to the road where your bus will take you up to the overlook.

Was cool! Some of the bus drivers are more informative than others but that is just the luck of the draw! Make sure to use restroom before getting on the bus because there are no facilities up at the visitor area. Takes about an hour round trip once you are there.

$5 well spent and less than an hour and 30 minutes to boot. The gift shop was a nice touch as well. I like how it wasn't information overload. They gave you exactly what you needed to know. On the bus ride down - DO NOT sit on the first left front rows. You can't see the TV. Going up they show you an obvious safety video. On the way down they show you how copper is actually produced with fun infographics and witty narrative that appeals to both children and adults alike.

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Rio Tinto Tour

Iron ore mine site.

• Viewing of the Haul Truck and Heavy Machinery workshop area
• Visit a lookout to see the enormous pit
• View trucks, shovels and drills, the crushing and screening plants and the train load out area
• Visit the main pit area
• Detailed commentary provided by an expert local guide
• Air-conditioned coach or bus
• Pick up and drop off at Tom Price Visitor Centre
• Safety helmet and safety glasses are supplied

Alternative tour times are available for group bookings (requires min 6 adults) please  contact us  for availability.

What to Bring / Wear

Fully enclosed shoes are required for this tour.

Safety Information

As this is an active mine site, access to some areas may be restricted, depending on conditions.

About the Iron Ore Mine Site

Tour operations, pickup times.

10.00am – Tom Price Visitor Centre Drop off approx 11.30am

Phone: 08 9791 4143

Email: [email protected]

Address: 97 Forrest Ave, Bunbury, WA 6230

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Rio Tinto Iron Ore Mine Site Tour

• Duration: 90 Minutes (approx.)
• Location : Tom Price, WA
• Product code: PHPWPJ

Minimum numbers apply (6)

Highlights & Inclusions

• Viewing of the Haul Truck workshop area
• Visit the pit lookout
• View trucks, shovels and drills, the crushing and screening plants and the train load out area
• Detailed commentary provided by an expert local guide
• Air-conditioned coach or bus
• Pick up and drop off at Tom Price Visitor Centre
• Safety helmet and safety glasses are supplied

Please note: Covered footwear  must be worn  on this tour. 

Nestled deep in the hamersley ranges at the base of the towering mount nameless is the town of tom price, in the heart of western australia’s pilbara region. home to one of the world’s richest iron ore deposits mined by rio tinto, lestok tours have been conducting comprehensive tours of this mine site for over 30 years.  a must-do when visiting the pilbara region, this one of a kind experience takes you behind the scenes of one of the world’s largest open cut mines for a 1.5 hour tour..

Starting at the Tom Price Visitor Centre, guests are prepped for their unique mine experience and supplied with safety glasses and a hard hat. 

Travelling in air-conditioned comfort, be treated to full commentary from your guide en-route to the mine. 

Visit the pit lookout for panoramic views over the mine site (bring your camera!) and view the enormous Haul Trucks and machinery at work as you travel to the process plant and onto the train load out area.

Your expert guide will give you up to date information and a unique insight into this large scale operation - from taking the ore out of the ground, through the crusher, along the conveyors to loading into the massive carts on some of the longest trains in the world.

Child Policy:

All children under the age of 14 years must be accompanied by an Adult

14 and over are classed as Adults

Infants under 3 years are free

Infants & children are required to wear fully enclosed shoes (new born can wear socks as they will not be getting off the bus), a helmet and safety glasses, if they are unable to do this then they are required to stay on the bus with an adult when others get off the bus at the viewing platform.  (If you have a bike helmet for your child/infant you can use this as their safety helmet).

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• Rivers Geography of Spain

The Unique Rio Tinto in Spain: is the red river worth visiting?

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Some call it the extraterrestrial river, the Martian flow of Spain, the most acidic river in the world, and many other names that try to approach and understand the reality that can be appreciated after visiting the river.

If there is one thing we agree on, it is that it is out of this world. In this article, I will tell you everything you need to know about the Red River (or Rio Tinto) in Spain, its origin and explanation of its waters, where it is located, and the best activities to visit.

After this post, you will realize how strange and particular the biodiversity and ecosystems in Spain are, one more reason not to miss this paradise in the Iberian Peninsula.

All “normal” rivers have blue waters or the color they reflect, right? Well, you will be surprised to know that this particular river is controversial for being the only river in Spain with red waters. Throughout the article, you will understand why NASA considers it a protected space for research since it is similar to the conditions of life on mars…

We will stop on this later. For now, let’s start solving doubts…

Table of Contents ▼ ▶

1. Where is Rio Tinto located?

The Red River, known as Rio Tinto, is located in the coasts of Southern Spain. It runs along the province of Huelva in Andalucia. The river rises in the Sierra de Padre Caro and reaches the Huelva estuary, merging with the Odiel river.

And, from the north, where its source is located, to the south, where it flows into the river, the river crosses the following Huelva municipalities: Nerva, Minas de Río Tinto, El Campillo, Zalamea la Real, Berrocal, Valverde del Camino, Paterna del Campo, Niebla, La Palma del Condado, Villarrasa, Bonares, Trigueros, Lucena del Puerto, San Juan del Puerto, Moguer, Palos de la Frontera and Huelva.

2. Why is the red river red?

The particular Red River is red due to the dissolution of minerals, oxides, and irons.

A long time ago, it was discovered that the Rio Tinto contained iron, copper, zinc, and arsenic with very high acidity and a pH of less than 2. All of this together makes its waters gain a red color. However, other reasons are being analyzed by science. In addition to being red, the waters of the Tinto are dense, with a significant lack of oxygen. This means the “normal” type of life (fishes, vegetation, or amphibians) does not exist. Ironically, some scientists say that this extreme environment of red color is also due to these photosynthetic organisms.

But what does that mean? The Astrobiology Center (CAB) researchers have discovered a life cycle in which bacteria take advantage of the minerals and transform them. In simpler words, a bunch of hungry microorganisms eat the metal sulfates and, so to speak, poop iron oxide. In short, the microorganisms inside it are the ones that change the ore, and the river’s color.

3. History of the Red River

Now let’s travel in time to know the curious origin of this river. A long time ago, in the early 3000 BC, the Iberians were already extracting copper on the shores of the Rio Tinto. The Phoenicians followed in their footsteps, and the Romans and the Muslims came after them.

The mining search extended throughout its history, and they discovered that apart from copper, its shores were also rich in iron and manganese. It was in the 19th century that mining began on a large scale, carried out by English companies.

The exploitation of its shores continued until it reached its maximum activity in 1930. Later, around 1986 and 1996, silver and gold were also seen on its shores. Years after, in 2010, there was an attempt to reopen mining in the area, but this attempt was thwarted mainly for environmental reasons.

The cradle of soccer in Spain started in 1873 in Minas de Riotinto. The British came to this place to exploit the mines bought by the Rio Tinto Company Ltd. And, as there were almost no distractions in this small town, the British practiced their favorite games after work and introduced it to the Spanish culture.

4. How long and deep is the red river in Spain?

The Red River, or “Rio Tinto” in Spanish, has a length of 100 km and a basin area of 739 km². It runs along the province of Huelva in Andalusia, rises in the Sierra de Padre Caro, and reaches the Huelva estuary, merging with the Odiel river.

It is not one of the longest or deepest rivers in Spain. Not even close! Read our related articles about this:

Whats The Longest River in Spain? Experts Doubt between These 2! The Tagus River: 2 Locations, Interesting Facts and The Best Spots Experience the Ebro River: 8 Interesting Facts, Best Spots, Beautiful Pictures and More!

5. What are the tributaries of the red river in Spain?

The Main tributaries of the Red River are the Nicoba, Jarrama, Domingo Rubio, Corumbel, Casa Valverde, and Candón rivers. To learn more about these rivers and all rivers in Spain you should visit this post:

The 34 Main Rivers in Spain + the ones no one tells you about

6. Are there fishes in the Red River?

There are no fish, vegetation, or amphibians in the Tinto River. Yet, scientists say it is overflowing with “life.” However, until very recently, it was always thought that life was impossible inside the Red River since its waters are dense and lack oxygen.

Still, the microorganisms that inhabit its waters are a challenge for science, making this river a unique place with exceptional characteristics. In the late years, analyses revealed that the conditions in which these microorganisms live correspond to a very ancient model, reproducing the environment in which life on Earth developed during the Archaic period. All this has led NASA to study the river since the life model could be similar to Mars’s life conditions. Isn’t this crazy?!!

7. Can you visit the red river?

You can visit the red river in Spain and its many attractions nearby in the municipality of Minas del Rio Tinto in Huelva.

But don’t hurry since I’ll leave you a complete guide for visiting the red river with all the activities you can do that will leave you speechless!

Summer is not the best time of the year to visit it since the flow has decreased, and the heat is not very favorable. It is best to plan to avoid the central hours and do the tour early in the morning.

8. Is the red river dangerous?

You can’t bathe, swim, sail, or fish in the red river since its waters have a high level of toxicity, and this river is known to inhabit unknown life in extreme environments. However, it is worth looking for the source and stopping at the bridge just before it. There is a parking lot. The landscape has changed entirely, and the almost deserted aspect is now lush trees. There is an easy but steep descent, which requires suitable footwear, at least a pair of sneakers.

9. Why is the red river called Rio Tinto?

The word “Tinto” means that something is dark red in color and is obtained from a black grape that must be fermented with the seeds and skins of the grape. The term refers to the Red Wine, and the Red River is called Rio Tinto in Spanish due to the red color of its waters.

10. Best Activities to do in Rio Tinto

The Red River is very incredible. It is a fantastic experience worth discovering; the color of the river is actually intense red!! Also, its orange stones contrast the green pines and make it a surreal landscape. It is hard to believe that something so “extraterrestrial” can actually be found in Southern Spain!

Although it is impossible to swim in the river, there are some essential visits you cannot miss. These are:

• The Mouth of the Tinto river : It is located near the Peña del Hierro mine. Before arriving, on the left side of the road, there is a small parking lot where we can leave our vehicle. From there, after 300 meters, you’ll see the source of the Rio Tinto River.
• Las Minas de Riotinto : This is the name of this municipality that is the base of operations to visit the Mining Park of Riotinto, which contains the various points of interest and attractions that can be seen and that I will mention after.
• The Riotinto Mining Park: it offers three exciting low-cost visits: The Mining Railway, Mining Museum, and Peña de Hierro mine.
• The Mining Railway: “A time travel through out-of-this-world landscapes” This is the perfect option if you are traveling with children or people with reduced mobility. The tour is done on a train, which you can take at the Estación Tren Turístico Minero (you can find it on the map), and the journey takes 1h 30min and will take you to Los Frailes station with a total of 11 km. 

• The Mining Museum: it is a museum dedicated to the mining activity in the area and its history. It tells you all the history of mining in the area with more than 5000 years old, and you can see objects and reproductions of train wagons. Also, the museum building is the former mining hospital of the Rio Tinto Company Limited, which owned the Mining activities and built the railroad long ago to take the minerals to the port of Huelva. 
• Peña del Hierro: this is an absolute must-visit if you go to Minas de Riotinto!! In the Mines of Peña del Hierro, you can enter an old mine and take a walk around the surrounding area where scientific studies of the CAB, INTA, and NASA are currently carried out to develop the Mars Project. Copper and pyrite were extracted here, then ceased to be used in 1972, and today it is a Protected Site. Today, an old gallery of more than 200 meters has been recovered, where visitors can discover the multicolored palette of a mineral-rich subsoil.

After discovering all this, if you feel like visiting some nearby towns, your route could continue to Aracena. Which is highly popular for these main things:

• Visiting the “Gruta de las Maravillas” This is a cave known for its geological formations and some subway lakes. During the guided tour, you will visit the three levels that form this cave, and it is truly a great environment to discover. 
• Trying Jabugo ham: it is considered the best acorn-fed ham and is therefore in great demand. So please remember to buy some!! It is the perfect gift for your loved ones after coming back home.
• Visiting the Aracena medieval castle:  You can walk up a pleasant walk through the historic center of Aracena (although the climb has steep slopes) or take the tourist train up. The visit takes about 45 minutes and has stunning views.

For other incredible activities, I suggest you read these articles:

7 Different And Incredible Landscapes You Will Find in Spain The 9 Best Forests in Spain to Get Lost in The Wild

11. Similar rivers in the world

Several rivers worldwide are of different colors besides the Red River. These are the following:

• Caño Cristales, in Colombia, is the famous river of the five colors. It has been recognized as “the most beautiful river in the world.” In this spectacular river, you can see colors such as; Yellow, blue, green, black, and red. This is mainly due to the presence of algae of different colors that make this river a visual wonder.
• Lake Hillier, a pink lake inside the uninhabited Middle Island in Western Australia. It is about 600 meters long and looks like an authentic bubblegum pink color from the air.
• Huang He, in Chinese or Yellow River in English, is a long body of freshwater often considered the cradle of Chinese civilization. It is the second-longest river in China, the third-longest in Asia, and the sixth-longest in the world. The unique thing about it is that depending on the year’s season, you can see this river with a yellow color.

And if you’re wondering whether this phenomenon of a river of red color happens anywhere else, then you should know that there’s another one in Peru , a Southern American country. Their Red River is known as “Yawar Mayu,” and its reddish hues can only be admired during the rainy season, which runs from November to April. The heavy rains cause the dragging of minerals, which dye the river while generating a unique and colorful spectacle along the valley.

On the other hand, in Mississippi, in the United States, there’s a river called the “Red River” , and it’s one of the main tributaries of the Mississippi River. Still, it should not be confused with the color “red” because it has blue water.

You tell me if it is worth paying a visit to this impressive river that has opened many questions for researchers, sounds like a remarkable experience, right? The most important of all this is that we value and appreciate the beautiful nature and biodiversity surrounding us. Whenever you visit any of these places, remember to follow the rules to preserve them and take care of these spaces to keep them healthy.

Let me know in the comments if you have visited the Rio Tinto, and how your experience was, we would be happy to read you!

Can you swim in the Red River in Spain?

You can't swim, bathe or sail in the Red River because its water is intensely acid and toxic since they contain iron, copper, zinc, and arsenic with very high acidity and a pH below 2. They are also very dense, with a significant lack of oxygen.

Is There Wine Making in the red river?

There is no wine-making in the Red River. Ironically, the fact that it is called "Tinto" does not refer to red wine but to the intense red color that characterizes its waters.

READ NEXT: The Beautiful Guadiana + 20 Rivers Between Spain & Portugal

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Home » Travel Guides » Portugal » 15 Best Things to Do in Rio Tinto (Portugal)

15 Best Things to Do in Rio Tinto (Portugal)

To the northeast of Porto, Rio Tinto is a parish connected to the city via the Porto Metro (Orange Line). Close by there are traditional churches, speciality museums, a zoo and a gorgeous park on the ruins of an old quinta.

In Porto’s eastern and northern suburbs you’ll find cool things that most tourists miss, like the world-class Pharmacy Museum and the solemn sculptures in the Prado do Ropouso.

Meanwhile the city of Maia is a short way up the road and has its own attractions including the tallest building outside Lisbon.

Lets explore the best things to do in Rio Tinto :

1. Igreja Matriz de Rio Tinto

Over the Rio Tinto valley, a few paces from the Metro station is the local church, which stands in sharp relief to the newer developments around it.

This is from the 1770s and replaced a medieval convent church.

On the facades there are six tile panels representing various saints important to Rio Tinto.

It’s hard to ignore the wealth of decoration inside, particularly on the altar, which has images of saints surrounded by oodles of gilded woodwork.

The church is also quite rare in Portugal for having a tabernacle (to contain the Eucharist); like the rest of the church this is very opulent, and has scenes from the Passion on its doors.

2. Museu Mineiro de São Pedro da Cova

Coal was discovered just beyond Porto’s northeastern  limits in the 18th century, and where there had been farms in the parish of São Pedro da Cova, mining soon took over.

This particular mine was exploited for 200 years before closing in 1970. The museum is in the Casa da Malta, which used to be housing for miners who had travelled to work here from other parts of the country.

If you’re interested in old industry you can see what’s left of the old mine, while the museum has two parts: The first describes the kind of ore that was extracted here, and the second goes into depth on the life and routine of a worker.

3. Estádio do Dragão

Four stops on Line F of the Porto Metro is one of Europe’s football cathedrals.

It’s the home stadium for FC Porto, who are a member of Portugal’s Big Three.

Along with Sporting Lisbon and Benfica, Porto are constantly battling it out for the Primeira Liga title.

They also have a continental pedigree, having won the European Cup/Champions League and the UEFA Cup/Europa League twice each.

This prestigious history is recorded at the museum, which you can combine with a tour of this UEFA Four Star stadium.

Matches other than local derbies and against the Big Three almost never sell out, so you can easily buy a ticket at the office on the day of a game between August and May.

There’s much to keep you occupied in the parishes around Rio Tinto, but you’ll always be just 15 minutes from the centre of Porto on the Metro.

Like any great European city there’s something for people of all walks of life and ages.

If you want to feel the bustle of an old town the Ribeira quarter is for you, and if you want big sights there’s the much-photographed Dom Luís I Bridge, Palácio da Bolsa and a lineup of churches festooned with gilded woodwork and azulejos.

Those with a palate for fortified wine can cross the Douro into Gaia where there are scores of port lodges where you can taste and buy this esteemed beverage.

5. Museu Militar do Porto

In the Bonfim parish, west of Porto, is the city’s military museum.

You can make  it in ten minutes or so on the Metro, using Heroísmo station.

It’s an impressive building, built as a palatial residence in the 19th century and later used as the HQ for the secret police during Salazar’s regime.

In the collection is a wealth of antique swords, uniforms and guns of different sizes from the 1400s to the 1900s.

But the pièce de résistance has to be the set of miniature figures, numbering 16,000 and produced by Europe’s leading manufacturers.

6. Quinta do Covelo

Just west of the Estádio do Dragão is this charming eight-hectare park in the middle of an old residential area in Porto’s northern outskirts.

On the upper reaches of the hill are lawns and groves of palms, stone pines and oaks.

Parents with smaller kids can visit the swings and slides  but what really lends the park character is the ruins of the old estate that once contained this parkland.

You can still make out the Baroque facade of this stately house, which has been left as a hollow shell since the Siege of Porto in 1832-1833.

7. Zoo da Maia

If you’re in luck with traffic you’ll be at this zoo in 15 minutes or so from Rio Tinto.

It’s worth the effort if you have youngsters with you as the zoo has a strong educational slant and is dedicated to conservation.

It can boast the largest reptile exhibit in Portugal, with plated lizards, Burmese pythons, geckos, desert cobras, green vipers, iguanas and crocodiles.

There are also loads of other creepy crawlies, like scorpions and tarantulas.

Less scary are the bird of prey demonstrations that take place three times a day, or the sea lion presentation when you watch this animal swimming and feeding.

8. Rua Santa Catarina

Porto’s prime shopping street is also in touch, at 15 minutes or so from Levada to Bolhão station.

It’s a long thoroughfare, beginning in the north with relatively nondescript offices and housing, and getting  more touristy as you head down the slope.

The livelier section begins just south of Bolhão station and has a mix of shops and boutiques selling one-off items local specialities, and more familiar international chains like Zara and Bershka, all set in refined 19th-century buildings.

The Mercado do Bolhão merits a stop, as much for the turn-of-the-century architecture around the courtyard as for its produce.

9. Torre Lidador

Portugal’s fifth-tallest building, and the tallest outside of Lisbon, is a 15-minute drive away in Maia.

If this rouses your curiosity you can sign up for a tour, which will take you to the top of this 92-metre tower for an all-encompassing panorama of the Porto Metropolitan Area.

On the roof the guide will point out the visible landmarks and give you a bit of background to Maia and its history.

In front of this building is a statue of the 12th-century commander, Gonçalo Mendes da Maia.

He was born in this area and went down in history in 1170 when at age 91 he showed up at the vanguard of a battle against the Moors (hence the name, “Lidador” ).

10. Pharmacy Museum

Worth every minute of the drive towards the coast is this superb medical museum that has gathered a host of instruments and containers from many civilisations and periods.

There are items here from Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Rome, Greece, China, Japan, Russia as well as Incan and Aztec objects.

But best of all are the two reconstructed pharmacy interiors, wich have their earthenware pots and shelving.

One is the former Estácio Pharmacy, which used to be on Rua Sá da Bandeira in Porto.

The other has travelled much farther, from a 19th-century Ottoman Empire palace in Damascus.

11. Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Ó de Águas Santas

This Romanesque church in Maia is so old it even predates Portugal as a nation.

It has its origins in the 10th century when it was attached to a convent, and was rebuilt in its present form in the 1120s.

Things get very atmospheric in the churchyard where there are five monolithic sarcophagi dating from the early middle ages.

On one of them you can make out a circular cross of Malta and coat of arms.

And in the two naves are sculpted capitals with animal and vegetal motifs.

12. Prado do Repouso Cemetery

A brief walk from Heroísmo Metro Station is another interesting place that not many tourists make it to.

The Prado do Repouso was opened in 1839 as the first public cemetery in the city, and today it’s more like an open-air museum.

If you can get past the fact that this is a cemetery you’ll  be treated to some of Porto’s richest artwork, sculpted by the likes of António Soares dos Reis.

There are sumptuous tombs and mausoleums, a beautiful cemetery chapel and the solemn charnel house for the former convent.

13. Mosteiro de Leça do Balio

Preserved as a National Monument, this monastery stands by the Leça River, close to the old Roman road that linked Porto with Braga.

It has been here since the 900s but the present design is from the 1300s.

And what you’ll notice straight away is the tough defensive appearance.

This was built for both defence and worship, so there are pointed merlons and arrow loops, and hardly any openings on the main facade except for the portal and rose window, itself guarded by crenellations.

Inside it’s a fusion of Romanesque and Gothic, with none of the exuberant decoration of Porto’s churches.

There’s a wooden ceiling and bare walls and columns, which have a light, airy quality from the paleness of their stone.

14. Shopping Parque Nascente

Porto’s fashion-conscious shoppers descend on  this mall in Rio Tinto, which has a wide selection of clothing stores and fills up early on weekends.

Think classic high street brands like Primark, Sephora and Zara, as well as all the usual shops you’ll find in Portugal and Spain, like Oysho, Bershka, Pull & Bear and Springfield.

If you’re staying at self-catering accommodation in Rio Tinto there are a couple of supermarkets here, or you could grab a bite to eat at the food court, which has both health-conscious eateries and fast-food chains like Subway.

15. Matosinhos

For a day by the ocean your easiest option is Praia de Matosinhos.

This is also the best in the area for surfing, with ideal conditions from October to May and no lack of schools to get you riding these tube-like waves.

Being on the water Matosinhos should also be your first port of call for fish and seafood.

The harbour district has affordable, no-fuss restaurants serving cod, sea bream, grilled squid and the classic sardines.

Match this with vinho verde (literally “young wine”), which often has a slight sparkle and lightness that goes well with seafood.

15 Best Things to Do in Rio Tinto (Portugal):

• Igreja Matriz de Rio Tinto
• Museu Mineiro de São Pedro da Cova
• Estádio do Dragão
• Museu Militar do Porto
• Quinta do Covelo
• Zoo da Maia
• Rua Santa Catarina
• Torre Lidador
• Pharmacy Museum
• Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Ó de Águas Santas
• Prado do Repouso Cemetery
• Mosteiro de Leça do Balio
• Shopping Parque Nascente

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• Our capitals . Our capitals . Our capitals . Our capitals . Almería +info Almería +info Almería +info Almería +info Cádiz +info Cádiz +info Cádiz +info Cádiz +info Córdoba +info Córdoba +info Córdoba +info Córdoba +info Granada +info Granada +info Granada +info Granada +info Huelva +info Huelva +info Huelva +info Huelva +info Jaén +info Jaén +info Jaén +info Jaén +info Málaga +info Málaga +info Málaga +info Málaga +info Sevilla +info Sevilla +info Sevilla +info Sevilla +info
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• Alpujarra Almeriense/Río Nacimiento Alpujarra Almeriense/Río Nacimiento Alpujarra Almeriense/Río Nacimiento Alpujarra Almeriense/Río Nacimiento
• Cabo de Gata y Níjar Cabo de Gata y Níjar Cabo de Gata y Níjar Cabo de Gata y Níjar
• Costa de Almería Costa de Almería Costa de Almería Costa de Almería
• Sierra de los Filabres Sierra de los Filabres Sierra de los Filabres Sierra de los Filabres
• Sierra de María/Los Velez Sierra de María/Los Velez Sierra de María/Los Velez Sierra de María/Los Velez
• Valle de Almanzora Valle de Almanzora Valle de Almanzora Valle de Almanzora
• Costa de la Luz (Cádiz) Costa de la Luz (Cádiz) Costa de la Luz (Cádiz) Costa de la Luz (Cádiz)
• Campo de Gibraltar/Los Alcornocales Campo de Gibraltar/Los Alcornocales Campo de Gibraltar/Los Alcornocales Campo de Gibraltar/Los Alcornocales
• Cádiz Cádiz Cádiz Cádiz
• Jerez de la Frontera Jerez de la Frontera Jerez de la Frontera Jerez de la Frontera
• Pueblos Blancos/Sierra de Grazalema Pueblos Blancos/Sierra de Grazalema Pueblos Blancos/Sierra de Grazalema Pueblos Blancos/Sierra de Grazalema
• Córdoba y su Entorno Córdoba y su Entorno Córdoba y su Entorno Córdoba y su Entorno
• Córdoba y la Zona del Guadalquivir Córdoba y la Zona del Guadalquivir Córdoba y la Zona del Guadalquivir Córdoba y la Zona del Guadalquivir
• La Campiña (Córdoba) La Campiña (Córdoba) La Campiña (Córdoba) La Campiña (Córdoba)
• Alto Guadiato Alto Guadiato Alto Guadiato Alto Guadiato
• La Subbética La Subbética La Subbética La Subbética
• Los Pedroches Los Pedroches Los Pedroches Los Pedroches
• Altiplano de Granada Altiplano de Granada Altiplano de Granada Altiplano de Granada
• Costa Tropical y Valle de Lecrín Costa Tropical y Valle de Lecrín Costa Tropical y Valle de Lecrín Costa Tropical y Valle de Lecrín
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• El Aljarafe El Aljarafe El Aljarafe El Aljarafe
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Museo Minero de Riotinto

Located in the building that housed the hospital of the Río Tinto Company Limited (a British company that exploited the mine between 1873 and 1954), this is the first museum in Spain devoted to the history of mining and metallurgy.

The Riotinto Mining Museum , interpretation centre for the Riotinto Mining Park , is run by the Río Tinto Foundation for the Study of Mining and Metallurgy, a private cultural non-profit and permanent institution, dedicated to the conservation and restoration of the Historic and Mining Heritage of the Minera de Riotinto region, as well as promoting alternative employment for the mining sector and tourism in the area.

The Riotinto Mining Museum has an exhibition area of 1800 m2 divided into 8 areas, which includes the Reproduction of the Roman Mine and the Ethnographic Section. In the permanent exhibition is the project and line work undertaken by the Foundation, followed by the environment and geological characteristics of the region and you can then explore the history of this area, always in relation to the exploitation of its mining resources. There are countless items relating to mining and metallurgy, as well as emblematic objects of industrial archaeological such as the “Maharajá Car”, the most luxurious narrow route railroad car in the world, built for Queen Victoria of England and brought to Riotinto for a visit to Alfonso XIII.

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Services and infrastructure.

• Accessible for handicapped
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• Historic building

Specialties

Open to visitors, you may be interested.

Corta Atalaya Mine

Centro de Interpretación Etnológico Matilde Gallardo

Parque Minero de Riotinto

Ferrocarril turístico minero

Andalusia with pride

Costa de la Luz - Huelva

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Practical guide of Andalusia

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Day Trip to Aracena, the Grotto of Wonders and Riotinto 2024

From seville, route through the grotto of wonders, aracena and riotinto, day trip to aracena, the grotto of wonders and riotinto - 2024.

Day Trip to Aracena, the Grotto of Wonders and Riotinto

Visit from seville to aracena and the tinto river.

If you are planning a vacation in Andalusia, one of the places you will want to visit is Aracena , a small town in Huelva. This area is also known throughout the world for the Rio Tinto Mine tour and the Grotto of the Wonder.

To get to Aracena, we will leave Seville, take the road north of the province of Huelva towards the town of Aracena and in 1.5 hours we will arrive at one of the jewels of Andalusia: ARACENA and see the landscape and the martian atmosphere that is breathed in Rio Tinto Mine.

Included/Not included

• Round trip transportation from Seville,
• Professional guide.
• Visit the natural environment of the Sierra de Aracena.
• Access and tickets to the Grotto of Wonders.
• Visit to the RioTinto mines.
• Drinks and food.

Availability and Prices

Adults 95,00 € Children 69,00 € Students 69,00 € Babies 0,00 €

Your experience

Day trip meeting point.

Please, check the voucher you will receive for the details and specific instructions about this activity.

  Rastro Street 12A - Seville

About your activity

What To Expect

Highlights of the excursion to aracena.

With this guided cultural visit to the historical complex of Aracena , we will see during the walk that leads us to the Grotto of Wonder, the Priory Church of Mayor Dolor, Plaza de Santa Catalina, the Town Hall of Aracena, Plaza de San Pedro, Fuente Concejo de Aníbal González, Ermita de San Pedro and the laundries , its beautiful streets (such as Calle Barberos). Access to the Grotto of Wonders is through the entrance on Pozo de la Nieve street, next to Plaza de San Pedro.

Visit Grotto of Wonders

'La Gruta de las Maravillas' is a network of limestone caves located in the town of Aracena. This subway natural monument is located in the old town of Aracena, under a hill crowned by a medieval castle and the Templo Prioral de la Señora del Mayor Dolor , and has been open since 1914. The guided tour of the Cueva de las Maravillas follows a circular route of approximately 1 km and lasts about 45 minutes

You will explore underground architecture and learn about the structure and origin of the earth.

View of Rio Tinto

If you are looking for a unique experience in Europe, you should visit the Riotinto Mines . These mines were formed by the process of karstification, which gradually dissolves the limestone and causes sinkholes, fissures and subway flows . The populations reached their peak at the end of the 19th century, when the city's coal mines were completed. But the mining industry is still thriving here. The mining activity that takes place in the area is due to the old mining activities. The water is acidic and the landscape looks like Mars.

With this excursion we can visit Aracena, the Caves of Wonders, the Dehesa de Sierra Morena, the Rio Tinto and view of the Riotinto mines in a single day.

What will you see with this excursion from Seville?

Aracena is a charming town surrounded by cork oaks, beautiful trails through the countryside and splendid views over the Guadalquivir valley. The City is located in the north of the province of Huelva, exactly within the natural park called Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche . Ambassador city of Jabugo ham, it is known for its historic Castle of Aracena.

With this Guided Cultural Tour to the historic complex of Aracena, we will see the Priory Church of Mayor Dolor, Plaza de Santa Catalina, Plaza de San Pedro: Museum of Contemporary Andalusian Art, Aníbal González Fountain, Hermitage of San Pedro and the laundries, its beautiful streets (such as Calle Barberos) until you reach the Gruta de las Maravillas. Natural caves that will leave you speechless and in which geological formations such as stalactites and stalagmites stand out.

Visit Rio Tinto and RioTinto Mines

We will also see an old mine that extracted copper and iron, and which is now a popular tourist destination in the area: LAS MINAS DE RIOTINTO . It has been dedicated to the extraction of copper, silver and gold in the area for more than 5,000 years.

The name Rio Tinto refers to the flowing water that is red in color. The coloration originates from the weathering of heavy metal sulfide-bearing minerals found in deposits along the river. wikipedia source

And we will finish with a visit to the RioTinto town and the RioTinto Mines (the walk inside the mines will depend on the time we have left before returning to Seville).

Panoramic tour of the Dehesa de Sierra Morena

One of the main attractions in the area is the Biosphere Reserve , which you will have the chance to explore on your day trip. It passes through some places such as the Medieval Castle of Aracena, the Mosque of Almonaster la Real or the Peña de Arias Montano.

The route offers the opportunity to enjoy the landscape of northern Andalusia, passing through emblematic places such as the Medieval Castle of Aracena, the Almonaster Mosque, the Peña de Arias Montano.

The Almonaster Mosque is located in the Almonaster Historic District. The mosque was built by the Moors in the 8th century and was originally a Visigothic church. It served as a Visigoth cathedral from the 8th to the 11th century.

English, French, Spanish, Italian

Accessibility & Tips

Accessibility.

• Ask us before the tour the accessibility rules. Thank you.
• A good pair of shoes to walk all day.
• A large bottle of water.

FAQS : Visit Aracena and RioTinto

How deep is the gruta de las maravillas de aracena.

The Cueva de las Maravillas de Aracena is a large cave system located in the province of Huelva, Spain. The cave has been explored to a total depth of 2,600 meters and contains a subway river that runs through it. The water is very cold and has a high humidity level due to the constant condensation on the walls.

What is the Gruta de las Maravillas de Aracena?

The Gruta de las Maravillas de Aracena is a cave located in the province of Huelva, Spain. It is one of the most important caves in Europe and one of the most important caves in the world.

The cave is also known as "Gruta de las Maravillas de Aracena" or simply "Gruta de las Maravillas".

What are some interesting facts about Aracena?

Aracena is a municipality in Andalusia, Spain. It is a popular tourist destination due to its natural surroundings. Aracena has a diverse landscape with forests, rivers and mountain ranges. Among the town's attractions are the Cathedral of Santa María la Mayor and the Church of Santa María del Castillo.

What industry is there in Riotinto?

Riotinto is a mining area that has been in operation for more than 5,000 years. Copper and gold are the main products mined.

Where is RioTinto Mines located?

Minas de RioTinto is located at an altitude of 416 meters and 74 kilometers by road from the provincial capital, Huelva. The municipality is very well known historically and is closely linked to mining activity,

Cancellation policy

• Moderate cancellation policy.
• The refund of the price of the monuments tickets will not be granted in case of cancellation of the visit.
• Cancellations made 48 hours before the start of the activity will be refunded 100%.
• Cancellations made between 48 and 24 hours before the start of the activity, 50% refund.
• Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start of the activity will not be refunded.

Rules & Restrictions

• Late arrivals will not be reimbursed . If the group is complete, the visit will begin waiting for a time acceptable to those who are delayed (about 5 / 7mn).

aryan wilks

We were looking for a guided cultural visit to the historic complex of Aracena. ALL PERFECT!

I would totally recommend this tour to anyone visiting the area.

It was great to be guided by an expert tour guide.

Honor Burks

I was on vacation in Aracena, Spain and took the guided tour of this historic complex. I really enjoyed my time there,

It was a great trip for all ages. The tour guides were very knowledgeable, the architecture impressive. Highly recommended!

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From Seville: Rio Tinto Mine Tour

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The Riotinto Mines, a Martian landscape in Huelva

Information

The  Parque Minero de Riotinto  [Riotinto Mining Park] gives us access to 5,000 years of mining tradition and to an ecosystem which is unique in the world. Past the reproduction of the Roman mine, up to the British architecture brought to  Huelva  by the British Rio Tinto Company Limited early in the last century, the watchful eye of the red river flows on, still hiding many of the mysteries of its composition that have made it the subject of study by NASA. The Riotinto mining basin has been designated an Asset of Cultural Interest, and a visit to the mining park has several aspects.   

The Ernest Lluch mining museum

The former hospital of the Rio Tinto Company Ltd. (which operated the mine from 1873 until 1954) has been restored to house the mining museum, and to transport us back through the various stages of the area’s mining history.   

Firstly, visitors can see the reproduction of a Roman mine with its waterwheels used to pump out the water that flooded the tunnels.   

Another of the museum’s gems is the Maharajah’s carriage built for Queen Victoria of England, and brought to the area for a visit by King Alfonso XIII. A tour of the museum’s 17 rooms will reveal the secrets held in the subsoil, and you will see how the Riotinto  M ines have influenced the life of the whole region.   

Occidental Sevilla Viapol

• Ideal location in Seville
• Outdoor pool
• Covered car park
• Meeting Rooms

Barceló Sevilla Renacimiento

• Deluxe Premium Rooms
• Heated swimming pool
• Family accommodation
• Sevilla International Convention Centre: 30 spacious rooms for meetings and events

A ride on a hundred-year-old railway line

The British built the railway line to connect the mines with the port of Huelva. Now, visitors can ride the 12-kilometre journey in restored contemporary coaches and stop off by the sea at the end. A journey in a wooden, nineteenth-century train, crossing a landscape that really could be from Mars. Two of the steam locomotives that do the trip are the oldest in Spain.   

The journey, following the course of the river, gives an idea of how the river got its name. Its copper colour is a result of the water’s high concentration of heavy metals such as copper and iron. The train trip enables visitors to see the remains of mining activity in the area, the course of the Riotinto and its remarkable ecosystem. The trip ends at the mouth of the river, so that visitors can take time to enjoy it close up. The guides will warn you that if you splash your clothes with water from the river, the stain will not come out — so keep an eye on children who want to splash about!  

The Arco Iris [Rainbow] mine

The Peña de Hierro is a protected landscape where an old tunnel over 200 metres long has been restored so that it can be visited. This mine alternated underground operations with opencast mining. Here, pyrite and large quantities of metals and sulphides essential for the production of copper and sulphur were extracted. You will find out what a winch is, and what it was used for.  

It is from the opencast mine’s viewing point that the graduated colours of the minerals can be best appreciated, as they lend a kind of rainbow tinge to the land. This is where scientists from CAB, INTA and NASA work on new technologies and on equipment for future missions to Mars. The amazing thing about this ecosystem is the emergence of life in extreme conditions which are similar to those found on the Red Planet. It has been found that, despite the acidity of the water, the Red river contains algae, fungi and micro-organisms that are able to live without oxygen, something that is unique in the known world.   

During the trip, you will see old industrial installations such as a crushing machine, a chute for processing the minerals, and a 1910 power station. There is also an interpretation centre. This is where the river is born, along with all the hidden mysteries of the composition of its waters.   

The Bellavista neighbourhood

To show what life was like in this area during the nineteenth century (at the height of the British mining boom), the Barrio [neighbourhood] de Bellavista, the home of the British colony that directed the mining operations, has been preserved. The British management, who kept themselves apart from the locals, brought here sports such as tennis, polo, cricket and football, that were unknown in Spain. That is why the  Real Club Recreativo de Huelva , founded in 1889, is Spain’s oldest football club.   

The neighbourhood made up of Victorian cottages still preserves its Presbyterian chapel, its tennis club and its English club. This club, situated in the centre of the community and overlooked by the dwellings, was a leisure facility for the managers — but only men were allowed in. For this reason, the locals gave it the name of “Menonli”, adapted from the English phrase “men only”.   

One of the houses, built in 1885, is open to the public. This is number 21 where, on its three floors, visitors can see the living spaces occupied by the family and the servants. The furniture and belongings give us an idea of the traditions that the English brought with them, such as tea time. You can see old toys, as well as photos of the first British people to live on the beach at Pun ta Umbría, the perfect place to spend the summer months.   

Information of interest

How to get to rio tinto.

• Address :  Plaza del Museo,  no  number   – Plaza  Ernest   Lluch .  21660 Minas de Riotinto. Huelva  
• By car:  From Seville, you can take the A-66 or the A-476. It is an 87-kilometre trip, and takes an hour and a quarter.  
• Low season:  From 21 September to 15 July, Monday – Sunday 10 : 30  AM   –  3 : 00  PM  and 4 : 00  PM   –  7 : 00  PM .   
• High season:  From 16 July to 20 September, Monday – Sunday 10 : 30  AM   –  3 : 00  PM  and 4 : 00  PM   –  8 : 00  PM .   
•   Admission charges:   Please check the mining park website .   

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3 days - private photo tour to Rio Tinto in Huelva

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Two nights with breakfast in a 2 * hotel
• Accompanied by a local photo tour guide
• We will pick you up from where you are and deliver you there again.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Near public transportation
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Not recommended for travelers with back problems
• No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
• Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
• We cannot transport minors under 135 cm tall as they need child seats
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

3 days - private photo tour to Rio Tinto in Huelva provided by Fototouren in Andalusien

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HIDDEN GEMS , HUELVA

Riotinto huelva: how to see the unique red river in spain.

One of Andalucia’s best-kept secrets is the unique red river in Spain. Running 100 kilometers from Sierra Morena through the Huelva Province, it mouths out in the Atlantic Ocean by Huelva and Cadiz .

The river flows through the old mining settlement of Minas de Rio Tinto where minerals and iron have been extracted from the soil for 5000 years.

The high level of metallic minerals transported by the river in this area combined with acidic waters creates an orangy-red color in the water and makes life in the river near impossible.

For being such a unique site, that even NASA has taken interest in, it is surprisingly one of the most underrated day trips from Seville at only an hour’s drive from Andalucia’s busy capital city.

To help you explore this amazing place in Andalucia , I have put together this complete guide to visit Minas de Rio Tinto and see the red river in Spain with your own eyes.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. That means that if you make a purchase through one of those links, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

About Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto has been an important asset in the transport of copper from Minas de Riotinto in Huelva for centuries. There is evidence that the mines were in use already during Copper and Bronze ages.

Hundreds of thousands of years ago, this area was volcanic and a large amount of sulfide ore deposits formed in the soil around the mines. When these metals come in contact with water and oxygen, they create an acidic substance that paints the riverbed and water in an orangy-red color.

This acid has also made the river unwelcoming to most kinds of life. In fact, Huelva’s Rio Tinto is said to have soil similar to what is found on Mars.

It is believed that the natural process of acidification in the area has been intensified by mining activities throughout history. And as mining is still actively executed in the mining town, it is likely to keep pushing sulfide ore into the water.

But the most interesting about Rio Tinto is that astrobiologists have found it useful to study micro-organisms in and around the river as they believe it might help them in finding life on Mars.

From 1873, the mines were operated by the British Rio Tinto Company Limited which left a large mark on Huelva’s history until the 20th century.

Today, you can see old abandoned mining trains and rusty machinery from the glory times around the area.

How to get to Minas de Rio Tinto Huelva

The easiest way to get to Riotinto is to drive there. It only takes an hour from Seville and Huelva. This gives you the freedom to see the different places easily. You can also combine Rio Tinto with an Andalucia road trip exploring places like Aracena and Sierra Norte de Sevilla .

See rental car prices here .

Daily buses leave from Huelva to Rio Tinto and take 1 hour and 45 minutes.

From Seville, there are also buses and the journey takes 1 hour and 50 minutes.

Check bus times and prices here .

If you don’t dispose of a car and want to avoid the hassle of public transport, I can recommend this tour that takes you from Seville to Rio Tinto where you get a tour of the place and then visit the impressive Gruta de la Maravillas , which is one of the most epic things to do in Aracena .

Where to stay in Minas de Rio Tinto Huelva

Riotinto Victorian House – This lovely hotel is situated in a 1930s English house in the village of Minas de Rio Tinto. In the summer months, you can indulge in the outdoor pool and an information desk is there to help you find the best things to do in the area. This is the best place to stay in Rio Tinto, and an especially good option if you don’t drive.

Check availability here .

Hotel Vazquez Diaz – Situated in Nerva near Rio Tinto, this is a lovely alternative for those traveling with pets. They also have family rooms and an on-site restaurant.

Things to see and do in Rio Tinto Huelva

See the red river.

First things first. One of the best things to do in Riotinto and most likely the reason why you are there in the first place is to see the red river Spain is hiding in its lesser-visited southwestern province.

There are several places you can see the river and I suggest driving yourself or taking the old mining tourist train which also stops by the river.

Seeing the river is truly spectacular and in my opinion, one of the best things to do in Andalucia !

Learn about mining history in the Riotinto Mining Museum

Situated in what used to be the hospital of Rio Tinto Company Limited, the mining museum takes you on a journey back in time and how the mines have influenced the region through the centuries.

Among other mining artefacts, you can see the reproduction of an ancient Roman mine and waterwheels for pumping water out of the mines.

You can also see the Maharajá Car, a carriage that was built for Queen Victoria of England when she came to visit King Alfonso XIII.

Opening hours Monday to Sunday:

From the 21st of September to the 15th of July: 10:30-15:00 and 16:00-19:00

From the 16th of July to the 20th of September: 10:30-15:00 and 16:00-20:00

Note that opening hours might differ on public holidays.

See Europe’s biggest open pit mine

Corta Atalaya is Europe’s largest open pit mine and one of the largest in the world. It is an incredible 400 meters deep and has a diameter of 1200 meters.

Even though you can’t see the bottom due to the water inside, you get a good grasp of its immense size standing on the edge. Without a wide-angle lens, you won’t even get the whole thing in a photo.

While it was the English that was responsible for its current size due to modern industrial techniques, the pit has been exploited since Roman times. How cool is that?

Peña de Hierro

These mines are where the source of Rio Tinto is and you find the interpretation center there. Daily tours take you through the 200-meter-long tunnels and see the 65-meter deep open pit mine.

Peña de Hierro is situated 10 kilometers outside Minas de Rio Tinto and about 3 kilometers from Nerva. The mine was productive in Roman times, but like the rest of the area, it was first during the British colonization that the mines were truly exploited.

There is a permanent exhibition in the visitor center where you can learn more about the mining history and tradition, and the protected natural area.

Ride the 100-year-old mining train

The railway line was originally built by the Rio Tinto Company Limited to transport materials to and from Huelva’s port. Now, you can ride the old mining trains, whereof two of the oldest steam locomotives in Spain pull the 100-year-old wooden wagons of the Rio Tinto Express.

This is truly one of the most unique things to do in Minas de Rio Tinto, Huelva. As the train bobs down the rail tracks you can take in the unbelievable views of the red river.

You will see the mining activities and stop by the river so that you can get a close-up look at it and snap some pictures. The train ride lasts about 2 hours including stops and covers 12 kilometers of the original 84 kilometer line that goes all the way to Muelle de Rio Tinto in the city of Huelva.

You can pre-book tickets here .

The Bellavista neighborhood

The Bellavista neighborhood is an old English neighborhood where you can still see the opulent Victorian houses where the most important people working for the Rio Tinto Company Limited used to live.

There is one house that is open for visitors, the Casa 21. It is furnished with a typical British interior from the 19th to the 20th centuries and gives you an idea of how wealthy English people would live when the mining industry was thriving in Huelva.

A walk through the streets takes you back in time and you can even see Spain’s oldest tennis courts in Bellavista.

Reflections on visiting Riotinto Huelva

Visiting Riotinto Huelva is truly one of the most unusual things to do in Andalucia . To me, it was totally surreal and though it is a small place and the main things to see are the red river itself and the mining pits, it’s a place I will never forget.

Considering this place has similarities to Mars, a completely different planet that I will never set foot on, makes it even more unbelievable, and in my opinion, it should be on everyone’s Andalucia itinerary !

If you venture off the beaten tourist trail, there are so many cool places to uncover and Minas de Riotinto, Huelva, is truly one of them.

Happy travels!

Rio Tinto releases first quarter production results

MELBOURNE, Australia--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Rio Tinto Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm said: “We have been deeply affected by the loss of four Diavik colleagues and two airline crew members in a plane crash in January. This tragedy has strengthened our resolve to never be complacent about safety.

“We delivered stable operating results in the first quarter, including improvements at our bauxite and aluminium businesses, as we navigated seasonal challenges across our global operations. Our full year guidance is unchanged across all our products. We remained focused on growth in energy-transition materials, with the ramp-up at Oyu Tolgoi underground, the first full quarter of recycled aluminium production from Matalco and further progress at Simandou, our high grade iron ore project in Guinea.

“Action to decarbonise our operations continues, with power purchase agreements signed marking a significant step towards a competitive renewable energy solution for our Gladstone operations - the single largest lever towards our 2030 emissions goal. We also joined with BHP and BlueScope to investigate the development of Australia’s first electric smelting furnace pilot plant, progressing our work on steel decarbonisation. We continue to pursue our long-term strategy, and have a clear pathway to deliver operational excellence, while investing in profitable growth and delivering attractive shareholder returns.”

Q1 2024 operational highlights and other key announcements

• Our all injury frequency rate for the first quarter was 0.36, in line with the previous quarter, and a small increase from the first quarter of 2023 (0.34). The tragic plane crash in January is a devastating reminder of why safety is and must always be our top priority. We continue to work closely with the authorities to support their efforts to understand the full facts of what has happened.
• In the Pilbara, we produced 77.9 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 66.1 million tonnes) in the first quarter, 2% lower than the corresponding period of 2023. Compared to the first quarter in 2023, planned ore depletion, predominantly at Yandicoogina, was partially offset by productivity gains across other operations. We continue to work on asset management and pit health, and expect further productivity gains over the remainder of the year. Shipments of 78.0 million tonnes (Rio Tinto share 66.1 million tonnes) were 5% lower than the first quarter of 2023. Lower volumes were predominantly the result of weather disruption at the ports, leading to a lower stock draw-down compared to last year, as well as reduced production at the mines.
• Bauxite production of 13.4 million tonnes was 11% higher than the first quarter of 2023 with continued improvement in operational stability at Weipa and Gove.
• Aluminium production of 0.8 million tonnes was 5% higher than the first quarter of 2023. Kitimat is now back at full capacity.
• Mined copper production of 156 thousand tonnes (consolidated basis) was 7% higher than the first quarter of 2023.
• Kennecott mined copper production was 7% higher than the first quarter of 2023 but 32% lower than the previous quarter, primarily, due to unplanned conveyor downtime. The impacted conveyor is now fully operational again.
• Escondida copper production was 7% higher than the first quarter of 2023 due to higher concentrator feed grade (0.92% in the first quarter of 2024 vs 0.78% in the corresponding period of 2023).
• Oyu Tolgoi mined copper production increased 8% from the first quarter of 2023 as the ramp-up in underground production continued in line with our long term plan, delivering a copper head grade of 1.67% (vs 1.36% in the first quarter of 2023) for the underground and an overall copper head grade of 0.55% (vs 0.49%).
• Titanium dioxide slag production was 11% lower than the first quarter of 2023. We entered 2024 with six out of nine furnaces operating at our RTIT Quebec Operations and three out of four online at Richards Bay Minerals (RBM). During the first quarter, we started the planned rebuild of one of the three offline furnaces in Quebec.
• IOC production was 3% higher than the first quarter of 2023. Shipments were 25% higher than the first quarter of 2023, driven by rail and port availability and utilisation.
• In the first quarter, we continued deployment of the Safe Production System (SPS), now reaching 24 sites, which we have prioritised for value. This year, our focus is on a deeper roll-out of SPS at the sites where it has been deployed.
• On 16 January, we announced that Dampier Salt Limited entered into a sales agreement for the Lake MacLeod salt and gypsum operation in Carnarvon, Western Australia, with privately-owned salt company Leichhardt Industrials Group for $251 million (A$375 million). Completion is expected by end of the year subject to certain commercial and regulatory conditions being satisfied.
• On 21 February, we announced that Simon McKeon will step down as a Non-Executive Director at the conclusion of the Rio Tinto Limited annual general meeting on 2 May 2024.
• On 28 March, we published our 2023 Taxes and Royalties Paid Report , which details $8.5 billion of taxes and royalties paid globally during the year, including $6.6 billion in Australia.
• Subsequent to the end of the quarter, we announced that we will manage the Ranger Rehabilitation Project in Australia’s Northern Territory on behalf of Energy Resources of Australia Ltd (ERA), under a new Management Services Agreement. This agreement will build on ERA’s existing rehabilitation work with Rio Tinto’s technical expertise in designing, scoping and executing closure projects.
• On 8 April, we announced that Bold Baatar has been appointed to the role of Chief Commercial Officer to lead the Group’s commercial and business development activities globally.

All figures in this report are unaudited. All currency figures in this report are US dollars, and comments refer to Rio Tinto’s share of production, unless otherwise stated.

The full first quarter production results are available here .

This announcement is authorised for release to the market by Andy Hodges, Rio Tinto’s Group Company Secretary.

LEI: 213800YOEO5OQ72G2R82 Classification: 3.1 Additional regulated information required to be disclosed under the laws of a Member State

View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240416102699/en/

Please direct all enquiries to [email protected]

Media Relations, United Kingdom Matthew Klar M +44 7796 630 637 David Outhwaite M +44 7787 597 493

Media Relations, Australia Matt Chambers M +61 433 525 739 Jesse Riseborough M +61 436 653 412 Alyesha Anderson M +61 434 868 118 Michelle Lee M +61 458 609 322

Investor Relations, United Kingdom Menno Sanderse M +44 7825 195 178 David Ovington M +44 7920 010 978 Laura Brooks M +44 7826 942 797

Media Relations, Americas Simon Letendre M +1 514 796 4973 Malika Cherry M +1 418 592 7293 Vanessa Damha M +1 514 715 2152

Investor Relations, Australia Tom Gallop M +61 439 353 948 Amar Jambaa M +61 472 865 948

Rio Tinto plc 6 St James’s Square London SW1Y 4AD United Kingdom T +44 20 7781 2000 Registered in England No. 719885

Rio Tinto Limited Level 43, 120 Collins Street Melbourne 3000 Australia T +61 3 9283 3333 Registered in Australia ABN 96 004 458 404

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Source: Rio Tinto

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Online Privacy Statement

How we process personal data provided or obtained through this website.

With the exception of the use of cookies (explained below), Rio Tinto generally does not seek to collect personal data through this website.   However if you choose to provide personal data to Rio Tinto through this website (for example, by sending us an email), we will process that personal data to answer your query and if relevant, to manage our business relationship with you or your company. We won't process that personal data for other purposes except where required to meet our legal obligations or otherwise as authorised by law and notified to you.

Part 1 of this Privacy Policy contains the Rio Tinto Data Privacy Standard, which provides an overview of Rio Tinto’s approach to personal data processing. There is additional information in the appendices to the Data Privacy Standard, including information about disclosures, trans-border data transfers, the exercise of data subject rights and how to make complaints or obtain further information relating to Rio Tinto’s processing of your personal data.

If you choose to subscribe to our media releases or other communications, you can unsubscribe at any time (by following the instructions in the email or by contacting us at  [email protected] ).

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Eagles soar at Rio Tinto Stadium's first concert

By Deseret News , Scott Iwasaki

THE EAGLES AND MICHELLE BRANCH, Rio Tinto Stadium, May 9

SANDY — Jackie and Jim Sultana flew in from San Diego, Calif., to catch the Saturday night Eagles concert at Rio Tinto Stadium.

"They weren't coming to San Diego anytime soon," said Jackie Sultana at the City Center TRAX station while buying tickets. "We looked online and found the last show in the states was Salt Lake City. I have a sister who lives here and we called her and flew out on Friday. And then we'll fly home on Sunday."

The Sultanas were among the more than 23,000 Eagles fans who attended the show, which was the first concert ever held in the Rio Tinto Stadium, home of the Real Salt Lake Soccer team.

In fact, just before opening act Michelle Branch took the stage, Real Salt Lake owner Dave Checketts addressed the music-hungry crowd.

"Thank you for being here to celebrate this musical opening," he said.

And without further ado, Branch took the stage for an intimate, 30-minute acoustic set. Her musical partner was none other than producer John Leventhal on the other acoustic guitar.

And while the audience applauded politely for Branch, who by the way graduated from Provo High School via a correspondence program, it was the Eagles the crowd was here to see.

The band — drummer/vocalist Don Henley, guitarist/vocalist Glenn Frey, bassist vocalist Timothy B. Schmit and guitarist/vocalist Joe Walsh — cranked out a hit parade of tunes featuring old favorites such as "Witchy Woman," "Peaceful Easy Feelin,'" and "One of These Nights."

The group also dipped into new territory with "How Long" and "Busy Being Fabulous," from the most recent double album "Long Road Out of Eden."

Tight arrangements, highlighted by the individual solos and additional guitar solos by Steuart Smith, had the audience singing along.

"Take It to the Limit," "I Can't Tell You Why" and "Lyin' Eyes" were among the crowd pleasers.

A trumpet intro to "Hotel California," during which Henley's voice did crack a bit, brought the audience to its feet. And solo hits such as Henley's "Dirty Laundry" and "Boys of Summer" and Walsh's "Funk #49," "Walk Away," "In the City" and his autobiographical "Life's Been Good" were also part of the no-frills-and-clean-cut show.

Walsh's funky solos were the perfect foil to Frey's clean, country-rock fingering. But Schmit's bass could have used a boost in volume.

The band didn't forget "Hotel California," "Heartache Tonight," "The Long Run" and "Take It Easy," and ended on a somber note with "Desperado."

Sure the Eagles have aged through the years, and while Frey joked that this tour was the "Assisted Living Tour," the band played like it was 20-years younger.

E-mail: [email protected]

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Moscow Metro 2019

Will it be easy to find my way in the Moscow Metro? It is a question many visitors ask themselves before hitting the streets of the Russian capital. As metro is the main means of transport in Moscow – fast, reliable and safe – having some skills in using it will help make your visit more successful and smooth. On top of this, it is the most beautiful metro in the world !

. There are over 220 stations and 15 lines in the Moscow Metro. It is open from 6 am to 1 am. Trains come very frequently: during the rush hour you won't wait for more than 90 seconds! Distances between stations are quite long – 1,5 to 2 or even 3 kilometers. Metro runs inside the city borders only. To get to the airport you will need to take an onground train - Aeroexpress.

RATES AND TICKETS

Paper ticket A fee is fixed and does not depend on how far you go. There are tickets for a number of trips: 1, 2 or 60 trips; or for a number of days: 1, 3 days or a month. Your trips are recorded on a paper ticket. Ifyou buy a ticket for several trips you can share it with your traveling partner passing it from one to the other at the turnstile.

On every station there is cashier and machines (you can switch it to English). Cards and cash are accepted. 1 trip - 55 RUB 2 trips - 110 RUB

Tickets for 60 trips and day passes are available only at the cashier's.

60 rides - 1900 RUB

1 day - 230 RUB 3 days - 438 RUB 30 days - 2170 RUB.

The cheapest way to travel is buying Troyka card . It is a plastic card you can top up for any amount at the machine or at the ticket office. With it every trip costs 38 RUB in the metro and 21 RUB in a bus. You can get the card in any ticket office. Be prepared to leave a deposit of 50 RUB. You can get it back returning the card to the cashier.

SamsungPay, ApplePay and PayPass cards.

One turnstile at every station accept PayPass and payments with phones. It has a sticker with the logos and located next to the security's cabin.

GETTING ORIENTED

At the platfrom you will see one of these signs.

It indicates the line you are at now (line 6), shows the direction train run and the final stations. Numbers below there are of those lines you can change from this line.

In trains, stations are announced in Russian and English. In newer trains there are also visual indication of there you are on the line.

To change lines look for these signs. This one shows the way to line 2.

There are also signs on the platfrom. They will help you to havigate yourself. (To the lines 3 and 5 in this case).