International Autodromo Termas De Rio Hondo - Map, Layout & Upcoming Events | MotorSportRadar

International Autodromo Termas De Rio Hondo

International Autodromo Termas De Rio Hondo

Location

Santiago del Estero, Argentina, Argentina

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Track Info

Autódromo Termas de Río Hondo - Santiago del Estero, Argentina

Grand Prix road course - 4.805 km / 2.986 mi - clockwise - 14 turns - wide flowing layout designed for MotoGP

First Race
May 10, 2008
Circuit opened in 2008, later fully rebuilt for MotoGP in 2012–2013.
Circuit Length
4.805 km / 2.986 mi
Grand Prix layout used by MotoGP since 2014.
Turns
14
Fast right-handers and a heavy-braking Turn 5 define lap rhythm.
Lap Record
1:38.243 - Marc Márquez - MotoGP (2025)
Set on the modern GP layout; Termas is among MotoGP’s quickest average-speed tracks outside Europe.

When was the track built?

Breaking ground in 2007, Termas opened in 2008 before a comprehensive redesign and rebuild in 2012–2013 led by Jarno Zaffelli’s team to MotoGP standards. The upgrade brought expanded run-offs, safer barriers, and a fast, wide line that encourages overtaking.

When was its first race?

The venue’s first race weekend ran in May 2008 with national touring and formula categories. MotoGP’s Argentine Grand Prix premiered here in 2014 and has returned regularly, with 2025 marking another top-speed clinic from Márquez.

What’s the circuit like?

  • Flow and speed: Long-radius corners linked by fast kinks push average speeds high and reward corner exit over outright braking distances.
  • Signature sectors: The Turn 5 hairpin is the prime pass, while the Turn 11–12 sweep tests front-tyre confidence late in the race.
  • Wind factor: Open plains can swing crosswinds and change aero balance during a GP Sunday.

Lap records and benchmarks

  • MotoGP race lap (Grand Prix layout): 1:38.243 - Marc Márquez - 2025.
  • Turismo Carretera - Short layout: 1:35.691 - Juan José Ebarlín - 2018.
  • Historic original layout (2008–2012): 4.351 km - 10 turns - bests set by TC2000 touring cars before the rebuild.

Why go?

Termas pairs bucket-list Argentine hospitality with elbows-out two-wheel racing. Expect slipstream battles into the Turn 5 hairpin, sunsets over the lake, and fan zones with a festival vibe. If you’re planning future trips, note MotoGP is slated to move to Buenos Aires from 2027 after Termas’ 2026 absence.

Where’s the best place to watch?

  • Turn 5 grandstands: Heavy-brake overtakes and photo-friendly dives up the inside.
  • Turns 11–12 complex: Sweeping speed and commitment as riders manage tyre life late.
  • Main straight upper tiers: Launch to Turn 1 and pit strategy in full view.

Not just one series - headline events

MotoGP: Argentine Grand Prix mainstay since 2014, with multiple wins for Marc Márquez.

Touring cars: Turismo Carretera, Turismo Nacional, and TCR South America bring pack racing and local heroes.

Transportation & Parking

Getting to Autódromo Internacional Termas de Río Hondo - Santiago del Estero, Argentina

Best options are driving via RN-9 then Avenida Buenos Aires toward the lake - marina area, using the circuit’s large on site parking areas, and flying into Termas de Río Hondo International Airport RHD or Santiago del Estero SDE then taxi - transfer. The circuit sits a few kilometers east of town with clearly signed approaches on event weekends.

Address - sat nav
Mansupa S/N, G4220 Termas de Río Hondo, Santiago del Estero
Published address used by event and travel guides.
Distance from town
~6 km east of Termas
MotoGP site notes the circuit is about 6 km from the city.
Parking capacity
Approx. 25,000 spaces
On site parking areas sized for major MotoGP crowds.
Nearest airports
RHD - SDE
RHD: Termas de Río Hondo Intl. in town area. SDE: Santiago del Estero, around 1 hour south via RN-9.

Public transport - limited direct service

  • Buses: Regional - intercity buses serve Termas de Río Hondo, then take a local taxi - transfer to the circuit. Event guidance recommends taxi or car from town.
  • Flights: If flying into RHD or SDE, continue by taxi - transfer to the track.

Driving - RN-9 to Av. Buenos Aires, then follow event signage

  • Main approach: From RN-9, take Avenida Buenos Aires toward the lake - marina - circuit complex and follow parking marshals.
  • Town approach: From central Termas, follow signs east toward the Autódromo along local avenues to Mansupa.
  • Maps - advice: Event sites publish arrival tips and parking diagrams each year - check your ticket pack for gate - lot labeling.

Parking - extensive on site capacity

  • General parking: Large free - paid areas close to main entrances, sized for MotoGP crowds.
  • Capacity note: Approximately 25,000 vehicles can be accommodated across the site.

Taxis - rideshare - set downs

  • Set destination: Autódromo Termas de Río Hondo - Mansupa S/N. Local taxis - private transfers are the common option from hotels and airports.

Walking from lots - pedestrian routes

  • From perimeter lots: Expect 5 - 20 minute stewarded walks depending on your stand. Use signed crossings and follow marshals. General event guidance.

Airports - easiest gateways

  • Termas de Río Hondo Intl. RHD → Circuit: roughly ~10 - 15 minutes by car depending on hotel location.
  • Santiago del Estero SDE → Circuit: about ~1 hour by RN-9 in typical conditions.

About the venue - quick context

  • 4.8 km modern facility hosting MotoGP: Built on a 150 hectare site, inaugurated in 2008 and modernized from 2012.

Quick guide - what is nearest

  • Drivers: RN-9 → Av. Buenos Aires → Mansupa to the circuit.
  • Parking: On site capacity for around 25,000 vehicles.
  • Airports: RHD in town area - SDE ~1 hr south.
  • Exact address: Mansupa S/N, G4220 Termas de Río Hondo, Santiago del Estero.

Nearby Activities

Things to do around International Autódromo Termas de Río Hondo - Santiago del Estero Province - Argentina

Whether you are here for MotoGP, national touring cars and bikes, historic festivals, club days or a circuit tour, this modern road course sits beside the hot spring resort city of Termas de Río Hondo and the Río Hondo reservoir - perfect for spa time, family parks, lakeside walks and easy Tucumán - Santiago city day trips when the track is quiet.

Motorsport at Termas
MotoGP - Superbike Argentina rounds - TC2000 - Turismo Carretera - Club - Experiences
FIA Grade 2 road course approximately 4.8 km with quick esses and elevation changes beside the reservoir. The venue includes an on site motorsport museum.
Typical peak windows
Autumn - Spring (March - June and August - November)
Summer can be very hot. Major international events have typically landed in southern autumn.
Nearby hubs
Termas de Río Hondo - Santiago del Estero - San Miguel de Tucumán
The provincial capital is about 60 - 80 minutes. Tucumán is roughly 90 - 120 minutes depending on traffic and route.
Event impact
Resort town surge
Spa hotels, lakefront restaurants and the museum get busy Thursday - Sunday on race weeks. Book treatments and dining early.

Family friendly highlights near the circuit

  • Thermal pools and day spas: Many hotels sell day passes to outdoor - indoor thermal pools with kids areas. A relaxing reset between sessions.
  • Museo del Automóvil - Autódromo: Circuit side museum with racing history exhibits, classic machines and regional memorabilia. Great for a 60 - 90 minute visit.
  • Reserva Natural Tara Inti: Boardwalks and birdlife on an island in the reservoir. Flat, stroller friendly and ideal at sunrise or late afternoon.
  • Costanera - lakefront: Playgrounds, photo viewpoints and shaded promenades along the Río Hondo dam and shoreline.
  • Golf by the reservoir: Termas de Río Hondo Golf Club offers a scenic, modern course with rental sets and a clubhouse restaurant.
  • Boat rides - gentle lake cruises: Short sightseeing trips run in season from the waterfront for breezy family outings.

Thermal facilities and the museum may use timed entry on peak weekends. Check age and swim cap rules for hotel pools before you go.

Culture hits and rainy day winners

  • Centro Cultural General San Martín - Termas: Small exhibitions and folklore events near the main plaza.
  • Santiago del Estero city loop: Catedral Basílica, Plaza Libertad, Centro Cultural del Bicentenario and artisan markets for a compact culture day.
  • San Miguel de Tucumán: Casa Histórica de la Independencia, museums and cafés around Plaza Independencia if you add a city detour.
  • Folklore peñas - music nights: Look for chacarera dance - guitar sessions and regional cuisine restaurants on weekends.
  • Handicrafts - textiles: Local stands sell woven goods, leather and woodwork that travel well as souvenirs.

Eat and drink like a local

  • Empanadas santiagueñas: Baked, mildly spiced beef or chicken with green onion - a must try snack between sessions.
  • Locro - humita - tamales: Hearty Andean plates that appear in many traditional restaurants, especially in autumn - winter.
  • Cabrito - asado: Grilled goat or beef cuts served with salads and fries at family parrillas.
  • Dulce regional: Cayote preserves, alfajores and quesillo with honey for dessert or coffee breaks.
  • Race week tip: Prime Friday - Saturday tables on the Costanera and main plaza book fast on international race weekends. Reserve or dine earlier with kids.

Active outdoors between sessions

  • Dique Frontal - dam viewpoints: Short walks with wide views over the reservoir and lake breezes on warm afternoons.
  • Birdwatching - wetlands edges: Herons, ibises and kingfishers are common around inlets. Bring binoculars and a hat.
  • Cycling - lakefront paths: Easy rides along the Costanera and quiet back roads near the golf course in early morning light.
  • Kayak - SUP rentals: Seasonal hires on calm mornings in sheltered coves. Lifejackets are mandatory.
  • Sunset strolls: Golden hour on the boardwalks at Tara Inti and the dam makes top photo spots with the track hills in the background.

Easy day trips if you are extending your stay

  • Santiago del Estero - 60 to 80 minutes. Cathedral, Bicentennial Cultural Center, riverside walks and ice cream stops around the plaza.
  • San Miguel de Tucumán - 90 to 120 minutes. Casa Histórica, Parque 9 de Julio and cafés. Add Yerba Buena for leafy restaurant streets.
  • Cerro San Javier - Tucumán hills - 2 to 2.5 hours total travel. Mirador Cristo Bendicente viewpoints and cooler forest air.
  • Tafí del Valle - 3 to 4 hours one way. High valley scenery, artisan cheeses and lake views if you add an early start or an overnight.
  • Termal circuit towns - 40 to 90 minutes. Smaller hot spring villages and rural markets for a quieter spa day.

Times are door to door estimates and rise on headline weekends. Mountain roads near Tafí are winding and weather dependent - check daylight and forecasts.

When to go and what to expect

  • Peak motorsport - International bike - car events typically land March - April with additional national series through spring - autumn. Hotels and spas in Termas fill Thursday - Sunday.
  • Weather - Warm to hot and often dry. Summer can exceed 35°C with afternoon storms, winter is mild with cool nights. Pack sunscreen, a hat, breathable layers and a light rain shell.
  • Seasonal notes - Thermal pools operate year round. Lake levels and boat operations vary with rainfall and dam releases.

Practical notes during race weeks

  • Circuit - museum hours: Public tours and the Museo del Automóvil sometimes run special schedules around major events. Check the week plan.
  • Heat - hydration: Grandstands and hillsides are exposed. Bring refillable bottles, electrolytes, sunglasses and a compact umbrella for sun - showers.
  • Cash - cards: Most venues accept cards, but small kiosks and artisan stalls may prefer cash. ATMs are around the plaza and main avenues.
  • Family packing list: Ear protection for children, sun protection, swimwear for thermal pools, insect repellent for dusk near wetlands and grippy shoes for boardwalks - bleachers.
  • Dining rhythm: Argentine dinner runs late. With kids, consider earlier seatings or hotel day passes that include early meals on race nights.

Opening hours, spa day pass availability, lake tours and event week operations can change - check official circuit, museum and venue sites for your exact dates.

Hotels & Accommodation

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