Belen is located in the middle of the west districts of the province.

The town was founded by the father Bartolomé de Olmos y Aguilera, the name was given in honor to the Virgin of the shrine of Our Ladyship of Belén in Spain.

Earlier the valley and the river were called Famyfil, which meant " the mounts behind the mount".

The agricultural activities the main economic activity of the district. There is an industry related to it which is the vine. The Spanish thought of it as the local production for their consumption, but it turned to be one of the most important wine producers all over the world.

Raisins are exported from here. Crafts also are relevant, guanaco, llama and sheep wool are important and are famous abroad. Sweet production is significant; besides old manufacturing techniques are still used.

By the bank of the Belén river aromatic herbs are farmed to dress meals and the grow of vegetables mainly for local consumption.

Cattle breeding is relevant as it allows economic mobility in those places where the climate is harsh and water scarce.The main animals are sheep, goats and guanacos, llamas, etc. They supply raw material for the skilled weavers.

Mines are important. At present, the ore mines of relevance exploit in this district: Bajo La Lumbrera , Fallon Negro and there are new mines.