7 Days / 6 Nights

Day 1: Arrival & San Juan City Tour

Reception at San Juan Airport or Bus Terminal. Transfer and check-in at your selected hotel. At 14:30, the Grand City Tour begins—a comprehensive urban and scenic immersion into the capital's top landmarks. Discover the historic legacy of Sarmiento’s Birthplace and the imposing architecture of the Cathedral. The tour continues with a panoramic view of the avant-garde Bicentenario Theater, followed by a guided tasting of traditional local flavors at either Campo de Olivos Olive Oil Mill or the picturesque Finca Sierras Azules Winery. The day concludes alongside the stunning waters of the Ullum Dam, an oasis nestled between hills that offers unique sunset postcards before returning to the hotel.

Note: Mentioned sites may be replaced depending on availability and opening hours.

Day 2: Journey to the Triassic Geoforms (Ischigualasto)

After breakfast, transfer to Valle Fértil. Visit Ischigualasto Provincial Park, popularly known as the Valley of the Moon. Declared a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, this mystical territory transports you 250 million years into the past via a vehicular circuit. Witness a purely lunar landscape guarded by towering clay and sandstone formations sculpted by erosion, such as The Mushroom, The Submarine, and The Bocce Ball Court. The experience is enriched by a visit to its renowned Natural Sciences Museum, a key research center showcasing fossil remains of some of the oldest dinosaurs on Earth discovered right here in San Juan. The day ends with a return to the town of Valle Fértil for overnight accommodation.

Day 3: Monumental Talampaya National Park

Breakfast. Depart early toward the breathtaking Talampaya National Park, where nature strikes on a monumental scale as you enter a canyon flanked by sheer red rock walls over 150 meters high. During the internal guided excursion, discover the rich pre-Columbian history carved into ancient petroglyphs, experience the surprising echo inside the Gothic Cathedral formation, and admire the majesty of The Monk geoform, all while spotting native wildlife in this striking red desert. Afterward, travel to Villa Unión for check-in and overnight stay.

Day 4: Huaco Slope, Cuesta del Viento & The Iglesian Valleys

Following breakfast, begin a fascinating exploration of San Juan's deep north. The journey starts with a scenic ascent up the spectacular Cuesta de Huaco, a cliffside route winding through multicolored geological strata with moving views of the Andean valleys. Traverse the historic Jáchal region before entering the fertile Department of Iglesia, where the landscape shifts as you discover the majestic Cuesta del Viento Dam—a colossal turquoise mirror framed by mountains, world-famous for its fierce winds that attract water sports enthusiasts. Travel through the charming constellation of the Iglesian Valleys, visiting picturesque towns frozen in time: historic Iglesia, peaceful Las Flores, traditional Tudcum, and the vibrant town of Rodeo, where you will enjoy an exquisite lunch or dinner at a local restaurant featuring regional cuisine (drinks not included). This cultural and productive immersion is complemented by a visit to the emblematic Finca “El Martillo”, an ideal spot to learn about local crops and purchase authentic artisanal preserves, premium olives, and traditional Creole textiles. End the day checking in to rest under the immense, clear sky of the Andes. Overnight stay in the Iglesia area.

Note: Due to availability, lodging may be provided in Rodeo, Pismanta, Iglesia, or San José de Jáchal without altering the itinerary or scheduled visits.

Day 5: Conquering the Calingasta Valleys & Barreal

Start the morning with breakfast followed by leisure time to rest, explore at your own pace, or do some local shopping. Midday, embark on an unforgettable scenic drive through the spectacular Quebrada de las Burras, a deep, winding rocky gorge carved by the San Juan River over millennia. Emerging from this natural gateway, the vastness of the magical Calingasta Valleys opens up—a striking high-altitude oasis resting at the foot of the Andes. The route ends at the picturesque town of Barreal, famous for its tree-lined avenues of endless poplars, pure mountain air, and rustic adobe estates. Check-in at your selected hotel, leaving the rest of the day free to relax and watch the sunset paint the snow-capped peaks of the Andean giants in gold and crimson.

Day 6: El Leoncito National Park & Astronomy Hub

After breakfast, delve into El Leoncito National Park, a precordilleran biodiversity sanctuary sheltered under one of the cleanest and clearest skies on earth. The first major stop is the mystical Pampa El Leoncito, a massive, dry, and perfectly cracked white clay plain spanning 12 kilometers, world-renowned for high-speed wind-car racing (carrovelismo). Next, ascend to the prestigious Astronomical Observatory (CASLEO or CESCO), a cutting-edge international research center where you will learn about the vital role of stargazing in Cuyo and marvel at their colossal telescopes. After the technical visit, enjoy free time for self-guided hikes along the park's natural spring trails, stroll through poplar groves, or browse local stalls for regional crafts and sweets. In the late afternoon, journey back past sweeping mountain landscapes to return to San Juan City for hotel check-in and accommodation.

Day 7: Departure Transfer

Breakfast. Transfer to San Juan Airport or Bus Terminal. End of services.

Operational Info: Operates year-round. Due to operational or availability reasons, the order of park visits may be reversed. In Talampaya, the classic "Talampaya Canyon" experience is booked by default.

Payment Policy: Park admission fees and internal circuits are paid by passengers directly at the destination.

Estimated Rates (Subject to Change):

Ischigualasto Entrance: General: $68,000 ARS

Talampaya Entrance: General: $25,000 ARS

Talampaya Internal Circuits: Talampaya Canyon $82,000 ARS / Canyon + Shimpa $103,000 ARS

Winery Visit: $15,000 ARS

Observatory Visit: $12,000 ARS