6 Days / 5 Nights
Day 1: Arrival & San Juan City Tour
Reception at San Juan Airport or Bus Terminal. Check-in at the selected hotel. At 2:30 PM, the Grand City Tour begins—a complete urban and scenic immersion designed to discover the main landmarks of San Juan's capital. This includes the valuable historical legacy of Sarmiento’s Birthplace Home and the imposing architecture of the Cathedral. The tour continues with a panoramic view of the avant-garde Bicentenario Theater, followed by a taste of traditional local flavors through a guided visit and tasting at either the Campo de Olivos Olive Oil Plant or the picturesque Finca Sierras Azules Winery. The day culminates along the shores of the impressive Ullum Dam reservoir, an oasis nestled between hills that offers unique sunset views before returning to the hotel.
Note: The mentioned sites may be replaced by others depending on availability and their operating hours.
Day 2: Heading to Barreal & the Magic of the Astronomical Night
Departure in the morning toward the charming town of Barreal, traveling along a scenic route that offers beautiful and majestic Andean landscapes throughout the entire journey. Upon arrival, check-in at the selected hotel to rest and prepare for a truly unforgettable evening. In the late afternoon, we will ascend to the peaks of El Leoncito National Park to visit the prestigious CASLEO Astronomical Complex or the CESCO Observatory—global scientific sanctuaries located under one of the cleanest, most transparent, and light-pollution-free skies on the planet. The technical tour includes a fascinating walk through its state-of-the-art facilities to learn about the imposing main telescope, the sophisticated control room, and the various scientific research departments. After enjoying a comforting boxed dinner (included) in this privileged environment, the climax of the night arrives with the long-awaited Stargazing activity. This fascinating astronomical observation session is conducted through high-power professional equipment and is fully accompanied and guided by the observatory's specialized staff, who will unveil the secrets of the planets, constellations, and galaxies visible in the breathtaking Cuyo sky before heading back to the hotel in Barreal.
Note: The activity takes place in the outdoor area of the Observatory. Wearing appropriate cold-weather clothing is highly recommended. In the event that night observation is not possible at the Observatories, the activity will be carried out with a qualified local provider using the same equipment but at a different location within the town. The activity is subject to favorable weather conditions.
Day 3: Free Day & Bare-Eye Stargazing at Pampa El Leoncito
Breakfast. Free day to enjoy optional activities such as horseback riding, trekking, land sailing (carrovelismo), or simply taking in this beautiful pre-Andean setting and the surroundings of the lodge. After dinner (not included), we depart toward Pampa El Leoncito for a Stargazing session under one of the clearest skies in Argentina—this time without equipment, simply embracing the magic of a starry sky stretching from horizon to horizon. Return to Barreal. Group Optional: Live musician / special catering.
Day 4: High-Altitude Flavors & Return to San Juan
Breakfast. In the morning, visit local producers of aromatic herbs and jams or a High-Altitude Winery. Return to San Juan. Overnight stay at the selected hotel.
Day 5: Full Day Excursion to Ischigualasto
Breakfast followed by a Full Day excursion to Ischigualasto. This stunning journey invites us into one of the most fascinating geological sanctuaries on the planet, traveling via the spectacular National Route 150—a masterpiece of road engineering that offers extraordinary views of the Precordillera before reaching our destination. Once inside the protected area, designated as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, we will experience the Traditional Daytime Tour: a 40-kilometer internal expedition that immerses the traveler in an otherworldly landscape through four colossal stations shaped by time. This includes the mystical textures of the Painted Valley (Valle Pintado), the perfect natural symmetry of the Bocce Ball Court (Cancha de Bochas), and the monumental sandstone sculptures known as The Submarine (El Submarino) and The Mushroom (El Hongo). The immersion into this fascinating Triassic desert peaks with a visit to the state-of-the-art William Sill Interpretation Center, an internationally acclaimed scientific space housing actual fossils of Earth's earliest dinosaurs unearthed from this very soil. (Note: This tour covers transport and circuit coordination; it does not include the park entry fee). This ensures a profound and unforgettable journey back in time. Return to San Juan in the evening. Overnight stay at the selected hotel.
Day 6: Departure
Breakfast and departure transfer to San Juan Airport.
Year-round, subject to booking availability. Please consult for the best starting day based on the observatories' operational schedules.
Please note that the CASLEO and CESCO observatories are located at an altitude of over 2,400 meters (7,870 feet) above sea level.
Estimated Entry Fees (Subject to Change):
Observatory Tours: Day Tour: $12,000 ARS / Night Tour: $16,000 ARS.
Ischigualasto Park Entry: General Admission: $68,000 ARS
Please note that these rates are subject to fluctuation.
6 días