San Juan And La Rioja Classic - Talampaya And Valley Of The Moon

4 days
From
1.079.366 ARS
If you're planning a trip to Argentina, the classic 4-day San Juan and La Rioja package is a must-experience. This tour will take you to extraordinary destinations that are off the beaten path, where you'll be amazed by their unique formations and characteristics.
The area's remarkable features and its rich archaeological and paleontological sites led UNESCO to designate the Talampaya National Park and Ischigualasto Provincial Park as World Heritage Sites in 2000, collectively known as the Ischigualasto/Talampaya Natural Parks.
During this journey, you'll have the opportunity to explore both parks with the comfort of professional guided tours in well-equipped vehicles.
Ischigualasto Provincial Park stands out globally for its Triassic continental sediments, which include ash and rocks in shades of white, gray, red, and vermilion, housing fossils of reptiles and dinosaurs. Spanning 2,916 hectares in northern San Juan province, its intriguing geological formations such as The Submarine, The Mushroom, and The Bocce Court, along with the remains of the oldest known dinosaur, make it a fascinating site. Also referred to as the "Valley of the Moon" for its moon-like landscape, Talampaya National Park covers approximately 215,000 hectares in southern La Rioja province. Its boundaries reveal traces of life from millions of years ago, with its reddish and brown tones transporting visitors to an era when dinosaurs and other species roamed. The centerpiece of Talampaya National Park is the Talampaya Canyon, renowned for its towering 150-meter-high reddish cliffs, varied geological formations like El Monje and La Torre, and exquisite rock art known as petroglyphs. This comprehensive package also includes 3 nights of accommodation and airport transfers from San Juan Airport.

Tour Description

Day 1 – Arrival in San Juan

Arrive in the vibrant city of San Juan, where you’ll be warmly welcomed at the Terminal or Airport. Enjoy a smooth transfer to your chosen hotel, with ample free time to relax or start your personal exploration of this provincial capital at your leisure.
Overnight in San Juan City.


Day 2 – Excursion to Ischigualasto Provincial Park (Valley of the Moon)

Begin your day with a departure from San Juan hotels at 7:00 AM, heading towards the renowned Ischigualasto Provincial Park, one of Argentina's distinguished natural wonders. Travel along National Tourist Route 150 to enter the spectacular Moon Valley.

Participate in a 4-hour guided tour led by park specialists, covering a 40 km circuit showcasing 5 major attractions:

  • The Worm: Marvel at rock structures over 200 million years old, with fossilized ferns visible at a glance.

  • Painted Valley: A lunar-like terrain where many of the area’s significant fossils have been discovered.

  • Bocce Court: Observe intriguing spherical rocks formed by natural sedimentation; en route, also see The Sphinx.

  • The Submarine: A breathtaking geological formation offering panoramic vistas of Cerro Morado and the Barrancas Coloradas.

  • The Mushroom: A hallmark of San Juan and among the most photographed geological formations in the park.

Upon concluding the tour, we will visit the

Interpretation Center and Natural Science Museum, showcasing fossil remains and detailing the research and dinosaur reconstruction efforts.
Return to San Juan at sunset.
Overnight in San Juan Capital.

Day 3 – Excursion to Talampaya National Park

Embark on your journey at 8:00 AM, departing from your hotel. Travel north on Route 40, crossing the San Juan River, and continue along Tourist Route 150 to the La Rioja border. Route 76 will then lead you to the remarkable Talampaya National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Once at the park, choose from the following internal circuits (not included in the package):

Circuit No. 1 – Talampaya Canyon Experience

Embark on a modern vehicle tour along the Talampaya Dry River route.

For 3 hours, enjoy short walks to explore four iconic sites:

  • Petroglyphs,
  • Botanical Garden,
  • Gothic Cathedral,
  • The Monk, a remarkable formation in the park.

    The stunning Talampaya Canyon, with its towering 150-meter-high reddish walls, offers a breathtaking landscape that will transport you millions of years back in time.

    After completing your chosen circuit, return to San Juan, arriving around 8:00 PM.


    Important: Talampaya National Park’s internal circuits are private and not included in the package price.
    Night in San Juan Capital.
    Day 4 – End of TripTransfer from the hotel to the San Juan Bus Terminal or Airport. End of services.

    What’s included?

    What’s included:

    * Nights` accommodation in a standard room at the selected hotel, including breakfast. * Excursions and transfers as detailed in the program. * Taxes

    What’s NOT included:

    * Flights or Airline Tickets * National Park Entrance Fees * Extras, meals, drinks, and services not detailed in the program * Personal Expenses * Bus Tickets

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    San Juan And La Rioja Classic - Talampaya And Valley Of The Moon

    4 days
    From 1.079.366 ARS
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    From 1.079.366 ARS
    San Juan And La Rioja Classic - Talampaya And Valley Of The Moon

    From 1.079.366 ARS

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