La Luna Valley, Ischigualasto Provincial Park

It is no secret that Argentina is full of amazing places and one of these is located in San Juan. It is the Valley of La Luna, Ischigualasto Provincial Park, “The Jewel” of this province of Cuyo. Keep reading and discover why! We’re sure you won’t hesitate to make it your next destination.

Valle de la Luna is a natural park with more than 220 million years in formation, giving us a landscape that looks other-worldly, from there its name. It should be noted that it has already been declared a World Heritage Site.

Located 330 km from the capital city of San Juan and 75 km from San Agustín in Fertile Valley, the Ischigualasto Provincial Park is the  majestic starting point for the most captivating excursions. While only a portion of the park is suitable for tourism, it is enough to live great experiences.

To give you a better reference, we tell you that this fascinating place occupies about 62 thousand hectares of spectacular landscape, full of curious formations where  paleontological finds of great value have been made.

But there’s more. Valley of the Moon is one of the few places in the world where you will have the possibility to step on the same paths that 180 million years ago were toured by dinosaurs. Really, a unique adventure and therefore one of the must-see activities in San Juan.

And yet, that’s not all! Geoforms carved by the sun, water and wind (on the rocks), that will make your imagination fly. There are many interpretations given to the various formations, with the submarine being the most famous among their own and outsiders who, in the midst of this scenario, take into account the great evolution that the earth has given.

Due to its natural-historical importance and great paleontological value, the Provincial Natural Park Ischigualasto was declared a Protected Area by the Government of the Province of San Juan on November 3, 1971. Meanwhile, on 30 November 2000, it was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco.

VISIT TO THE VALLEY OF THE MOON

The visit to the Valley of the Moon is magnificent from the first minute. At the entrance of the Park you will find an Interpretation Center where replicas of the most important fossils found on the site are shown.

We recommend that you take some time to visit it. It is very informative and, for this reason, can provide value data for the rest of your visit. That is, you will get a better interpretation of the route you are going to do, the history of the park and its forms.

To explore this natural space, there are several circuits: short and long daytime, nocturnal under the light of the full moon, with walk to the hill or mountain bike and more. Get to know a little of each one and choose the one that best suits you and your companions.

TRADITIONAL DAYTIME CIRCUIT LA LUNA VALLEY

Being a World Heritage Site and a Provincial Park, the preservation and care of the site is a priority, so the route of the main circuit is done exclusively by vehicle and with the accompaniment of an authorized guide.

This circuit has a length of about 42 kilometers and lasts approximately 3 hours, during which the guide explains in detail the formations that are visited, introducing participants in history and some useful data of the park; by virtue of which they can enjoy the place much more.

During the tour, several stops are made to take pictures of the most prominent forms such as: The Worm, The Painted Valley, The Bocft Court, The Submarine and The Mushroom.

SHORT DAY CIRCUIT

As the name says, this circuit is shorter. With a length of 31 Km, it gives us a quick impression of the scientific and landscape value of Ischigualasto Park. That is, in less time but without losing the charm of this natural appeal.

We recommend this option of tour especially for those who have little time and do not want to fail to know the beauties of the Ischigualasto Park. The duration is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.

CIRCUIT WITH FULL MOON

For those who have available the end of the afternoon, nothing better than visiting this wonderful place under the light of the Full Moon. Without a doubt, it can be one of the most special experiences of your life. It consists of a walk on the light grey sand, of many new sensations, after giving us a splendid lunar landscape.

It is a very exclusive walk, as it is an experience that can only be lived in the Ischigualasto Park. According to the lunar phases, only four nights are performed per month, taking as a parameter the day of change of the phase of the moon (it is possible to do it two nights before and the night after the change from phase to full moon). The duration is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

CIRCUIT HIKE TO CERRO MORADO

This 5.73 Km trekking circuit allows visitors to the park to ascend to the top of Cerro Morado. Being the highest height of the Park (1,800 meters above sea level) it gives participants a breathtaking panoramic view. You can see a multiplicity of colors.

The duration of the tour is approximately 3 hours (contemplating at that time the stay at the summit), and we recommend it especially to those who have time and enjoy adventure activities such as hikes.

MOUNTAIN BIKE CIRCUIT

Ideal for the more adventurous, this circuit allows you to explore an area of the little-known Park, marvel at the figures and colors of the place, as well as the flora and fauna of Ischigualasto.

The circuit has a route of 12 km and is carried out accompanied by a local guide, lasting approximately 2 and a half hours. The Park has specially equipped bicycles for this land that visitors can acquire for the visit.

WHEN TO VISIT THE VALLEY OF THE MOON?

Ischigualasto Park can be visited all year round. However, it is true that the weather varies and causes the conditions of the visit to change over time, depending on the season in which you travel to San Juan.

The climate is continental dry with extreme temperatures in summer and winter and a great thermal amplitude between day and night. Summer is very hot and sunny. The maximum temperature can exceed 50°C in the sun. In winter it is very cold and the minimum reaches 7 or 9°C below zero.

Rainfall is scarce (150 mm per year) but, when it occurs, they are torrential and can be accompanied by hail. The most rainy months are those of the summer, from November to March.

It is important to keep in mind this issue of heavy rains in the summer, since sometimes the circuits cannot be completed since the roads are not passable. The wind blows all year round; between July and October you can register the zonda wind. Learn more about the weather in San Juan.

TIPS FOR VISITING THE VALLEY OF THE MOON

It is very important to bring water, sunscreen, sunglasses and insect repellent, especially if you go in summer. As for the clothes, the light clothing is the right one for summer and warm clothes for winter. Hat at any time, also non-slip and comfortable shoes. Get more details in our article on what clothes to wear to San Juan!

The park has services such as: Movistar mobile phone signal, Wi-Fi, bathrooms, showers, confectionery, artisan center and camping area.

Ready to live a tour of Valle de la Luna, Ischigualasto Provincial Park? Get our travel specialists right now, they will give you all the advice you need to visit this wonderful destination of San Juan, including the possibility to combine with so many other attractions of the province of Cuyo.