Ischigualasto Provincial Park, Cuyo Travel Guide

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Explore Argentina's Valley of the Moon: A surreal landscape of Triassic fossils and otherworldly rock formations in Ischigualasto Provincial Park.

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Ischigualasto Provincial Park

Explore the otherworldly landscapes of Ischigualasto Provincial Park, also known as the Valley of the Moon, in Argentina. This UNESCO World Heritage site boasts unique geological formations and significant dinosaur fossils from the Triassic period, offering a glimpse into Earth's ancient past.

A brief summary to Ischigualasto Provincial Park

Villa San Agustín, San Juan Province, J5449, AR
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Monday 8 am-5 pm
Tuesday 8 am-5 pm
Wednesday 8 am-5 pm
Thursday 8 am-5 pm
Friday 8 am-5 pm
Saturday 8 am-5 pm
Sunday 8 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Ischigualasto Provincial Park.

Book tours in advance, especially for full moon visits, as spots are limited and popular.
Bring plenty of water and sun protection; the desert climate can be harsh.
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain.
Be prepared for extreme temperature variations, with highs of 60°C in summer and lows of -15°C in winter.
Consider visiting during the spring (September to November) or autumn (March to May) for milder temperatures.

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Explore Ischigualasto Provincial Park on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Ischigualasto Provincial Park, mapped for you.

Getting There

Car

The most common way to reach Ischigualasto Provincial Park is by car. From San Juan, take National Route 40 north, then Route 150 to the park. The drive is approximately 300 km and takes about 4 hours. Roads are paved and in good condition. Ensure you have enough fuel and supplies, as services are limited near the park. Entrance fee to the park is approximately ARS 2,500 for foreign adults. Parking is available at the visitor center.
Bus

You can take a bus from San Juan to Villa San Agustín in Valle Fértil. From there, take a local bus (Route 850-I) that departs at 7:15 AM and arrives at Ischigualasto around 8:45 AM. The return bus departs the park at 12:30 PM, arriving in Villa San Agustín around 2:30 PM. Bus fare from San Juan to Villa San Agustín is approximately ARS 600. The bus from Villa San Agustín to Ischigualasto is approximately ARS 300. Check updated schedules as they may vary.

Discover more about Ischigualasto Provincial Park

Ischigualasto Provincial Park, often called the Valley of the Moon (Valle de la Luna), is a captivating protected area in the San Juan Province of Argentina. Bordering La Rioja Province and Talampaya National Park, this park presents a surreal landscape sculpted by millions of years of erosion. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, Ischigualasto is renowned for its geological formations dating back to the Triassic period (252 to 201 million years ago) and its rich collection of dinosaur fossils.The park's name, likely derived from the Quechua language, translates to "dead land," a fitting description for its arid, moon-like terrain. Here, the Andes Mountains' uplift exposed layers of sedimentary rock, creating a dramatic landscape of canyons, badlands, and unusual rock formations. Visitors can explore iconic geoforms such as 'El Hongo' (the Mushroom), 'El Submarino' (the Submarine), and the 'Cancha de Bochas' (Bowling Alley), each showcasing the power of wind and water erosion.Ischigualasto is also a paleontological treasure trove, containing some of the oldest known dinosaur remains. The park's fossils, including those of early dinosaurs like Herrerasaurus and Eoraptor, provide invaluable insights into the origins and evolution of dinosaurs. Petrified tree trunks, fossil ferns, and horsetails further paint a picture of the region's ancient environment. Guided tours, offered during the day and on full-moon nights, allow visitors to delve into the park's geological and paleontological wonders, making it a truly unique destination for nature and history enthusiasts.