San Juan Province

Natural attractions in San Juan Province

Natural Wonders and Protected Areas

San Juan’s diverse landscape features the UNESCO-listed Ischigualasto Provincial Park, known for its Triassic fossils and moon-like terrain. The region encompasses high-altitude Andean glaciers like La Hoyada and protected wetlands such as the Presidente Sarmiento Park. Visitors can explore the vast, salt-crusted Pampa del Leoncito, a 12-kilometer dried lake bed used for land sailing, or visit El Leoncito National Park, home to major astronomical observatories. Scenic viewpoints like Paramillos and Cerro Panorámico offer vistas of the rugged Pre-cordillera and the San Juan River valley.

Natural Wonders and Protected Areas — Map

Alonso.julito / CC BY-SA 4.0

A

Ischigualasto Provincial Park

Ischigualasto Provincial Park, also called Valle de la Luna, due to its moon like appearance, is a provincial protected area in the north…

Darío Alpern / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

El Leoncito National Park

El Leoncito National Park is a federal protected area in San Juan Province, Argentina.

Takeshi Kuboki / CC BY 2.0

C

Área Natural Protegida Parque Presidente Sarmiento

Protected wetland in the Zonda Department that serves as a sanctuary for migratory birds and native aquatic vegetation within an arid landscape.

Enrique Guardia / CC BY-SA 3.0

D

Área Natural Protegida Loma de las Tapias

Natural park and protected landscape featuring unique geological formations and paleontological remains dating back to the Neogene period.

Silviaanac / CC BY-SA 4.0

E

Parque Natural Provincial Valle Fértil

Multiple-use reserve protecting a transition zone between the Chaco and Monte eco-regions, characterized by dense vegetation and diverse bird species.

Ccarosio / CC BY-SA 4.0

F

Pampa del Leoncito

A 12-kilometer-long dried lake bed with a perfectly flat, cracked clay surface, frequently used for land sailing and windcar racing.

G

Bajo del Jumeal

Arid-region wetland providing a critical habitat for local fauna and migratory bird species.

H

Glaciar La Hoyada

High-altitude Andean glacier located in the Calingasta region near the border with Chile.

I

Glaciar Pirca del Indio

Andean glacier situated in the high peaks of the San Juan cordillera.

J

Glaciar del Caballito

High-mountain glacier located within the Central Andes range.

K

Glaciar Paduszek

High-altitude glacier located in the remote mountainous terrain of the San Juan province.

L

Glaciar del Caballito

High-mountain glacier located within the Central Andes range.

M

Glaciar Paduszek

High-altitude glacier located in the remote mountainous terrain of the San Juan province.

N

Cascada El Rincón

Scenic waterfall located near the town of Barreal within the Pre-cordillera landscape.

O

Los Escalones

Elevated observation point offering views of the rugged Andean foothills and the surrounding valley.

P

Bird watching

Designated observation area within the El Leoncito region for spotting Andean condors and other native bird species.

Q

El Volcan

Viewpoint overlooking the geological formations and arid valleys of the San Juan region.

R

Paramillos

High-altitude pass and viewpoint providing panoramic vistas of the Uspallata Valley and the Andes.

S

Cerro Panorámico

Scenic overlook providing a 360-degree view of the surrounding hills and the Ullum Dam area.

T

Mirador Cerro Juan Pobre

Viewpoint offering expansive perspectives of the Zonda Valley and the Pre-cordillera mountain range.

Other Lists

Provincia de San Juan: Unmissable Wonders Majestic Mountain Peaks Notable Religious Sites Camping and Alpine Shelters