Through the Red Lands of Talampaya and Mendoza

We begin our journey toward our next destination. Along the way, we’ll pass through small towns in La Rioja, such as Aminga, Anillaco, and others along Routes 75 and 40, all the way to Chilecito. There, we’ll visit the La Mexicana Mine Cable Car Station 1 Museum and learn about the history of this town, which developed as a result of this gold mine. After our visit, we’ll continue to Villa Unión, traveling along the spectacular Cuesta de Miranda. We’ll stay there.

We will spend the morning visiting Talampaya National Park accompanied by a local guide. This nature reserve, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, is notable for its important archaeological and paleontological sites, as well as its high cliffs that reach over 100 meters in height. After lunch, we continue our journey to Ischigualasto Provincial Park, also known as the Valley of the Moon. The rugged landscape, its geological formations, and its paleontological richness contribute to the value and importance of this unique site. Together with Talampaya, they comprise the most complete continental collection of fossils from this period in the world. We will stay in San Agustín de Valle Fértil.

After breakfast, we head to the city of Mendoza. Along the way, we’ll visit the city of San Juan and some of its main attractions. San Juan is a city characterized by being entirely irrigated by meltwater due to its location in the foothills. Because of this, since the time of the Incas, they have developed techniques to manage water flow to maintain crops year-round. We will stay for three nights in the wine capital.

City tour of Mendoza accompanied by a local guide, visiting General San Martín Park, home to the Cerro de La Gloria, crowned by its unique Monument to the Army of the Andes. We’ll then visit a winery to learn where Argentina’s signature wines are produced, with the option to enjoy wine and olive oil tastings.

Today we take a full-day tour of the town of Uspallata in the valley of the same name, a typical mountain valley village. We then head into the foothills of the Andes Mountains, visiting Los Penitentes, Puente del Inca, and Aconcagua Provincial Park, where we will hike and visit the interpretation center.

Upon arriving in Mendoza, we will begin to see the Mendoza River, characterized by its wide basin that increases its flow during the thaw. The park, located in the Andes Mountains, is home to peaks exceeding 5,000 meters, including Mount Aconcagua, which ranks among the world’s greatest challenges for climbers due to its spectacular formation and height. The natural area also preserves glaciers, watersheds, high Andean flora and fauna, and archaeological sites related to the Inca culture. After the tour, we return to Mendoza where we will stay.