If you're exploring Argentina, a visit to Ischigualasto Park, often referred to as the "Valle De La Luna", is an absolute must. This extraordinary destination, which lies off the beaten path, captivates visitors with its unique formations and unusual soil characteristics.
The area's remarkable features and its wealth of archaeological and paleontological sites led to its designation as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2000. Together with Talampaya National Park, it forms the Ischigualasto/Talampaya Natural Parks.
Ischigualasto Provincial Park is unparalleled globally due to its Triassic continental sediments. These rocks—featuring ash, white, gray, and various shades of red and vermilion—are home to fossils of reptiles and dinosaurs. Spanning an area of 2,916 hectares, the park is located in the northern part of San Juan province.
The park's intriguing geoforms, such as The Submarine, The Mushroom, and the Bocce Court, along with the remains of the oldest dinosaurs, are among its key attractions. This site, known as "Valle de la Luna", bears a striking resemblance to the lunar surface.
The area's remarkable features and its wealth of archaeological and paleontological sites led to its designation as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2000. Together with Talampaya National Park, it forms the Ischigualasto/Talampaya Natural Parks.
Ischigualasto Provincial Park is unparalleled globally due to its Triassic continental sediments. These rocks—featuring ash, white, gray, and various shades of red and vermilion—are home to fossils of reptiles and dinosaurs. Spanning an area of 2,916 hectares, the park is located in the northern part of San Juan province.
The park's intriguing geoforms, such as The Submarine, The Mushroom, and the Bocce Court, along with the remains of the oldest dinosaurs, are among its key attractions. This site, known as "Valle de la Luna", bears a striking resemblance to the lunar surface.
Tour Description
We will depart from selected hotels in San Juan starting at 7 AM, embarking on National Tourist Route 150 to arrive at Ischigualasto Park, also known as the "Valley of the Moon". Accompanied by park guides and using our vehicles, we will explore the internal circuit for 4 hours.
The circuit spans approximately 40 km and includes 5 key stations, where visitors can admire the most significant geoforms. Guides provide essential explanations and interpretations to help understand the natural signs left here over more than two hundred million years.
The stations to visit include:
- "The Worm": This is the oldest section of the circuit, featuring rocks over 200 million years old where fossilized ferns are visible to the naked eye.
- "Valle Pintado": Named for its resemblance to a lunar landscape, this area was initially called the Valley of the Moon, a term that eventually encompassed the entire region. It is here that the majority of known fossils and remains have been unearthed.
- Cancha de Bochas: A natural site where dozens of spherical rocks are found, formed through an extended sedimentation process without human intervention. En route to this station, we will also encounter The Sphinx, a geoform notable for its likeness to the Egyptian Sphinx.
- The Submarine: Situated at the park's highest point, this location showcases the effects of differential erosion and offers an exceptional panoramic view of the Barrancas Coloradas and the Purple Hill.
- El Hongo: This iconic image not only represents Ischigualasto Park but also stands as a symbol of tourism in the province of San Juan. Here, the effects of differential erosion are evident, as the softer rock at the base has worn away more than the harder rock, which remains "balancing" on top.
Upon concluding the tour, we will visit the Interpretation Center and the Museum of Natural Sciences located at the Park's entrance. Here, paleontological pieces discovered in the area are displayed, highlighting their significance. Guides will explain the processes of research, tracking, fossil recovery, and dinosaur assembly. We will return to the city of San Juan in the evening.
The circuit spans approximately 40 km and includes 5 key stations, where visitors can admire the most significant geoforms. Guides provide essential explanations and interpretations to help understand the natural signs left here over more than two hundred million years.
The stations to visit include:
- "The Worm": This is the oldest section of the circuit, featuring rocks over 200 million years old where fossilized ferns are visible to the naked eye.
- "Valle Pintado": Named for its resemblance to a lunar landscape, this area was initially called the Valley of the Moon, a term that eventually encompassed the entire region. It is here that the majority of known fossils and remains have been unearthed.
- Cancha de Bochas: A natural site where dozens of spherical rocks are found, formed through an extended sedimentation process without human intervention. En route to this station, we will also encounter The Sphinx, a geoform notable for its likeness to the Egyptian Sphinx.
- The Submarine: Situated at the park's highest point, this location showcases the effects of differential erosion and offers an exceptional panoramic view of the Barrancas Coloradas and the Purple Hill.
- El Hongo: This iconic image not only represents Ischigualasto Park but also stands as a symbol of tourism in the province of San Juan. Here, the effects of differential erosion are evident, as the softer rock at the base has worn away more than the harder rock, which remains "balancing" on top.
Upon concluding the tour, we will visit the Interpretation Center and the Museum of Natural Sciences located at the Park's entrance. Here, paleontological pieces discovered in the area are displayed, highlighting their significance. Guides will explain the processes of research, tracking, fossil recovery, and dinosaur assembly. We will return to the city of San Juan in the evening.
What’s included?
What’s included:
Transfers to / from selected hotels in San Juan
- Classic internal circuit
- Guide in Spanish or English according to service selection.
What’s NOT included:
- Lunch, food and / or drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Personal expenses
- Other extras not mentioned in the itinerary
- Optional tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Moon Valley excursion includes round-trip tourist transportation from San Pedro de Atacama, a tour guide specializing in the area, and entrance fees to the main tourist attractions in the Moon Valley. During the tour, you'll visit iconic areas such as Tres Marías, the Kari Lookout, the salt caves, and some of the most breathtaking desert landscapes in the Atacama Desert. The experience is designed to maximize your connection with nature and photography, making this a must-do tour for travelers and adventure lovers.
The best time to visit the Valley of the Moon is during the autumn and spring months (March to May and September to November) when temperatures in the Atacama Desert are more pleasant and there are fewer tourists. However, the tour operates year-round, allowing you to enjoy its unique landscapes, geological formations, and spectacular sunsets in any season. It is recommended to bring clothing suitable for temperature changes and sun protection, regardless of the time of year.
The excursion to the Valley of the Moon is of low to moderate difficulty, ideal for tourists of all ages who enjoy outdoor activities in natural settings. It involves short walks along well-defined and accessible trails, although some areas may have stone or sand steps. Comfortable shoes, water, and a hat for sun protection are recommended. The activity is suitable for families, couples, and solo travelers seeking a unique experience in the Atacama Desert.
Yes, it's recommended to book your Moon Valley tour in advance, especially during peak tourist season in Atacama. Booking early ensures availability and allows you to better plan your trip. It also guarantees you'll receive personalized advice about the tour, schedules, and meeting points. You can easily book online, which offers security and the opportunity to access discounts or special offers for travelers.
Before participating in the Moon Valley excursion, it is recommended that you bring sunscreen, plenty of water, sunglasses, a hat, and comfortable clothing suitable for the desert climate, as sun exposure can be intense. Don't forget your camera to capture the unique landscapes and sunset colors. It is also important to arrive on time at the meeting point and listen to the tour guide's instructions to make the most of the experience. If you have any special medical conditions, please inform the operator before the trip.
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