Ischigualasto National Park - Moon Valley
Description
Visit to the Ischigualasto Provincial park, world natural heritage and natural science museum. Is located in the northeast of the province of San Juan, 205 miles from its capital city. Popularly known as the Moon Valley, this fascinating and strange place covers about 153 000 acres and, together with its neighbor, Talampaya in the province of La Rioja, it was declared Mankind’s Heritage. Its importance resides in the scientific value of the paleontological findings made in the area: an almost complete sequence of the Triassic Period of the Mesozoic Era. To visit Ischigualasto means walking on the lands that dinosaurs inhabited 180-million years ago. The moon-like soil and strange geoforms sculpted by the water, sun and wind on the rocks over million of years, has turned this place into an otherworldly site. Return by Nacional Route 150, taking a new route to Cuesta del Huaco. Return to San Juan in the afternoon.
Tour Options
Itinerary
We pick up all the travellers from hotels in centrally located hotels.
Moon Valley in Argentina
Valle Fertil is a natural oasis located almost 250 km from the city of San Juan. It is known for its varied vegetation, including cardones, jarillas, cactus, and carob trees, among others. Towns such as Chucuma, Astica, Las Tumanas, Usno and La Majadita, invite us to ride, hike or trek, visit museums and farms, and even go birdwatching. 75 km from San Agustin de Valle Fertil is the Ischigualasto Provincial Park. You probably know it as "Valley of the Moon" because of the images you have seen. Its well-known geological formations and its paleontological wealth contribute to the value and importance of this site that was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO together with the Talampaya National Park.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Centrally located hotels in San Juan / Hotel in Valle Fertil
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
- A minimum of 02 people per booking is required
- Entrance to the Park depends on weather conditions set by authorities. If the tour is cancelled, rescheduling or a refund may be requested. No refund applies if the Park closes after the tour has started.
Reviews(46)
I did not find this destination on Tripadvisor, but it is a must-see place.
We were two adults and one student (cheaper admission fee). We went by caravan, with the car going all the way. The guide was in the first car. We discovered the William Sill site museum. Also visited: Painted Valley, bowl field and fungus.(4 stops in total). It lasts approximately 3 hours. Dps you can visit the Ischigualasto museum and the craft fair. There is a dining room and bathrooms.
The tour is done in own car in carabana with a guide in the car ahead. They leave every hour. The route is long and flies a lot of dirt. There are 5 stops, the first the least interesting, the sphinx and bowling court beautiful, the submarine, the fungus and the museum great. Tiring but cute, to meet once in a lifetime
excellent visit, in your own vehicle the guides take you along 42 km of incredible roads. We were lucky to have to take the guide, Luján, who made us enjoy the experience with enormous professionalism. It has all services, bathroom, bar, resting places, etc.
Stunning place, super exploited to tourism and everything perfectly organized. Carry water and sunscreen if or if Many foreigners, I think they miss a lot because the guide only speaks Spanish...
very nice, clean and tidy, quite organized for the tourist. I like it. Recommended places to enjoy that have
The amount of entry seemed excessive to me...in February 2024 if you are Argentine $10 thousand per person. If you are a foreigner, $20,000 per person, just to take the tour. You have to do it in your own vehicle, approximately 3 hours and there are no gas stations nearby. There are few artisans and there is a business with coffee and food that is very expensive. They receive debit. If you go along the RN150 there are tunnels but there is not a kiosk nor a sign on the route to the capital. Bring water and ice. Dry rivers and dead cows on the way. In the capital there is a nice park (May) and around different museums...church...casa de sarmiento...history with earthquakes etc...most of them do not charge... When you go from San Juan to Mendoza there is health control $1250 you cannot enter with fruits
Imposing landscape. Very good guide. There were only a few cars in the caravan and the explanation was well appreciated and photos were taken.
3rd time there. The walk under the moonlight is not to be missed. All park staff excellent. I want to come back! Going to San Juan was the great excuse to visit it again!
A different landscape on a tour of more than three hours with a very good guide at the car caravan stops. It's worth it! Also interesting is the museum that can be visited at the beginning or end of the excursion.
