San Juan and La Rioja Classic: Tour to Talampaya and Valley of the Moon - Discover the magic of Northwest Argentina!

4.8/5 Stars - Based on 6 Reviews

Explore Talampaya and the Valley of the Moon in San Juan and La Rioja! Book your spot now

If you`re traveling through Argentina, you can`t miss the classic 4-day San Juan and La Rioja package. You`ll visit unique destinations off the beaten track, surprising you with their unusual formations and characteristics.

The wonder of the place and the wealth it contains for the study of the archaeological and paleontological sites in the area led UNESCO to declare the area comprised of Talampaya National Park and Ischigualasto Provincial Park a World Heritage Site in 2000, naming them Ischigualasto/Talampaya Natural Parks.

With this trip, you can visit both places and explore them in comfortable vehicles with professional guides.

The Provincial Park of Ischigualasto is unique in the world for its Triassic continental sediments: ash; white, gray, red, and vermilion rocks containing reptile and dinosaur fossils. It covers an area of 2,916 hectares and is located in the north of the province of San Juan. Its curious geological formations (The Submarine, The Mushroom, The Bocce Court) and the remains of the oldest dinosaur are some of the attractions of this site, which is also known as the "Valley of the Moon" due to its resemblance to the surface of the satellite. Talampaya National Park covers an approximate area of 215,000 hectares located in the south of the province of La Rioja. Within its boundaries are vestiges of what life was like in this place millions of years ago. Its reddish and brown hues transport us to another world where dinosaurs and other extinct species once reigned. The Talampaya Canyon is the most important and impressive attraction of the National Park thanks to its imposing 150-meter-high reddish walls, diverse geological formations (El Monje, La Torre, etc.), and magnificent rock art called petroglyphs. In addition to these excellent excursions, the package also includes 3 nights` accommodation and transfers from San Juan Airport.
3 Nights/4 Days
Every day
San Juan Airport
San Juan Airport

About this tour

Day 1 – Arrival in San Juan

Arrival in the city of San Juan and reception at the Terminal or Airport. Transfer to your selected hotel and free time to rest or begin exploring the provincial capital at your own pace.
Overnight in San Juan City.


Day 2 – Excursion to Ischigualasto Provincial Park (Valley of the Moon)

Departure from hotels in San Juan starting at 7:00 AM towards Ischigualasto Provincial Park, one of Argentina`s most important natural treasures. We will take National Tourist Route 150 to enter the famous Moon Valley.

During a 4-hour internal tour, accompanied by specialized park guides, we will explore a 40 km circuit with 5 highlights:

  • The Worm: rock formations over 200 million years old and visible fossilized ferns at first glance.

  • Painted Valley: lunar landscape where many of the region`s most important fossils were found.

  • Bocce Court: curious spherical rocks formed by natural sedimentation processes; Along the way we`ll also see The Sphinx.

  • The Submarine: an imposing geological formation with panoramic views of Cerro Morado and the Barrancas Coloradas.

  • The Mushroom: a tourist icon of San Juan and one of the most photographed geological formations in the park.

Interpretation Center and Natural Science Museum, where fossil remains are exhibited and the research and reconstruction of dinosaurs is explained.
Return to the city of San Juan at sunset.
Overnight in San Juan Capital.


Day 3 – Excursion to Talampaya National Park

Departure from hotels around 8:00 AM. We will take Route 40 north, crossing the San Juan River and then Tourist Route 150 to the border with La Rioja. From there, Route 76 will take us to Talampaya National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Once in the park, you can choose (not included in the price) between the following internal circuits:

Circuit No. 1 – Talampaya Canyon Experience

A tour in modern vehicles following the course of the Talampaya Dry River.

For 3 hours, we will take short walks to explore four iconic sites:

  • Petroglyphs,
  • Botanical Garden,
  • Gothic Cathedral,
  • The Monk, one of the park`s most impressive formations.

The imposing Talampaya Canyon, with its 150-meter-high reddish walls, offers an imposing landscape that will transport you millions of years back in time.

After completing the chosen circuit, we will return to San Juan, arriving at approximately 8:00 PM.


data-start="2953" data-end="2956"> data-start="2956" data-end="2971">Important: the internal circuits of Talampaya National Park are private and data-start="3031" data-end="3053">are not included in the package price.
data-start="3082" Night in San Juan Capital. Day 4 – End of Trip Transfer from the hotel to the San Juan Bus Terminal or Airport. End of services.

What's included

  • Nights` accommodation in a standard room at the selected hotel, including breakfast.
  • Excursions and transfers as detailed in the program.
  • Taxes

Not included

  • Flights or Airline Tickets
  • National Park Entrance Fees
  • Extras, meals, drinks, and services not detailed in the program
  • Personal Expenses
  • Bus Tickets

Easy/Medium

The tour includes a multi-hour trek.

Comfortable shoes and clothing. Sunglasses. Sunscreen. Small backpack. Passport or other identification. Lunch (you can bring a snack or eat at the park`s restaurants). Money for extra expenses.

Rates are NOT valid for Carnival, Easter Week, long weekends, winter holidays (July), conferences, and special dates. Rates are subject to change without notice.
CANCELACION
General Terms
COSTO
Average
DIFICULTAD
Low

Frequently asked questions

The Talampaya and Valle de la Luna excursion includes roundtrip transportation from San Juan and La Rioja, accommodations with breakfast, specialized guides, and park entrance fees. These iconic Argentine destinations offer unique landscapes where you can appreciate the splendor of geological formations, canyons, and ancient fossils. The tour is designed to enjoy an unforgettable experience, discovering the rich history and natural beauty of these regions. A tour of the most iconic sites and information about the local flora and fauna are also included. It is ideal for nature and adventure tourism lovers.

The best time to visit Talampaya and Valle de la Luna is during spring and fall, specifically between March and May and September and November. During these periods, temperatures are more pleasant and allow for comfortable exploration of the parks. The climate is dry and temperate, conducive to outdoor activities. In summer, temperatures can be quite high, while in winter, nights are cold. Planning your visit during the recommended seasons ensures you can fully enjoy the landscapes and guided tours. This choice supports sustainable tourism and environmental conservation.

For the excursion to Talampaya and the Valley of the Moon, comfortable clothing appropriate for outdoor activities is recommended. It's advisable to wear light clothing, preferably cotton, and always bring a cap or hat for sun protection. Don't forget sunscreen to avoid burns, as well as sunglasses. It's crucial to wear appropriate footwear, such as hiking boots or shoes, that allow for walking on uneven terrain. During the day, a light coat may be useful, especially if traveling during periods of sudden temperature changes. Bringing a backpack with water and snacks is also recommended.

The climate in the San Juan and La Rioja regions is semi-arid, with warm summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures can reach 35°C, while winter temperatures hover around 15°C, although nights can be cold. This region in northwestern Argentina is known for its clear skies and low humidity, characteristics that create a very pleasant environment for tourism in general. Rainfall is scarce throughout the year, so rainy days are unlikely. Knowing the climate in these destinations is essential to properly plan activities and fully enjoy the natural surroundings.

Yes, the Talampaya and Moon Valley excursion is suitable for the whole family, including children and seniors. The tours are designed to be safe and enjoyable, with guides who adapt their explanations to different ages and interests. The parks offer accessible circuits that allow all visitors to enjoy the landscapes without excessive effort, thus promoting inclusive tourism. It is an excellent opportunity for families to share quality time exploring nature and learn about geology and history in an entertaining way. However, it is important to follow safety guidelines and bring water and sunscreen with you during visits.
4.8 6 reviews
5.0

Increible día en San Juan

Si van a estar de viaje por San Juan no dejen de realizar la excursión San Juan Y La Rioja Esencial. No se van a arrepentir!

Jesus
5.0

Journée incroyable à San Juan

Si vous allez voyager à travers San Juan, ne manquez pas l'excursion San Juan et La Rioja Esencial. Ils ne le regretteront pas!

Jesus
5.0

Unglaublicher Tag in San Juan

Wenn Sie durch San Juan reisen, sollten Sie den Ausflug San Juan und La Rioja Esencial nicht verpassen. Sie werden es nicht bereuen!

Jesus
5.0

Dia incrível em San Juan

Se você vai viajar para San Juan não perca o passeio San Juan E La Rioja Essencial. É uma experiência única!

Aug 21 2016 8:30AM
4.0

Great service, excellent quality

We planned a trip in the deep of the country with Tangol and everything was really excellent. We went to Mendoza, San Juan, the Andes, Patagonia (El Calafate), Ushuaia and even in Chile and Tangol's services were one of a kind - their guides never came late, speak English and Spanish, and were really nice guys. I really recommend their services for sure!

Hristo
5.0

Excellent tour arranged by TANGOL in San Juan

We had a wonderful 7 days tours in San Juan area north Argentina All was pefecty arranged by Cecilia from Tangol Tours. Attractions are unique and amazing We recommand using this agency services Joseph and Dalia Shalom Israel April 2016

Joseph and Dalia Shalom
Price on request
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Adults
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