The El Leoncito National Park is in the west of the province San Juan in one Andental and thus in the west Argentina, the so-called Cuyo-Region. It protects a desert to steppe-like highland on which the observatory El Leoncito which is known for the particularly clear sky in the region and is 89,706 hectares in size.
background
history
The park was designated as a nature reserve in 1994 and converted into a national park in 2002. One of the reasons for the protection was to avoid air pollution in order to preserve the atmospheric qualities for the observatories.
landscape
El Leoncito lies on the eastern bank of the river in the valley of Calingasta, in which, among other things, the vacation spot El Barreal is located. The landscape is characterized by the dry climate and is desert to steppe-like; only the valley itself is greened by the river. The mountains in the area shine in different colors from yellow to red to purple, which are caused by ores of different metals.
The mountain peaks are up to 4,390 m high and some can be climbed.
Flora and fauna
Because of the extent of the park at different altitudes, the vegetation is different. The lower layers leading to the Monte-Region to include allow the growth of bushes, including the local species Retamo and Jarilla. The plant density decreases towards the top and an arid semi-desert dominates the landscape.
climate
San Juan and especially the Andes region is known for the large temperature differences between day and night. In summer the thermometer often rises above 40 ° C, while at night it can cool down to 10 ° C on the same day. In winter, frost is common at night. The drought is greater in winter than in summer.
getting there
El Barreal, the best starting point to the park, is 21 miles north of the park and is served by daily buses from San Juan approached from. The park is on the RP 412 south of Barreal. If you come by car, you have to note that because of the narrowness of the road between San Juan and the Calingasta Valley, in which the park is located, the road - which is paved throughout - is only open upwards in the morning and only downwards after 2 p.m. until evening ; Otherwise, a more than 140 km detour is required (either via Uspallata in Mendoza or via Talacasto and La Ciénaga north of San Juan, but both roads are only graveled in places).
You take it from Mendoza RN 7 to Uspallata and then the RP 39 (gravelled), which merges into RP 412 at the provincial border.
Fees / permits
Entry to the park is free.
mobility
There is a driveway and several footpaths in the park. Public transport is only available to the entrance of the park south of Barreal.
Tourist Attractions
- El Leoncito observatory. Tel.: 54- (0)264 4213653 02648-441088, 54 (0)264-4273653 (int.113)., one of the most important and modern in Argentina. The observatory is located at an altitude of 2,552 m and was inaugurated in 1983.
- Carlos U. Cesco observatory. Tel.: (0)2648-441087, Email: [email protected]., Inaugurated in 1965. The movements of the stars in the southern sky are recorded and evaluated here. It belongs to the University of San Juan.
- Estancia El Leoncito, historical estancia from the early 19th century
- Archaeological sites. Several settlements and part of the Inca way excavated. The Inca Way led over Cusco to Machu Picchu and originally extended to the vicinity of Mendoza.
Both observatories can be visited; the guided visits take place at night and include dinner. Information can be obtained from the telephone numbers provided.
activities
Several footpaths of varying difficulty invite you to go hiking and trekking.
to buy
There are no supplies in the park itself. El Barreal on the other hand, as a well-known holiday destination, it offers all things everyday needs.
to eat and drink
There is no supply option in the park, everything must be brought by yourself. It should be noted that lighting a fire is prohibited due to the high risk of fire, as is hunting and the extraction of all kinds of plants.
Sleep
Hotels and hostels
El Barreal offers hotels of all price ranges as well as holiday cabins and hostels, with the exception of the luxury class.
camping
There is a free camping area in the park without sanitary facilities.
security
trips
- Barreal Blanco: A wide, desert-like and almost smooth surface on which sand sailing is practiced.
literature
Web links
- Website of the Argentine national parks.
