The argentinianTalampaya National Park protects a steppe region characterized by strange rock and erosion landscapes with several gorges and canyons in the central Andes. He lies in Andean region of the La Rioja province in the west of the country and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, together with the nature reserve Ischigualasto a few kilometers further south.
The park is relatively remote. During the rainy season, the park may be closed in the summer if there is a risk of flooding. The best starting point is the small town Villa Unión.
background
Talampaya is common with Ischigualasto and Sierra de las Qujadas one of the areas on the edge of the Andes and the transition area to the Sierras Pampeanas, in which erosion led to curious formations that are reminiscent of cathedrals, sculptures and other objects.
The park can only be visited with a guide, which makes it a little more expensive than other national parks. Those who prefer to visit a similar park with their own vehicle or on foot should refer to Ischigualasto and the Sierra de las Quijadas. However, Talampaya is considered the most spectacular of the three parks.
history
Talampaya was created as a nature reserve in the province of La Rioja in 1975 when numerous fossils were found in this valley. In 1997 it was converted into a national park.
landscape
The landscape is rough and steppe-like. There is only some vegetation in the valley itself. It is characterized by low ridges that surround the Talampaya Canyon.
Flora and fauna
Talampaya is one of the settlement areas of the Andean condor, the largest bird on earth. You can also find foxes, guanacos, armadillos, snakes and other steppe dwellers.
The vegetation is sparse and can be found in the major regions of the Montethat defines the Sierras Pampeanas, as well as des Chaco assign.
climate
The climate is subtropical. The summers are very hot, temperatures of 40 degrees and more are common. Therefore, the winter with mild 20 to 25 degrees and some cooler cold snaps is the far better time to travel, and it is also dry then. However, even then there are more tourists, especially during the winter holidays and on long weekends. During this period there is a limit of 1350 visitors per day. It is therefore advisable to arrive at the park entrance early!
getting there
An arrival can be via La Rioja as well as over San Juan respectively. Most of the guided excursions are from Villa Unión from offered. This small town with around 5,000 inhabitants can be reached from La Rioja by daily buses.
There are two options with your own car (the starting point is Córdoba, which can be reached from Buenos Aires and Rosario via the RN 9 motorway):
- Via Ischigualasto: RN 38 to Patquía, then RN 150 to Ischigualasto and there turn north onto the RN 76.
- above Chilecito: As before RN 38 to Patquía, then RN 74 towards Chilecito. At Nonogasta on the RN 40 to the southwest into the Cuesta de Miranda turn - the route itself is an attraction there, as you drive past a deep gorge and can see it from above. On the RN 76 it goes north to Villa Unión, south to Pagancillo and Talampaya.
There are two entrances to the core area of the park: one to the Canyon de Talampaya in the north and one to the Ciudad Perdida further south. Ischigualasto Park is located directly to the southwest.
Fees / permits
The park requires entry, which is staggered as follows (as of 2010):
- Non-resident foreigners in Argentina: AR $ 40
- Argentinians / foreign nationals residing in Germany: AR $ 20
- Students at Argentine universities: AR $ 10
- Under 16 years of age, pensioners: Free
mobility
There are driving paths as well as mountain bike circuits and hiking trails. However, the paths in the national park may only be entered and used when accompanied by a guide.
Tourist Attractions
The Ciudad Perdida is the most famous "natural sculpture" in the park. It is reminiscent of a ruined city with various buildings. There are also numerous paleontological and archaeological excavationswhere remains of civilizations from the time between 640 BC. And 1180 AD as well as fossils, especially from the age of Triad, were found. One of the oldest types of dinosaurs on earth was discovered (Lagosuchustalampayensis).
activities
- Take part in a guided tour in an off-road vehicle, mountain bike or a hiking tour.
shop
In the park itself there are no shopping opportunities besides the bar in the visitor center. In Villa Unión you can get all the goods you need every day.
kitchen
The visitor center has a bar and sanitary facilities.
accommodation
The best accommodations in the area are in Villa Unión as in San Agustin de Valle Fértil (San Juan). In the closer Pagancillo there are some private accommodations and small hostels.
Hotels and hostels
An updated list of hotels and other accommodations can be found on the Homepage of the national park.
camping
Camping is only permitted in the core area of the park as part of a guided tour. However, there is a free camping area at the visitor center. Collecting wood to make a fire is prohibited.
security
You should also wear sturdy shoes when walking, as there are poisonous snakes in the region. In addition, make sure you have sun protection and enough water on tours.
trips
If you like the landscape, you should also get it Ischigualasto- Look at the park further south. This looks a bit more desert-like, the "sculptures" are more scattered there than in Talampaya.
