This national park is hands down the best reason to visit the province. The orange-pink sandstone walls of Potrero de la Aguada canyon have been rain- and wind-battered into twisted contours that fade to red as the sun sets. This 8-kilometer (4.9-mi) long, 6-kilometer (3.7-mi) wide and 300-meter (984-ft) deep canyon is best to visit at sunset to see the bright colors.

Parque Nacional Sierra de las Quijadas is rich with flora and fauna, and is home to a few endangered species such as the beautiful yellow cardinal. Geologists and paleontologists have found a wide array of dinosaur fossils here, including a deposit of some of the largest flying reptiles yet discovered in Argentina; today you can still hike trails that wind past fossilized dinosaur footprints.

Location:
Casilla de Correo 147
San Luis, Argentina

City Park Types:
Natural park, garden

Getting There
The park can be reached via bus from San Luis to San Juan, where you will be dropped at Hualtarán. Park rangers offer information needed to navigate the park or will put visitors in touch with a guide if requested.

Relative price: Budget

Travel Skills: None

Contact Information:
Phone: 402652 22719

By Chris Hughes

Traveling South America to give Viva readers the most up-to-date information...

Created: 23 Jun 2009

Updated: 25 Aug 2009

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