Ischigualasto & Talampaya
A World Heritage site of Triassic dinosaur fossils, with the strange "Submarine" and "Mushroom" rock formations of the Valley of the Moon and the red cliff canyons of neighboring Talampaya National Park.
Ischigualasto & Talampaya lie in northwestern Argentina, in San Juan and La Rioja provinces respectively. The two adjoining parks were jointly inscribed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 2000. They preserve one of the world's most complete continental Triassic sequences and have yielded some of the earliest known dinosaur fossils. Ischigualasto, popularly known as the Valley of the Moon, is famous for its wind-sculpted rock formations scattered across a pale grey badland; visitors drive their own vehicles in a convoy led by a park ranger along a circuit of about 40 km, stopping in turn at the Painted Valley, the Bocce Court, the Submarine and the Mushroom. Talampaya is known for its ochre-red cliff canyons and ancient petroglyphs, and can only be visited on the park's own guided vehicle tours. The best times to visit are March–May and September–November; summer daytime temperatures often exceed 40°C, and winter brings large swings between day and night. Night tours of the Valley of the Moon run around the full moon and must be booked in advance. The nearest places to stay are San Agustín del Valle Fértil, about 65 km southeast of Ischigualasto, and Villa Unión, north of Talampaya. The two parks are about 75 km apart and can be seen in a single day, though it's a rush; 2–3 days is recommended. It's about a 4-hour drive from San Juan or La Rioja. Public transport is very limited, so you'll essentially need your own car or a tour. Gas stations are few and far between along the way, so fill up beforehand and bring plenty of water and sun protection.
Top sights
- Ischigualasto Provincial Park (Valle de la Luna) – A World Heritage 'Valley of the Moon' where the earliest dinosaur fossils were unearthed from Triassic strata. The barren landscape is scat…
- El Hongo – Ischigualasto's most famous landmark: slender rock columns topped by a huge 'umbrella cap,' with the red Barranca de los Colorados cliffs r…
- Talampaya National Park – A red-ochre canyon park inscribed as a World Heritage Site alongside the Valley of the Moon. It has sandstone cliffs rising over 100 meters…
- Valle Pintado – The first stop on the Moon Valley loop, where gray-white, reddish-brown and turquoise mudstone hills rise in layers, like a spilled paint p…
- Cancha de Bochas – Round stones of similar size lie scattered across the flat ground, like a natural bowling green. This is one of the most unusual geological…
- El Submarino – A red sandstone pillar eroded by wind into the shape of a submarine, standing at the edge of the white wasteland and looking like a submari…
- Talampaya Petroglyphs – Boulders at the canyon entrance are covered with carvings of animals, human figures and geometric symbols left by ancient Indigenous people…
- Talampaya Canyon & Botanical Garden – At the narrowest point of the canyon, red cliffs rise more than 100 meters on both sides, and a 'chimney' crevice produces a clear echo. Th…
- La Catedral & El Monje – At the end of the canyon, red rock walls have been weathered into a cluster of spires resembling a Gothic cathedral. A lone stone pillar be…
- Cañón del Arco Iris & Ciudad Perdida – A southern route in Talampaya, with a narrow canyon of colored rock layers and wind-eroded hollows that look like the ruins of a lost city…
- San Agustín del Valle Fértil – A green oasis town ringed by mountains and the closest place to stay for visiting Ischigualasto, with a river valley, a reservoir and Indig…
- Dique San Agustín – A reservoir beside the town of Valle Fértil, its lake reflecting the surrounding mountains. Visitors can fish, go boating or watch the suns…
- Villa Unión – A small town north of Talampaya, serving as a base for exploring Talampaya Canyon and Cuesta de Miranda, with plenty of places to stay and…
- Cuesta de Miranda – A mountain pass on National Route 40 that winds through red rock cliffs, with spectacular canyon and valley scenery. It is one of the most…
- Laguna Brava – A high-altitude salt lake at about 4,300 meters, where pink flamingos, vicuñas and guanacos appear against snowy peaks. It is a classic ful…
Where to eat
- El Astiqueño – A family barbecue restaurant in San Agustín de Valle Fértil, famous for charcoal-grilled kid goat, with generous portio…
- Friends Resto – A highly rated evening restaurant in Valle Fértil with beef tenderloin, grilled meats, and pizza. Open for dinner only.
Itineraries
- Central Argentina: Cuyo to Córdoba – Cross San Juan and La Rioja to see Ischigualasto (Valley of the Moon) and Talampaya, then enter the hills of Córdoba.