La Payunia Reserve
Reserva Provincial La Payunia
One of the places with the highest density of volcanic cones in the world. Black lava fields, coloured volcanoes and herds of guanacos make up a lunar-like wilderness.
The reserve covers about 6,600 square km and has roughly 800 volcanic cones. Around the main peak, Payún Matru volcano, lies a vast 'black grassland' of dark lava and volcanic gravel. Guanacos, rheas and Andean condors are commonly seen. The roads to the reserve are long gravel tracks with no services or mobile signal. Most visitors join a one-day 4WD tour from Malargüe, which takes about 2–3 hours each way and includes a guide and a picnic lunch. If you drive yourself, carry plenty of fuel and travel with at least one other vehicle.
Opening hours
Daytime; authorized guide required
Nearby sights
- Malacara Volcano
- Manqui Malal Waterfall
- Laguna de Llancanelo
- Caverna de las Brujas
- Malargüe Planetarium
- Pierre Auger Observatory Visitor Center
- Castillos de Pincheira
- Laguna de la Niña Encantada