- Address: s / n, (5405), Av. Pres. Roca, Barreal, San Juan, Argentina
- Phone: +54 2648-441240
- Area: 897.1 sq. M. km
- Founded: September 18, 2002.
At 34 km from the Argentine city of Barrel is the National Park of El Leoncito National Park, which is famous for its pristine nature.
general information
It is located on the western slope of the Sierra del Tontal in the Calingasta department in the province of San Juan and has an area of 897.1 km. The reserve was founded in 2002. Until then, the territory of the National Park was closed to tourists, in order to preserve the ecosystem of the area. The Ministry of Science and Technology of the State protects and operates the federal institution.
In the institution almost all year round (at least 300 days) is clear dry weather, the average annual rainfall is 200 mm. The climate here is cold, and the snow does not melt even in summer.
The reserve is in relative distance from the big cities, and there are no bright lights. This fact allows us to observe the celestial bodies. In the territory of the National Park there are two world-famous astronomical observatories:
- Felix Aguilar ;
- El-Leoncito (complex CASLEO).
They are the main local attractions and are in the center of the reserve, at an altitude of more than 2500 m above sea level.
What to see in the reserve?
Tourists are attracted to the park:
- Fauna. Of the animals in the reserve you can find guanaco, and from birds - the predator of peregrine falcon.
- Flora. Plants are mainly represented by shrubs typical of mountain dry areas.
- Khapak-Nyan. In addition to the picturesque nature, which includes a diverse flora and fauna, there are paleontological zones and historical sites in the National Park of El Leoncito. The most famous of them is considered part of the road of the Inca Empire, included in the list of Argentine heritage sites by UNESCO . Here you can see rock paintings, clay constructions and some archaeological finds.
Features of visit
Important things for tourists include:
- The entrance to the territory of El-Leoncito National Park is free. You can come here, both in the morning and in the evening and even stay overnight, watching the stargazing;
- visitors can independently move around the reserve or accompanied by a guide who will acquaint you not only with the history of the institution, but also will take you to the most interesting places;
- for tourists in the National Park were equipped with safe walking trails, which lead to the most interesting corners: streams, observation platforms, waterfalls, etc .;
- in the reserve for travelers built a special camping. Here visitors can use the stove and barbecue for free, tables and chairs, toilets and even a hot shower.
How to get to the park?
From the nearest cities of San Juan and Barrel, it is most convenient to get there by car on the highway RN 153 or RN 149 respectively. If you do not want to travel by car yourself, contact the tour desk and book a transfer.
For those wishing to approach the solution of the Universe, admire the stunning views and take a walk in ecologically clean places, the National Park of El-Leoncito is an ideal place.
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