El Leoncito National Park Voyage Tips and guide

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El Leoncito National Park is a protected natural area in the Andes mountains of San Juan province of Argentina. It includes a representative sample of the Central Andean Puna and the Southern Andean steppe biodiversity in good state of conservation, as well as historical and paleontological sites (including a portion of the Inca road system).

The park covers an area of 89,706 hectares.

The park was created as part of the Argentina national parks system in 2002.

Flora and fauna is typical of the Andean highlands, including guanacos, pumas, and foxes, with some notable exceptions.

A unique catfish species called the Leoncito catfish is found in the parks small streams. Biologists surmise that the fish adapted from a similar catfish in the Rio San Juan, but that at some point, the streams from El Leoncito no longer reached the San Juan, so a group of catfish were isolated and adapted to the harsher conditions of the park.

Large flightless birds called rheas are found throughout South America, but a rarer subspecies, called the lesser rhea (or Cordillera rhea) is found in southern Argentina (and in this park). Local lore says that Charles Darwin once searched high and low for the elusive lesser rhea until he finally found one. In his kitchen where one of his men brought it back to camp for the evening's dinner. "Tastes like chicken," was Darwin's observation.

El Leoncito is quite dry, both at lower and higher elevations. High temperatures in summer can reach 35°C (though 26 is more typical) and winter lows can plummet to -10°C. The park receives only 200 mm of rain per year, mostly in the summer. Clear night skies on about 300 nights per year make it quite likely you will get good views of the heavens when you visit.

The nearest city with commercial airline service is San Juan, about 245 km from the park.

The nearest town to the park is Barreal, about 35 km from the park.

The El Triunfo bus company operates two buses per day from San Juan to Barreal. Buses depart at 08:30 and 20:30 and return from Barreal at 02:30 and 14:30. Once you are in Barreal, you can take a taxi to the park.

From Barreal, drive south on Provincial Route 149 (toward Uspallata). When you pass the salt flats (Pampa El Leoncito) there is a paved turnoff to the park. From this point it is 12 km to the park visitor center.

Entrance to the park is free.

Two astronomical observatories are located in the park and both invite visitors to come look through their telescopes. Advance reservations are recommended and remember that it gets cold on top the mountains at night, so bring a jacket. Schedules subject to change, so contact the observatory ahead of time. The biggest telescope is Casleo's 2.15 meter telescope called "Jorge Sahado".

CASLEO Observatory: Phone: 02648-441088 Office in San Juan: 0264-4213653/83 Web: www.casleo.gov.ar Visiting hours: from 10 to 12 and from 15 to 17:30 hs.

CESCO Observatory: Phone: 02648-441087 Web: centrohugomira.yahoo.com.ar Visiting hours: from 10 to 12 and from 16 to 18 hours. Night tourism by order of arrival, from 8 pm.

• Hiking - trails include:
  • Trail to Cascada del Rincón - easy trail that's good for kids
  • Water Landscape Trail - easy trail through different landscapes
  • Cerro El Leoncito Trail - difficult trail intended for mountain sports enthusiasts, great views from the summit
• Land Sailing - the flat, open areas of the Pampa El Leoncito usually have a stiff breeze blowing across the featureless landscape, making it an ideal place to experience land sailing, which involves scooting across the sand in a cart fitted with a sail

A park store is open Saturday, Sunday and holidays. It sells camping supplies, food, and necessities.

The park campground has tables, grills, and spaces that are intended for tent campers. Campers or motorhomes may be allowed, but inquire at the park office. Bathrooms with flush toilets and showers are available.