Calingasta Department: Trails, Vast Landscapes and an Observatory

Vast plains between mountain ranges, high-altitude oases and trails with very different levels of difficulty define Calingasta Department. In El Leoncito National Park, you can explore an expansive landscape, combine wildlife watching with short walks, or plan a more demanding hike. An observatory, viewpoints and experiences in the town of Barreal also offer different focal points for your trip.

Landscapes and Views in El Leoncito

El Leoncito National Park is located in Calingasta Department and covers 89,900 hectares. Its landscape includes plains between mountain ranges, high plateaus, ridges and small high-altitude oases. These varied features make the park a destination for those who want to appreciate changing landscapes as well as enjoy individual activities. The wider travel region, the Calingasta Valley, is also home to Cerro Mercedario, which rises to 6,770 meters.

For a panoramic view, head to Mirador del Manzanar: located beside a historic apple orchard, it offers a 360-degree panorama. Mirador del Cesco offers a different perspective. It is a few meters from the entrance to the Cesco Observatory, sits higher than Mirador del Manzanar and offers a wider view that also takes in the observatory. If you would like to include the observatory and viewpoints in your trip, you will find different perspectives on the surrounding area here.

Hiking Trails for Different Day Plans

The trails vary considerably in length and difficulty. The trail to Cerro Leoncito is 8 kilometers long, takes about 3 hours and is rated moderate to high in difficulty. The La Cantera Geological Trail has a 4-kilometer option as well as an additional 6-kilometer option of moderate difficulty. There are also ancient petroglyphs along the trail. When planning your day, it is worth taking into account the stated length and difficulty of each route.

A shorter option, rated low in difficulty, is the 500-meter trail to Cascada El Rincón. It leads from the parking lot to a natural viewing terrace overlooking the waterfall. Paisajes de agua is also rated low in difficulty: the 1-kilometer trail follows El Leoncito stream and is suitable for wildlife watching. Animals include guinea pigs, foxes, various bird species and guanacos; you may also spot pumas. If your trip includes different interests, these shorter trails can offer a different kind of day out from the longer hike to Cerro Leoncito.

Observatory, Wildlife and Experiences near Barreal

More than 90 bird species can be observed in El Leoncito National Park. These include the Andean condor, Andean thrush, black-chested buzzard-eagle, long-tailed meadowlark, cinereous harrier and lesser rhea. The Cesco Observatory is open for daytime visits Thursday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Night visits are possible with advance reservations through the website. As you plan your trip, you can decide whether to focus on trails and wildlife watching or include a visit to the observatory as well.

Pampa del Leoncito, also known as Barreal Blanco, is located in Barreal in Calingasta Department: a plain 12 kilometers long and 5 kilometers wide. Rafting trips of varying difficulty are offered on the Río Los Patos in Barreal. If these experiences shape your travel plans, Barreal is a specific place name to consider when searching for a holiday rental in the department. The activities vary just like the hiking routes: they range from a plain and river trips to trails with stated lengths and difficulty levels.

Culture and regional history are also among the possible interests for a trip. A chapel in Villa Calingasta was declared a provincial historic monument and part of the cultural and natural heritage of San Juan Province under Law No. 411-F. In the wider travel region, the Cruce Sanmartiniano takes place in February and follows the original route General San Martín took on his way to Chile.

The El Jarrillar area is a campground and day-use area. It has barbecue shelters, spaces for motorhomes and tents, hot-water showers and an accessible barbecue area. A ramp leads to an accessible restroom.

More destinations: Jáchal Department, Albardón Department, Pocito, Caucete Department, Valle Fértil Department, Iglesia Department and Santa Lucía. For a location within Calingasta, you can also take a closer look at Barreal.

For the wider travel overview: San Juan.