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Argentina Tours & Travel | El Leoncito National Park

The 188,000 acres of El Leoncito National Park were designated a reserve in 1994 and became a national park in 2002. Located in southwest San Juan Province, the park was established to protect the scrubland vegetation of the puna and high-Andean plateau. The park also preserves Inca archeological sites. The area is perfect for stargazing when you travel to Argentina due to the lack of light and atmospheric pollution. Two astronomical observatories are located within the park if you wish to visit them on your Argentina tours: El Leoncito Astronomical Complex (CASLEO) and the Dr. Carlos U. Cesco Astronomical Observatory.

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Southern Explorations offers three extensions for Argentina tours that begin and end within 130 miles of the park in Mendoza (our four-day or seven-day Mt. Aconcagua Tour extension and our Mendoza Tour extension). Mendoza is one of the country's four provinces without a national park.; Wildlife in the park that you might see on your Argentina tours includes guanacos and small lizards as well as many bird species such as the world's fastest bird, the peregrine falcon.; The region's varied climate includes areas that are cold and dry and some with permanent snow. The park has marked trails for visitors on Argentina tours. The nearest town is Barreal.
For more information on visiting El Leoncito National Park when you travel to Argentina, email elleoncito@apn.gov.ar. To learn more about the astronomical facilities, go to www.caseo.gov.ar.

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