San Martin passed through there during his heroic quest to cross the Andes. Find out what else you can enjoy at this unique site.
San Juan is a province that has many attractions. Thanks to its diverse flora and fauna, its unique landscapes and its delicious wines, you can appreciate some very well-known sites such as the Valley of the Moon, visit its different vineyards and wineries, and olive groves, too, of course.
But there is also a lesser-known destination: Barreal, a town in the Caligasta Valleyin the southwest of the province and 220 km from its capital. It is preferred by many because it has Cerro Alcázar, Pampa del Leoncito, El Leoncito National Park, and the two observatories. In addition, you can go horseback riding, imitating the Sanmartiniana feat of the Andes, or ride a bike among poplars and willows, or go rafting on the Los Patos River.
What activities can I do in Barreal, San Juan?
Crossing the Andes on horseback
In 1817 the Liberation Army of America, led by General José de San Martín, crossed the magnificent Andes Mountains through the Patos Sur, a pass in the southwest of the province of San Juan. Today, based in the town of Barreal, the Horseback riding excursions that imitate the Sanmartinian legacyone of the most moving historical achievements in the region.
The proposal is ride for 6 daysbetween 3,000 and 4,500 meters above sea level, almost 100 km through the rugged Andean geography to the border with Chile, following part of the Sanmartiniana Route. Along the way, you can enjoy impressive natural landscapes: going along the Volcán River, you can admire the majestic Aconcagua at a very short distance. The sighting of native flora and fauna of high mountains and, at night, seeing the starry sky of San Juan, will give the adventure a definitely charming touch.
Lion’s Pampa
Also known as Barreal Blanco, 24 km south of Barreal, it is an incredible clay plain similar to Salinas Grandes in the north of the country. The place, 12 kilometers long and 5 kilometers wide, offers perfect natural conditions for practicing land sailing, an activity aboard a small buggy with a sail, which is propelled by the local wind.
El Leoncito National Park
It is located at 2,552 meters above sea level, in the San Juan foothills. Its natural wealth of flora and fauna, added to the more than 300 clear nights a year, make the park an ideal setting for observing the skies. You will be able to see guanacos, the Andean suri and, if you are lucky, a puma that comes down from the Andes mountain range. It also houses two observatories (CASLEO and U.CESCO) that can be visited to observe planets, stars and take advantage of the Calingastino sky.
Alkazar Hill
Hills to appreciate what nature offers us. These are rocky elevations of a light brown, almost yellowish color, the result of the accumulation of sand and minerals native to the area. It is the setting for the “Concert of the Americas” which is celebrated in April. A unique music and lighting show.
How to get to Barreal, San Juan
From Route 40 in San Juan it is 173 km and 116 km from Route 40, fully paved.
It is accessed from Route 40 at its junction with RP 436 near Talacasto (km 0). The paved road reaches the junction with National Route 149 at km 23. Take it southwest until you cross the San Juan River and reach Pachaco, km 74. Here you join the truncated RP 12 from the south (which connected the area with San Juan through the Quebrada del Zonda). Continue west and at km 115, take the bridge over the Río de Los Patos that leads to Calingasta. Continue on RN 149 and at km 154 you reach Barreal.
Source: Ambito
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
