On January 24, 1866, Calingasta was borna department located in the extreme southwest of the province, where a mountainous landscape of hills and mighty rivers predominates.
Activities such as the following take place there: agriculture, with production of fruits and vegetables, in the valleystourism is also important, mainly in the town of Barreal, and the development of mining.
With an exceptional climate, an important hotel infrastructure and incredible natural beauty, Barreal has become the tourist capital of CalingastaThe strength of the mountain range, the tranquillity of the streets with their golden avenues, the sounds of the birds and the scent of the many crops and aromatic plants create an enchanting setting.
For its complete range of services, Barreal is the best starting point to visit other tourist spots in the department, such as Pampa El Leoncito or Cerro Alcázar. The most adventurous can do expeditions to the Colorado Valley, to the peaks of the massif of The Ramada or the great Ansilta Mountain Range. He White River Valleyrecognized for its abundance of Rainbow troutis another attraction for sport fishing enthusiasts.
Hiking, horseback riding and bike rides are some of the most popular activities in the town. Adventure tourism lovers will find fun a few kilometres further up, in the high mountain range. Trekking, rafting, 4×4 crossings, enduro, climbing and fishing Rivers are the sports most practiced in the Calingastina mountains.
In addition, the mineral wealth of the place allows observe the bentonite deposits or contemplate the rocks that still preserve the flora of the period.
New Villa
To some 35 kilometers north of Calingastais the town of Villa Nueva. Due to its conditions for relaxation, this town has become a departmental tourist destination in recent years.
At the town Mint, apple and peach trees proliferate. Walnut trees and the extensive forests of poplars They add to the air and beautify the landscape. Larks and thrushes are some of the species that make up the fauna of the place. The birdsong is mixed with the hum of the local sawmill: In this town, the packing boxes for the fruit produced throughout the valley are manufactured.
As for options for tourism, in Villa Nueva the horse rental It will allow you to explore, in the company of local experts, attractive mountain landscapes. The practice of fishing It is another of the favorite activities of the place. The places chosen for this sport are: Timbirimbas, Retamal, the Castaño River, the confluence of the Atutía and San Francisco Rivers and finally Guanaqueros, where you can also camp.
Protected areas
Calingasta is also home to another of the protected areas of the province of San Juan: Los Morrillos Wildlife Refuge, located at the foot of the Ansilta Mountain Range, about 30 kilometers west of Barreal.
The place, in addition to its great scenic beauty, is an object of conservation because it is possible to find there samples of flora and fauna from the biogeographic provinces of Monte, Puna and Altoandina. There is also, an important archaeological site of the Ansilta Culture, one of the aboriginal groups who inhabited this region.
Pampa The Little Lion
20 kilometers from Barrealis the Pampa “El Leoncito”. Millions of years ago, this plain of 12 km long and 5 km wide, it housed a lake which, after drying, left this unique lunar scene.
This large flood surface receives the summer rain runoff and it is precisely the ““barreal” which gives the town its name. The pampas attract attention for its whiteness and horizontalityThe absence of bushes and obstacles allows you to observe the cracks in the earth and, above all, vibrate to the rhythm of one of the most innovative sports activities on one of the best tracks in sand yachting of the world.
This unconventional sport takes advantage of the fforce of the wind to achieve a “carriageway” displacement, vehicle consisting of two rear car wheels, one front scooter wheel and a mast containing the sails that receive the impulse of the wind.
The practice, which has not yet become a popular sport, has a growing number of followers throughout the country. The most enthusiastic meet every year in November to take part in the national championship. The speed of the cars (which sometimes reach 100 km/h) and the colour of the candles make this event an exciting spectacle.
The Pampa El Leoncito is part of the El Leoncito National Park and Natural ReserveThis enormous protected area is world-renowned for its natural resources.
Typical species of the mountain, Puno and high Andean environments live here, such as guanacos and mountain suris. In addition, the place is famous for the impressive clarity of its sky. Astral observation reaches an average of 270 nights per year. The conditions of the area are used by two astronomical complexes. Both observatories can be visited and constitute the basis of astronomical tourism in the province and the country: the El Leoncito Astronomical Observatory and the Carlos U. Cesco High Altitude Station of the Félix Aguilar Astronomical Observatory.
How to get to Calingasta, San Juan
From the capital of San Juan, take Route 40 north. In Talacasto, turn left to the west on Provincial Route 436. This route will take you into the mountains, and after passing the natural hot springs of Talacasto, turn again on National Route 149 to the southwest.
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.
