San Guillermo National Park
In the immensity of a high-altitude desert, explore a protected natural area.
The Puna is a high-altitude desert, unique in South America. In its southernmost stretch, San Guillermo National Park awaits. Tour it by car. Drive along the Panoramic Point circuit and open your eyes at an outlook that will take your breath away when you gaze at Llano de Los Leones and the Imán mount. In the Caserones Circuit, travel along its namesake valley, look at the La Cueva stream, and walk amidst old corrals.
Watch the vegetation and discover a species that is exclusive to this spot: San Guillermo daisy. Enjoy the green of the plants and the coolness of streams. Are you willing to watch wildlife? Meet the queens of this land: the vicuñas. Also follow the tracks of the red foxes and the Andean siskins, the large chinchillas and the lizards basking on the rocks. Live it all in the province of San Juan.
Geographic location: Province of San Juan, Cuyo region.
How to get there: From the city of San Juan, via Ruta Nacional 40 and then Ruta Nacional 150. You can access the city of Rodeo, where the national park main office is located. From there up to the park entrance, it is approximately 5 hours along winding, ledge roads.
Area: 1,660 sq km Altitude: 3,000 meters above sea level (average).
Climate: Cold and dry, with a large temperature range daily. Extremely low temperatures in winter. Summer is the rainy season.
Recommended length of stay: 2 to 3 days.
Recommended clothing and gear: Warm clothes suitable to the significant temperature changes due to the height.
Tips: Schedule the visit to the park in advance. It is mandatory to enter the park accompanied by a local guide.