DURATION

6 Days

DIFFICULTY

Moderate

San Juan & La Rioja – A Journey through Wine, Stars & Sacred Landscapes

This journey invites you to explore the soulful contrasts of two Argentine provinces. Begin with the elegance of San Juan’s boutique wineries, where your senses awaken through curated tastings and vineyard tours. Then, let yourself be enchanted by the quiet majesty of Barreal, where the night sky becomes the main stage in a unique astronomical experience. Continue to Ischigualasto, where surreal rock formations and ancestral stories unfold beneath the changing light of day—or, if the moon allows, beneath its silvery glow.

The adventure continues through Talampaya, where time is carved in stone across red canyons and ancient petroglyphs, and peaks with a 4×4 expedition to Laguna Brava. There, at high altitude, the stillness of a shimmering lake and the graceful presence of flamingos offer the most poetic reward. A journey of landscapes, culture, and emotion.

Highlights

  • San Juan Wineries

  • Barreal Stargazing Desert

  • Ischigualasto Provincial Park

  • Talampaya National Park

  • Laguna Brava High-Altitude Lagoon

Itinerary

Itinerary

Welcome to San Juan & Your First Wine Experience
Arrival in San Juan around noon and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, dive into the world of Argentine wine with a guided tour through two local wineries. Start at Finca Sierras Azules, where you’ll explore the vineyards and learn about the production process, followed by a guided tasting. Then continue to the boutique winery Merced del Estero for a sensory experience of wine paired with local flavors.

Return to your hotel. Overnight in San Juan.

Wineries may vary depending on availability and operation, and may include an olive oil producer.

Morning departure to Barreal, enjoying breathtaking landscapes throughout the ride. In the afternoon, visit the CASLEO or CESCO Observatory. Tour the facilities, including the main telescope and control room. At night, a magical stargazing experience awaits you, using professional telescopes and guided by the observatory’s team.

Dinner box included. Overnight in Barreal.

The activity takes place outdoors. Warm clothing is recommended. If the observatory is unavailable, the activity will be done with a certified local provider at a different location.

Transfer to Valle Fértil. Visit the Ischigualasto Provincial Park (also known as Moon Valley), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the day, enjoy a classic 40 km circuit with stops at four iconic formations: Valle Pintado, Cancha de Bochas, The Submarine, and The Mushroom. Visit also includes the William Sill Interpretation Center. At dusk, enjoy dinner (not included), followed by a moonlight walk inside the park—a different way to experience the landscape.

Overnight in Valle Fértil.

Moonlight visits depend on the full moon calendar. If not available, only the day visit is offered.

After breakfast, visit Talampaya National Park. Guided tour in authorized vehicles through key stops inside the canyon: Petroglyphs, the Botanical Garden, The Cathedral, and The Monk. Continue to Villa Unión.

Overnight in Villa Unión.

Full-day excursion to Laguna Brava in 4×4 vehicles operated by licensed providers. The route includes scenic stops like Diaguita Stars in Vinchina, Cuesta de la Troya, Jagüe, and spectacular viewpoints such as Vaca Seca, El Pesebre, and Cerro Toro. At the lagoon, marvel at the mirror-like waters that sometimes host flamingos. Return to Villa Unión.

Overnight in Villa Unión.

At the appointed time we will transfer you to the airport for your return flight.

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