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San Juan, Argentina, blends together a mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage and adventure, making this worth for every traveller. San Juan is located in an arid landscape surrounded by fertile valleys and towering mountains and has year-round climate advantages. Experiences in culture with the natural terrain as a major player offer various things to do in San Juan Argentina. The tourism in San Juan has roots in its history, indigenous arrangements and traditions still prevailing. Whether relaxation, adventure or an insight into history, San Juan does, in all honesty, emit an unmatchable experience.
Top 10 Things To Do In San Juan Argentina
Here are ten of the best things to do in San Juan Argentina, offering a diverse range of experiences, from breathtaking landscapes to cultural heritage:
1. Visit Ischigualasto Provincial Park
Photo: M.Bustos / Wikimedia Commons
The Ischigualasto Provincial Park, known as the Valley of the Moon, is on the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. It possesses a peculiarity of rock formations and palaeontological significance. It has among the most complete records of fossils in the world from the Triassic period, more than 200 million years ago. Guided tours explore the prehistoric nature of the area with fossils of some of the earliest dinosaurs ever found. There is also a small museum within the park showing significant findings. Ischigualasto is one of the best places in Argentina to see the stars, with clear, unclouded skies.
Location: Northeast San Juan Province, near the border with La Rioja
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
2. Explore El Leoncito National Park
Photo: Sangianense / Wikimedia Commons
El Leoncito National Park is a protected area in the Calingasta Valley. It is famous for being in an almost pristine natural environment with plenty of wildlife and perfect astronomical conditions. Spanning an area of almost 90,000 hectares, it harbors Andean condors, guanacos, foxes, and pumas. Due to being located high in the Andes and in a region of minimal light pollution, the park is an internationally regarded astronomical research site. It features two observatories – Cesco and the Félix Aguilar Observatories. Guided tours are offered at night for visitors to observe celestial phenomena through powerful telescopes.
Location: Calingasta Department, about 220 km from San Juan City
Timings: 24*7; observatory tours have fixed times
3. Tour San Juan’s Wineries
Photo: Nemracc / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
San Juan Province is the second-largest wine-producing region in Argentina and known for its high-altitude vineyards and unique varietals. Mendoza is recognized for Malbec, but San Juan is known for its exceptional Syrah, in addition to other reds, including Bonarda and Cabernet Sauvignon. The dry climate, plenty of sunshine and rocky soil work perfectly for viticulture. Visitors can tour family-owned and great state wineries, learning how the old and the new do winemaking. Some wineries also focus on organic and biodynamic practices as points of sustainability.
Location: Tulum, Zonda, and Ullum Valleys
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
4. Discover Quebrada De Ullum
Photo: EagLau / Wikimedia Commons
Quebrada de Ullum is a natural gorge near the Ullum Dam, showing the rugged beauty of the place along with turquoise waters. The waters of the Ullum Reservoir, created by the dam, are perfect for small water sports activities like kayaking, windsurfing, or even jet skiing. In addition to these activities, the rugged rocky hills and cliffs around operate as hiking or mountain biking destinations. The area around Quebrada de Ullum is a spot where rock climbers and paragliders often flock. The scenery transforms with the sunset, as hues from the setting Sun cast an ominous shadow on the rugged cliffs and waters.
Location: Northwest end of the city
Timings: Open year-round
5. Hike In Cerro Mercedario
Photo: WeHaKa / Wikimedia Commons
Cerro Mercedario lies among Argentina’s highest peaks, reaching about 6,770 meters (22,211 feet) in elevation. Nestled in the Cordillera de la Ramada, it attracts experienced mountaineers who prefer a challenging alternative to the crowded Aconcagua. Offers a variety of climbing ascents, from straight-up moderate to all-out technical, for every level of climber. Climbers will be rewarded with awe-inspiring views of glaciers, lagoons at high altitude, and secret valleys awaiting discovery. Its wilderness and natural magnificence make it a dream destination for a hardcore mountaineer or a die-hard adventurer.
Location: Cordillera de la Ramada, western San Juan
Timings: Open year-round (permit required for climbs)
6. Visit The Domingo Faustino Sarmiento Museum
Photo: Dennis G. Jarvis / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Domingo Faustino Sarmiento Museum, located in San Juan City, is the birthplace and former home of Domingo Faustino Sarmiento. He is Argentina’s seventh president and one of the key figures in the reform of public education. The museum is a national historic monument and is home to 19th century artifacts, documents, and furniture relating to Sarmiento’s life and work. The museum also offers an introduction to the country’s history during Sarmiento’s time. Colonial architecture is seen in the house with courtyards and traditional adobe walls and well-maintained rooms.
Location: San Juan City, birthplace of Sarmiento
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
7. Explore Difunta Correa Shrine
Photo: LBM1948 / Wikimedia Commons
The shrine of Difunta Correa is above all one of the pilgrimage sites in Argentina that has become well-known. It is in reverence to the fabulous Deolinda Correa. She, from popular mythology, perished in the desert while searching for her husband but by mere breastfeeding managed to keep her baby alive. Thus, with time, she became a folk saint, and this shrine was built in her honour. Pilgrims throng the site not leaving behind the bottles of water as gifts to thank for her miracles. The shrine consists of many small chapels filled with plaques, model houses, and other tokens from wounded devotees.
Location: Vallecito, San Juan City
Timings: 24*7
8. Enjoy The Wind Festival
Photo: Newtown grafitti / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Wind Festival is an annual event in San Juan that celebrates the region’s famous Zonda wind. This is a hot, dry wind coming down from the Andes. The festival is held in different places, hosted in outdoor sports and cultural performances and exhibitions. The highlights include a variety of sports with wind influence, including kite flying, windsurfing and land sailing, while paragliders and skydivers join the fray and enjoy the strong gusts. The festival also involves music concerts, regional dances, artisan markets. Visitors can taste local food such as empanadas and asado. Attending this lively and colourful event is one of the best things in San Juan Argentina.
Location: Various locations in San Juan Province (main events in the Ullum and Zonda areas)
Timings: Usually in October
9. Go Rafting On The San Juan River
Photo: BLMUtah / Wikimedia Commons
Adventurers, beginners and experienced rafters, have found their haven in rafting on the San Juan River. This river is the perfect venue for all skill levels, boasting the best of placid stretches interspersed with thrilling rapids. Ullum is the most popular segment for rafting, with guides doing trips across its rugged terrain. Its unique features entice rafters with waves, rocky passages, and swirling currents to the melodies of astonishing mountainous backgrounds. A few select routes also include stretches for swimming and pure relaxation.
Location: Ullum area, near the San Juan River
Timings: Typically 9 AM – 6 PM
10. Discover Pampa Del Leoncito
Photo: BugWarp / Wikimedia Commons
El Pampa del Leoncito, found within El Leoncito National Park, consists of a wide dry lakebed. Covering a flatland more than 12 kilometers long, it is famous for its nearly perfectly flat surface and high winds. Sailors race wind-driven vehicles at high speeds across the plain to harness the region’s reliable breezes. The open expanse presents an unbroken terrain, contrasting magnificently against the Andes range. Besides sports, Pampa del Leoncito attracts many visitors for photographs and star gazing. Visiting the park is one of the best things to do in San Juan Argentina, with several trails and wildlife.
Location: Inside El Leoncito National Park
Timings: Open year-round
San Juan, Argentina guarantees a unique and enriching experience whether you are walking through spectacular landscapes or soaking in history and folklore. Things to do in San Juan Argentina range from extreme sports to peaceful stargazing, catering to every type of traveller. To get the best out of your trip, plan ahead, and seek hidden gems that lie outside the tourist spots. Book with TripXL to receive exclusive offers, guided tours, and hassle-free travel planning.
Cover Photo: Panoramio upload bot / Wikimedia Commons
