SAN JUAN
Situated above Mendoza along Argentina ’s western limits, San Juan is a quiet
and largely undiscovered province. Distinguished for its yellow-tiled sidewalks,
the capital has little to offer in terms of colonial architecture due to the
devastating earthquake of 1944. However, historical roots are strong for those
seeking museums and natural parks.
The childhood home of Domingo F. Sarmiento, former president of Argentina and
author of Barbarie y Civilización, rests just outside downtown. The immense
Andes Mountains embrace the provincial capital, providing strong gusts of warm
winds and a wide array of outdoor activities. Hiking and rafting are common,
though the wine industry of Tullum Valley is a prominent attraction. On a spiritual
level, one must recognize the sacred shrine of Difunta Correa, the patron saint
of miracles. The highlight of San Juan is the ancient Ischigualasto Park, or, Valley
of the Moon. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, this 153,000-acre
landmark is rich in paleontological history and fossils, including dinosaur remains
traced back to the Triassic Period. Rock deposits and obscure sandstone
formations give Ischigualasto a unique spirit unparalleled on earth. Further north,
one must visit the soaring red cliffs of La Rioja's Talampaya National Park.
Situated above Mendoza along Argentina ’s western limits, San Juan is a quiet
and largely undiscovered province. Distinguished for its yellow-tiled sidewalks,
the capital has little to offer in terms of colonial architecture due to the
devastating earthquake of 1944. However, historical roots are strong for those
seeking museums and natural parks.
The childhood home of Domingo F. Sarmiento, former president of Argentina and
author of Barbarie y Civilización, rests just outside downtown. The immense
Andes Mountains embrace the provincial capital, providing strong gusts of warm
winds and a wide array of outdoor activities. Hiking and rafting are common,
though the wine industry of Tullum Valley is a prominent attraction. On a spiritual
level, one must recognize the sacred shrine of Difunta Correa, the patron saint
of miracles. The highlight of San Juan is the ancient Ischigualasto Park, or, Valley
of the Moon. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, this 153,000-acre
landmark is rich in paleontological history and fossils, including dinosaur remains
traced back to the Triassic Period. Rock deposits and obscure sandstone
formations give Ischigualasto a unique spirit unparalleled on earth. Further north,
one must visit the soaring red cliffs of La Rioja's Talampaya National Park.
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