The province of San Juan is located in the Cuyo region of Argentina. Bordering the country of Chile and the Andes mountain range, San Juan offers a kaleidoscope of landscapes which include dams, rivers, deserts, sand, snow, mountains, thermal waters, fossils, and wine growing regions. The capital city of the same name has a modern Mediterranean feel to it. The original colonial architecture was destroyed by a devastating earthquake in 1944, killing 10,000 people. Today the city is a bountiful haven surrounded by the Andes, enticing its visitors with tree-lined streets and numerous parks, one of which contains a large, man-made lake. 25 de Mayo Square is a bustle of activity with cafes, hotels and nightclubs, and is in the middle of the shopping and banking districts.
An area of interest to tourists is Ischigualasto National Park. Located 205 miles north of San Juan city, the park is also known as Valle de la Luna, or Valley of the Moon because of its unusually shaped geological formations. Visitors can enjoy natural hot springs, fishing, canoeing and kayaking while viewing the soaring cliffs or searching for dinosaur fossils.
The Ullum Dam on the Rio San Juan creates irrigation for the dry, desert foothills of the Andes and is located 15 miles west of the capital. A large artificial lake, the Ullum Reservoir, provides opportunities for windsurfing, fishing, and other watersports. In addition to creating fertile farmland, the dam also generates hydroelectric power for the area.
For a relaxing and rejuvenating spa experience, one can can visit Pismanta Hot Springs, 110 miles north of the capital city. Here therapeutic waters flow from the taps of the Pismanta Hotel, a newly renovated retreat in a quiet area on the edge of the Andes Mountains in Iglesia Valley. The healing waters are helpful in treating arthritis and rheumatism, and regulating blood pressure, circulation and metabolism.
Andes Landscapes Video
Not interested in watersports? Visit Pampa del Leoncito, a dry lake bed 6500 feet above sea level. With average windspeeds over 30 miles per hour, this area is popular for landsailing. The visitor can also partake in the rare sport of carrovelismo or car sailing in the nearby town of El Barreal, 110 miles west of the capital city.
The province is easily accessible via Las Chacritas Airport, just 7 miles outside of the capital (airport code "UAQ"). Flights and car rental can be arranged from Buenos Aires and other cities in Argentina. You can also find and compare rates for hotel accommodations and package deals in the province.
The weather in the province is mostly dry with little rainfall. The summer temperatures average 66 - 95 Fahrenheit (19 - 35 Celsius) while winter temperatures range from 32 - 65 Fahrenheit (0 - 18 Celsius).
offers a kaleidoscope of landscapes which include dams, rivers, deserts, sand, snow, mountains, thermal waters, fossils, and wine growing regions. The capital city of the same name has a modern Mediterranean feel to it. The original colonial architecture was destroyed by a devastating earthquake in 1944, killing 10,000 people. Today the city is a bountiful haven surrounded by the Andes, enticing its visitors with tree-lined streets and numerous parks, one of which contains a large, man-made lake. 25 de Mayo Square is a bustle of activity with cafes, hotels and nightclubs, and is in the middle of the shopping and banking districts.
