Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Tourist Office
( 02648-441066; turismo@calingasta.gov.ar; Presidente Roca s/n;
8am-8pm)
Located beside the main plaza; offers a list of excursion operators and accom-
modations.
Getting There & Away
Barreal's right at the end of the line, but there are two departures per day for San Juan
(AR$80, four hours), which pass through Calingasta (AR$12, 30 minutes).
There's been talk for some time of a bus service that will connect Barreal with Uspal-
lata in Mendoza province - it may well be operating by the time you read this.
Parque Nacional El Leoncito
The 76-sq-km Parque Nacional El Leoncito occupies a former
estancia
(ranch) 22km
south of Barreal. The landscape is typical of the Andean precordillera, though it's drier
than the valley north of Barreal. Lately, its primary attraction is the Pampa de Leoncito,
where a dry lake bed makes for superb land sailing. The high, dry and wide-open valley
rarely sees a cloud, also making for superb stargazing. Hence, the park is home to the
observatories, the Observatorio El Leoncito and Observatorio Cesco. Night visits are also
possible, but must be scheduled ahead of time by contacting the Complejo's
San Juan
office
( 0264-421-3653; Av. España 1512 sur, San Juan; 9am-1pm & 3-6pm Mon-Fri)
.
Camping is not permitted here, but in the northwest corner of the park, Cascada El
Rincon is a lovely, small waterfall set in a shallow canyon. If you're looking for some-
where to picnic and splash around on a hot day, this is your spot.
There is no public transport to the park, and with 17km of entrance road added to the
22km to get here from Barreal, it's certainly too far to walk and probably too far to ride.
If you don't have your own transportation, contact Ramon Ossa at Cabañas Doña Pipa in
Barreal - his informative tours of the park have been heartily recommended.
TOP OF CHAPTER
San José de Jáchal
02647 / POP 10,900 / ELEV 1170M
Founded in 1751 and surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, Jáchal is a charming vil-
lage with a mix of older adobes and contemporary brick houses.
Jachalleros
(the local
residents) are renowned for their fidelity to indigenous and gaucho craft traditions; in
