Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
San Agustín de Valle Fértil
02646 / POP 4400
Reached via comically undulating highways that cut through the desert landscape, San
Agustín de Valle Fértil makes an excellent base for trips to the nearby Parque Provincial
Ischigualasto. It's a measure of just how dry the countryside is that this semiarid valley
gets called 'fertile.'
Apart from visiting the park, there's not much to do around these parts, but the ponder-
ous pace of life here, where people sit on the sidewalks on summer evenings greeting
passersby, has mesmerized more than one visitor.
Sleeping & Eating
Eco Hostel
HOSTEL $
( 02646-420147;
www.ecohostel.com.ar
; Mendoza 42; dm/d AR$80/190; )
One of the
better hostels in town, with a great location half a block from the plaza and a tiny above-
ground pool. Can arrange good-value tours to local sights, including Parque Provincial
Ischigualasto.
Cabañas de Valle Pintada
CABIN $$$
( 0264-434-5737;
www.vallepintado.com.ar
; cnr Tucumán & Mitre; r/cabin AR$300/500; )
Some of the best value rooms and cabins in town, a block from the plaza. Rooms are spa-
cious and spotless with a little kitchenette, and cabins sleep four comfortably. The lovely
garden and good-sized pool are the cream on the pudding.
La Gran Picada
INTERNATIONAL $
(Rivadavia s/n; mains AR$50-120; 8am-1am)
A cozy little bar-restaurant serving very tasty
pizzas and
picadas
(shared appetizer plates) made from fresh regionally sourced ingredi-
ents. Wash it all down with a fantastic selection of imported beers.
Orientation
San Agustín lies among the Sierra Pampeanas, gentle sedimentary mountains cut by im-
pressive canyons, 247km northeast of San Juan via RN141 and RP510, which continues
to Ischigualasto and La Rioja. San Agustín is small enough that locals pay little attention
to street names, so you may need to ask for directions.
