Route of Deserts and Volcanoes

National Route 40 runs from north to south across the region. The main access points are the provincial capitals and other towns that offer transportation, accommodation and services.

City of Mendoza. It is the gateway for you to discover the attractions of Mendoza province and continue on to San Juan province or other neighbouring provinces on a road trip through spectacular landscapes.

San Rafael and Malargüe (Mendoza). From San Rafael, you can visit the Atuel Canyon and the Valle Grande and El Nihuil dams, along the scenic Provincial Route 173. Taking Malargüe as the base, you can reach Payunia, a nature reserve featuring more than 800 volcanoes. This city is also close to the Pincheira Castles, the Malacara volcano and the Caverna de las Brujas (Witches’ Cave).

City of San Juan, La Rioja Capital City and Villa Unión (La Rioja province). These cities are the closest to the Ischigualasto Provincial Park or Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon), the Talampaya National Park, the Los Colorados Reserve and the Cuesta de Miranda slope, a scenic stretch of Route 40.

San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca. It is ideal to discover –from there– the Fiambalá hot springs, the Adobe Route and the Dunes of Tatón, Saujil and Medanitos.

Santa Rosa (La Pampa). To visit the great Payunia of the Pampas is an excellent starting point, on the border with the province of Mendoza: you will be able to visit the Cuevas de Halada, the Cerro Negro and the town of Algarrobo del Águila on the Atuel River.

Neuquén Capital City. It is the gateway to the north of Neuquén, the Cordillera del Viento, Tromen Provincial Park, the Domuyo System Protected Natural Area with geysers, and the nearby Neuquén Dinosaur Route on the Steppe Route. From the south, you can also visit the Payunia in La Pampa and Mendoza provinces.

How to get there and move around

The provincial capitals are the main access points: they have an airport and good land connections.

You can reach some places by car along paved roads and even by public transport, but others are located in inhospitable places and on roads that can only be travelled by 4WD vehicles. 

Note that you can only visit some parks and reserves with an authorised tour guide.

Where to stay

The region offers a wide variety of accommodation options: from high-end hotels in the capital cities to different lodgings in secondary locations. Hostels and cabins are an option in small towns and there are rural camping sites, too.

When to go

Most of the attractions can be visited all year round. In some cases, the temperatures between December and March are usually very high and rains can affect the route and visits.

Remember

Given the health situation, it is advisable to check the access requirements before visiting the province. Some attractions, national parks and reserves may require booking in advance.

You can visit many of the attractions on your own, although it is always advisable to go in the company of a local guide and, in some cases, it is mandatory. Check with the tourist office of each destination.

It is advisable to carry printed maps or download them on your cell phone since the Wi-Fi signal does not always work. Make sure you have a full car tank and check the condition of the roads and the weather forecast.

If you take a tour, do not forget to take a coat, some water, and food.