Travel through Traslasierra by car and be amazed by the best of the Sierras of Córdoba

The province of Córdoba is a world to discover, and Traslasierra has everything to spend an unforgettable vacation.

The Talampaya National Park and the Ischigualasto Provincial Park are two of the most surprising destinations in Argentina. You will find high canyons, geological formations that look like moles and colors that change in just a few kilometers. Both parks, located in La Rioja and San Juan, invite you to learn about the history of our land.

Visiting them is simple and you can do it in a few days if you have a car. But the best thing is to take your time and explore each place to discover. Sometimes, with two or three more days on your trip, you get to see places that surprise you more than you initially planned.

At Rentennials we want a getaway to Córdoba to become an unforgettable moment. That’s why we offer you this guide with the best information to explore Traslasierra.

Córdoba

Where is the Traslasierra Valley in Córdoba?

There are ten tourist regions in the province of Córdoba. Some of the best known are:

• The Punilla Valley is north of the capital. It extends from Carlos Paz to La Cumbre on RN 38.
• The least explored is the North of Córdoba. It begins on RN 9, in Deán Funes. It crosses the royal road and one of the most beautiful towns in the world: Villa Tulumba.
• The Calamuchita Valley. It is accessed by RN 5, and there you will find Los Molinos, the Río Tercero Reservoir and other places to enjoy different activities.
• The Traslasierra Valley. From Mina Clavero to the border with San Luis along Provincial Route 14. You will find towns and a unique mountain landscape.

You can find more information on the official tourism page of the Province of Córdoba.

How to get to Traslasierra by car

There are several options to get to Traslasierra from the city of Córdoba. The first is to take Provincial Route 34 south towards Alta Gracia. After passing Falda del Cañete, you have to turn right towards Las Jarillas. Continuing along the same route, you cross the Las Altas Cumbres road, with a stunning scenic landscape. Finally, you reach the first city of Traslasierra: Mina Clavero. Here is the map with the suggested route.

Another option is to go slower and make a short stop in Alta Gracia. Taking National Route 36 from Córdoba to the south, you reach Alta Gracia after traveling 50 km. From here, you must continue along RP 34 until the intersection with Las Altas Cumbres road. This alternative is a little longer, but you will get to know one of the most emblematic cities in the province: Alta Gracia.

Must-see places on a road trip through Córdoba

On your journey to Traslasierra from the city of Córdoba, you will find unforgettable landscapes, a National Park and a historic city that you cannot miss. Below, we will tell you about the must-see stops to make on your route to Traslasierra.

Alta Gracia, a place with history

The history of the city of Alta Gracia begins around the 17th century. The Jesuit missions made their presence felt and shaped the identity of this town. Later, around the 20th century, it was one of the places that Ernesto “Che” Guevara’s family chose to live in.

All of this can be seen in two unmissable places that travelers must visit:

• Museo Estancia Jesuítica de Alta Gracia and Casa del Virrey Liniers. This is an estancia organized by the Jesuits since 1643. You can visit the church and the residence. Admission is free.
• The Museo Casa del Che. For health reasons, Ernesto Guevara’s family decided to live in this city. Today, it is a house museum that covers the entire life of the revolutionary leader. Admission is paid and it is open every day from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

In addition, you can visit the oldest dam in Córdoba, built by the Jesuits: El Tajamar. And don’t forget to walk through the Parque del Sierras Hotel.

Alta Gracia has a wide range of hotels of different categories. Find out the best places to stay!

Camino de Las Altas Cumbres

Provincial Route 34 crosses the Cumbres de Achala, the highest mountain ranges in the province. This is the path known as Las Altas Cumbres, and all travelers should take it at least once during their visit to Córdoba. In addition, it is one of the most emblematic Scenic Routes in the province

Along the route you will find some viewpoints to take the most beautiful panoramic views of the province. There are restaurants and diners to stop if necessary.

Córdoba

Mirador Quebrada del Batán

After traveling a few kilometers through Las Altas Cumbres, there is a path 130 meters from RP 34 that leads to the Batán ravine viewpoint. From here you can see a complete scene of the province: Carlos Paz, the San Roque dam and the capital.

If you are lucky, you can see the Andean condors, the emblematic bird of Argentina.

A recommendation: hire qualified guides because there are no signs. In addition, you will reach the Escondida waterfall, where you can practice rappelling.

Quebrada del Condorito National Park

Córdoba has a not-so-well-known National Park. You have to take your time, but the trip is worth it to be able to observe these magnificent birds. From La Pampilla, at approximately kilometer 59.5 of RP 34, you will reach the visitor center. From here, the route begins towards the Río de los Condoritos ravine and the balconies for bird watching.

Another alternative is to take the more visited Balcón Norte. It is a 4-hour round trip hike, with a medium difficulty.

Córdoba

To Mina Clavero via RP 14

To get to Mina Clavero there is an alternative for adventurers. A 28 km gravel road along RP 14. Along the route, San Gabriel Brochero, the Argentine saint, is remembered.

The Traslasierra Valley in Córdoba, a destination to rest

The towns of Traslasierra are synonymous with rest and nature. They are ideal for those looking to disconnect in accommodation with views of the mountains, but who at the same time want to go hiking, trekking and enjoy the streams.

The first thing you have to do on your trip to Traslasierra is choose the town where you are going to stay. So, here are some suggestions for you to organize your travel itinerary in the province of Córdoba.

What towns are in Traslasierra

From Villa Cura Brochero and Mina Clavero to the south, there are many towns to spend a few nights in complete peace. Nono, Villa Las Rosas, San Javier and Yacanto are just a few options. There are accommodations for all budgets and styles.

RP 14 is the backbone of the entire route. The best way to make the decision is to choose the town that suits your needs.

Villa Cura Brochero

This town honors the first Argentine saint, San Gabriel Brochero, who lived in the area. It has numerous attractions, such as the Centenario square with a monument to the saint, while the remains of the priest are kept in the Nuestra Señora del Tránsito church and the Brocheriano Museum. This museum is worth exploring, open every day from 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. and from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

If you are looking for nature, the trail to La Gloria waterfall is the best option. With almost 15 km, it starts from Plaza Centenario and runs through beautiful places in the mountains to one of the most famous waterfalls in Traslasierra.

Córdoba

Mina Clavero

Mina Clavero is the most visited destination in Traslasierra. It has three main rivers and numerous streams to enjoy the freshness of its waters. The Mina Clavero River is the most recognized and has several spas along its route: La Toma, Nido de Águila and La Residencia. Beaches, water holes and natural slides are just some of its attractions. Its beauty made it declared one of the “7 natural wonders of Argentina.”

The Panaholma River has the Los Cedros spa. It is more familiar due to its calm waters and shallow depths. Finally, the Los Sauces River has drawers and deep pools.

In the town there are accommodations for all budgets. If you go in summer, it is best to book in advance. This way, you can guarantee more affordable prices and the most beautiful places.

Córdoba

Nono

Its adobe buildings already indicate that we are in a town with a great history. Here there are two rivers that run through the area: Los Sauces and the Chico River. There is a place where both water courses meet, transforming the landscape into something unique.

The Las Tropas and Los Remansos spas are the best known in the area, ideal for enjoying the day. For those who prefer activities in full contact with nature, there are trails, bicycle tourism and horseback riding. For more information, go to the official tourism page of Nono.

If you are looking for a place with more tranquility, Nono is a good option.

Villa de las Rosas and Los Molles

Another town in Traslasierra full of rivers and streams. A few kilometers away is the La Viña Dam, perfect for water activities. In addition, you can take trails with different levels of difficulty. The best known are La Calandria, El Picahueso and Los Jilgueros.

Nearby is the town of Los Molles where the El Hueco Nature Reserve stands out. It is a forest with the oldest and largest trees in Córdoba. But be careful, the level of difficulty is high to get to this place. It is 24 km round trip.

San Javier and Yacanto

The calm and tranquility make these two towns the ideal destinations for rest and contact with what many seek: nature, disconnection and the silence of the mountains.

In addition, there is the possibility of trekking to ascend to the Ferreyra post. It takes 4 hours, 12 km in total, and the difficulty is medium. The area is known for its horseback riding and cycling tours.

We’ll leave you with something not so well known: there are wineries where you can taste the wines of the area:

• The San Javier winery
• The Aráoz de Lamadrid winery
• Piedra Mora Winery

Córdoba

Luyaba

One of the last towns in Traslasierra before reaching San Luis. Trails, horseback riding and regional products are what make this place special. It is known for being the paradise of aromatic herbs, as well as having its olive path.

An ideal town to stay in complete tranquility.

La Paz

Its dirt streets, its houses and the calm transform this town into a unique place in Traslasierra. Almost on the border with San Luis, La Paz lives up to its name. Horseback riding, hiking, streams and bike rides are the must-do’s. And always with the peace of the mountains.

One kilometer away is Loma Bola, a hill with a small area named after it. There is a famous hotel with a restaurant where it is worth having lunch or spending the night.

Most of the cabins and accommodations have beautiful views of the mountains.

Climbing Champaquí Hill

Its 2,790 meters make the hill one of the most popular adventures in the Traslasierra region. During the journey you will encounter high plains, rocks with particular shapes, ravines and streams. And when you reach the top, the view will reward the effort made.

From San Javier, Villa Las Rosas and Los Molles there are accesses to climb Champaquí Hill from Traslasierra.

The duration of the journey lasts between 8 and 10 hours. It is very important to go with local guides and register before climbing. It is an experience for which you have to be prepared: bring water, trekking shoes and a desire to walk.

Contact the authorized providers to begin organizing the climb.

Where to sleep in Traslasierra

Throughout the towns of Traslasierra, there are accommodations of all kinds and for any budget. Campsites, boutique hotels, cabins and traditional hotels are present in each town.

If you are looking for a place with more restaurants and services, Mina Clavero is the right place. If you are one of those who prefer tranquility, Luyaba, San Javier or La Paz may be your place. Nono and Villa Las Rosas are towns with a little more accommodation and gastronomy.

In summer or winter, call a few months in advance to reserve.

Rent a car with Rentennials to tour Córdoba

Traslasierra in Córdoba is that place you arrive at and you will not want to leave. Starting with the beautiful Altas Cumbres road, all the way to the border with San Luis, each town, stream and trail has a special magic. All year round, it is ideal for a restful break.

The car is the quickest and easiest way to get to know each of these places in Córdoba. Renting one with Rentennials is the ideal option for those who prefer flexibility, low cost and reducing environmental impact.

How to travel by car to Talampaya and the Valley of the Moon, destinations with landscapes from another planet

San Juan and La Rioja have two places with unforgettable natural scenes. Go ahead and discover them.

The Talampaya National Park and the Ischigualasto Provincial Park are two of the most surprising destinations in Argentina. Their high-altitude canyons, geological formations that look like the moon and colors that change in just a few kilometers. Both parks, located in La Rioja and San Juan, allow you to learn about the history of the formation of what is today our land.

Visiting them is simple and can be done in a few days if you have a car. But it’s better to take your time and explore each place. Sometimes, spending two or three more days on your trip allows you to discover places that are much more surprising than you imagined.

At Rentennials we want to help you get to know Talampaya and Ischigualasto with the best tips for planning your itinerary.

Parque Nacional Talampaya

What are the Talampaya and Ischigualasto parks?

Each park has its own geological peculiarities and a history that are combined at all times. While the Talampaya National Park is in the province of La Rioja, its neighbor, the Ischigualasto Provincial Park, is located in San Juan.

Below, we tell you a little more about each one so you can discover which places to visit on your next trip.

Talampaya National Park

The Talampaya National Park was created in 1997 and covers some 215,000 hectares. Since 2000, it has also been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its rock formations are of Triassic origin, which tells us about millions of years of history. Hundreds of fossils have been discovered in the area, which can even be seen during the tour.

Its desert landscape and the reddish canyons of surprising height mean that thousands of travellers visit this Riojan destination every year. In addition, with a bit of luck and if you dare to take a different route, you will see the fauna of the area.

Ischigualasto Provincial Park

Ischigualasto is located in San Juan and is known for its greyish landscapes that remind us of the moon. Its geological peculiarity led to it being declared a World Heritage Site in 2000.

With an area of ​​62,000 hectares, this natural space protects unique formations from the Triassic period. The fossils found here reveal many key aspects to understanding the evolution of life on Earth. These sought-after photos are the formations known as “El Submarino”, “El Hongo”, or the strange “Campo de bochas”.

How to get to Talampaya and Ischigualasto by car

Depending on where you start your trip, there are three possible ways to get to Talampaya and Ischigualasto. The best way is to rent a car in Mendoza, San Juan or La Rioja and begin your journey along the Argentine roads.

From San Juan

Starting from the city of San Juan, take National Route 40 to the north. When you reach Huaco, turn right onto National Route 150, where you will find the access to the Ischigualasto Provincial Park.

To go to Talampaya, continue along the same route until the intersection of Baldecitos. There, turn left onto National Route 76 until you reach the access to the National Park.

From San Juan to Ischigualasto there are 300 km, and to the access to Talampaya it is 380 km. The road is paved and in perfect condition. Here is the map to get there.

From La Rioja

From the capital of La Rioja, take National Route 38 south to Patquía. There, turn right onto National Route 150 to the access to Ischigualasto. A few kilometers before, you will find National Route 76, which takes you directly to Talampaya.

From La Rioja to Ischigualasto there are 180 km, and to the access to Talampaya it is 240 km. This is the suggested route.

Although this route is shorter, the difficulty lies in the fact that if you fly to La Rioja you have fewer flights. This can complicate the organization of your trip.

From Mendoza

This option is longer, but is chosen by many travelers due to the excellent air connection that the city of Mendoza has with other places in the country.

The road to get to Ischigualasto and Talampaya is the same as that of San Juan, explained above. The total distance is 450 km to Ischigualasto and 500 km to Talampaya.

Distance from Talampaya to Ischigualasto

Between the entrance to the Ischigualasto Provincial Park and the entrance to the Talampaya National Park there are only 80 km. This distance allows both parks to be visited in one day.

Where to stay to visit Talampaya and Ischigualasto

There are three towns that offer hotels and restaurants: Villa Unión, San Agustín del Valle Fértil and El Chiflón. In each one, in addition to visiting the parks, you can visit some nearby places that are really worth visiting.

Parque Nacional Talampaya

Villa Unión

The most common option is to stay in Villa Unión, the closest city to Talampaya, and prepared to receive tourists. There are only 60 km between both places. In this town, there is a wide range of accommodations and restaurants to enjoy after a tour of the parks.

Some recommended accommodations are:

• Tres Cruces Lodge
• Hotel Cuesta de Miranda
• Hotel Pircas Negras

In Villa Unión, all-day excursions to visit Laguna Brava depart. In addition, you can visit Cuesta de Miranda, the Famatina region and Chilecito.

San Agustín del Valle Fértil

Another option is to spend a few nights in San Agustín del Valle Fértil in San Juan. It is 72 km to Ischigualasto, and then 80 km to get to Talampaya.

This town has many other activities to enjoy nature, such as horseback riding, bicycle tours and trails.

El Chiflón

An alternative is to spend the night in El Chiflón, a place very close to both parks that has accommodation with a very attractive proposal for the area: The Hotel Chiflón Posta Pueblo. It has a restaurant with very tempting cuisine and different activities.

How to visit Talampaya and Ischigualasto

Both parks can be visited by the whole family. The ways to visit them are accessible to all travelers and very simple. However, there are alternatives out of the ordinary that require a little more planning and travel time.

Below we tell you how to do the classic and the alternative in each of the parks.

The best ways to visit Ischigualasto

By car, bicycle or on foot, the circuits are varied and can be adapted to what you are looking for. In addition to doing the traditional circuit, you can also discover the others.

Traditional circuit

There are 40 km that are done in a caravan in the visitors’ cars. Along the traditional circuit, five stops are made to see the best places in the park. The Mushroom, the Submarine and the Bowling Field are some of the classics that you will not miss.

The tour lasts 3 hours, it is on a first-come, first-served basis and there are set departure times: 8, 9, 10, 11, 16 and 17 hours.

It is the one that you definitely have to do, and you can complement it with trekking or the bike tour.

Cambo de Bochas en el Parque Provincial Ischigualasto

Mountain bike circuit

This way, you can reach less visited areas of the park and, at the same time, you can more easily encounter the local fauna.

It is done with a guide, the route is 12 km, with a duration of 1 hour and 30 minutes, and is for people over 14 years old. The Provincial Park provides you with bicycles for the tour. The departure time is at 4:30 pm and it is necessary to book. You can do it by WhatsApp at the numbers 264 457 0879, 264 418 6119, or by email at reservas.ischigualasto@gmail.com.

The ideal is to do the tour by car in the morning and, in the afternoon, do the tour by bike. It is important to keep in mind that it can be suspended due to weather conditions.

Cerro Morado and Río Salado hiking circuits

These are two different circuits that offer walks to further explore the park’s unique features. The Cerro Morado circuit takes you to the highest point in the Provincial Park. With the Río Salado circuit you walk along the river bed to a waterfall and an emerald-colored lagoon.

Both last 3 hours and departures are subject to availability. To book, send a WhatsApp to 264 457 0879, 264 418 6119, or by email to reservas.ischigualasto@gmail.com.

If you are going to do it, keep in mind that with these circuits you will not get to see the most famous places in the park. It is always best to do the tour by car in the morning and, in the afternoon, with lower temperatures, go on walks.

Full moon circuit

A unique experience. This tour allows you to enjoy the full moon illuminating the natural monuments of the park while you walk in the clearing of a dim light. It is like being in the middle of a lunar landscape.

It takes place on the four nights of the full moon each month, and it is very important that you make the reservation on the first day of each month. It can be suspended due to weather conditions.

You must send a WhatsApp or an email to make the reservation.

How to tour the Talampaya Ischigualasto National Park

Like Ischigualasto, the Talampaya National Park offers different circuits to get closer to these natural sculptures sculpted by water and wind. You can live a complete experience and discover landscapes outside the classic circuits.

Tickets for each of the circuits are purchased at the entrance to the park, or you can go ahead and buy them on their website.

Los cañadones del Parque Provincial Talampaya

Traditional Talampaya Canyon Tour

With this circuit you will get to know each unmissable attraction of the Talampaya Canyon. It is done in a vehicle specially designed for this purpose and with a guide. In addition to getting to know the rock formations, you will connect with the culture and history of the region.

The duration is about two and a half hours, and the departure times are at 09:00, 13:30 and 16:00. It is best to do it at the first or last hour, due to the heat and light. We recommend you book your ticket in advance.

Talampaya Canyon and Shimpa Canyon

This tour in a 4×4 truck covers the entire Talampaya Canyon and Shimpa Canyon. You will visit the same places as with the traditional excursion, but at the end you will arrive at a unique destination.

Finally, you will visit the carob forest of the Shimpa Canyon with a walk along the dry riverbed. At your sides you will have walls of more than 80 meters high.

The duration is four hours, and the departure times are at 10:15 AM and 2:30 PM. To ensure your place, reserve your ticket in advance.

Trekking through the Talampaya Canyon and Los Balcones

For adventurers and those looking to get off the beaten track. First, you will visit the park’s most famous attractions by vehicle. Then, you will hike up about 2.3 kilometers to Los Balcones de Talampaya, a viewpoint at 1,600 meters above sea level from which you will contemplate an impressive landscape.

It is done with a guide and lasts 4 hours. Departure times are at 09:00 and 13:30 (we recommend the first option due to the heat).

Don’t forget to reserve your place some time in advance.

Visit Talampaya and Ischigualasto in 1 day

Visit both parks in one day. However, we suggest you take a little more time to do some alternative excursions, such as Laguna Brava, Cuesta de Miranda or do the different activities in the parks.

If you choose this option, the ideal is to start early in the morning in one of the two parks, depending on where you are staying. After lunch, you will set off towards the other park for a more traditional visit.

How many days do you need to visit Talampaya and Ischigualasto?

For a complete visit, enjoying not only the classic circuits, at least 3 days are necessary. One day for the Ischigualasto Provincial Park, another for Talampaya and a remaining day to rest or do some alternative activities. Here are some options:

• Excursion to Laguna Brava. This is a full-day 4×4 climb to the top of the Andes. You will find a lagoon at more than 4000 meters above sea level.
• Cuesta de Miranda. A beautiful scenic road along National Route 40 that connects Villa Unión with Chilecito.
• Famatina and Chilecito. It is an area of ​​vineyards and walnut production, ideal for spending the day touring the Riojan landscapes.

Get to know San Juan and La Rioja with Rentennials

Argentina has unmissable destinations that we must visit. Talampaya and Ischigualasto are places that we can visit in a simple way over a long weekend or, alternatively, spend a whole week there.

The best way to get around San Juan and La Rioja is by car. The roads are in good condition and you will have the experience of driving on routes with very little traffic. Renting a car with Rentennials is the best option for those who want simplicity, low costs and to generate a benefit in the regional economy.