In the northeast of San Juan Province, Ischigualasto Provincial Park lies in the departments of Valle Fértil and Jáchal. The park therefore spans two departments. In Ischigualasto Provincial Park, white and multicolored sediments shape the landscape known as Valle de la Luna. Geology, Sierras and cultural heritage reveal different sides of Valle Fértil Department.
Ischigualasto and Its Trails
The Traditional Circuit in Ischigualasto Provincial Park takes approximately three hours and leads to distinctive geological formations such as El Hongo, El Submarino and Cancha de Bochas. The approximate duration gives you an idea of how much time to allow for this part of your visit; the named rock formations also make the route an encounter with the park’s geological diversity.
Another trail leads up Cerro Morado: the hike to Cerro Morado reaches the summit and offers panoramic views as well as glimpses of the landscape’s range of colors. The park also has trekking routes to the Río Salado and Quebrada de la Peña. Both destinations lie in a landscape shaped by river and wind erosion. The circuit, summit destination and trekking destinations each offer a different focus, without needing to be combined into a single route.
Sierras, Oasis and Birdlife
The Sierras del Valle Fértil form the westernmost foothills of the Sierras Pampeanas system. Valle Fértil is an oasis surrounded by Sierras, with diverse vegetation that includes cardón cacti, jarillas, cacti and algarrobo trees. The Valle Fértil Multiple Use Reserve covers 800,000 hectares and is home to numerous bird species. More than 200 bird species live in Valle Fértil Natural Park among algarrobo, mistol and quebracho trees. Alongside its geology, the department’s natural features—including its landscapes and plant habitats—also come to the fore.
Rock Art, Architectural History and a Festival
The Ischigualasto archaeological site comprises several locations featuring Indigenous rock art from pre-Hispanic periods. In San Agustín del Valle Fértil, the Church of San Agustín and Our Lady of the Rosary is near the main square. Its construction took more than fifty years: it began in 1890 and concluded with the inauguration in 1946. In Usno, residents built the Chapel of San Juan Bautista around 1911. Its façade is faced with stone and adorned with a bell gable. The rock art, church and chapel bring together different cultural and historical facets of the department.
An annual event is also part of the local calendar: the Fiesta del Chivo is held every July in La Majadita, in Valle Fértil. For those interested in culture and regional traditions, it provides another specific point of interest to complement the landscape destinations on a trip.
Water and Accommodation Planning
Fishing and water sports are possible at the San Agustín Reservoir and Dam. San Agustín del Valle Fértil is 73 kilometers from Ischigualasto Provincial Park and has accommodation and dining options. This makes the town a useful reference point when looking for a place to stay; the distance also helps put it in perspective in relation to the park. The combination of hiking destinations, birdlife, rock art, architectural history and water sports offers a range of themes to shape your trip through Valle Fértil Department.
Discover more destinations: Usno, Ferreyra, Caucete Department, Calingasta Department, Santa Lucía, Pocito, Albardón Department, Jáchal Department.
For the main travel overview: San Juan.
