El Leoncito National Park

Information

It is a protected natural area located 22 km from Barreal and 92 km from Uspallata (Mendoza). It is situated in the Precordillera, with an arid climate and great thermal amplitude between day and night.

It has an area for day use and campsite with tables, bonfires, toilets and showers (ask if it has electricity). The nearest place to get food is Barreal.

The optimal atmospheric conditions, with clear nights during most of the year, are taken advantage of by two astronomical complexes inside the park. Visits can be booked and arranged.

It has two easy self-guided trails. One is the Cascada El Rincón trail that leads to a small waterfall over the El Leoncito Stream. The other one is Paisajes de Agua, which tells about the role of water in this arid area.

Its access is on the paved Route 149 that crosses a desert area linking Barreal with Uspallata, from where the internal asphalted road starts and after 12 km reaches the park ranger's office. There is no public transportation to the park, so if you don't have your own vehicle you can take a bus to Barreal, and from there take a taxi (or what is called 'remis' there) or hire an excursion to the park.