San Juan

Information

It is the capital and most populated city of the province of San Juan. It is located in the so-called Tulum Valley, through which the San Juan River flows, and is surrounded by mountains that correspond to the Precordillera to the west and the Sierras Pampeanas (Pampean Mountains) to the east.

Its climate is dry, with very little rainfall occurring more towards the summer (December to March). The well known 'zonda' wind blows, usually with strong gusts and high temperatures.

Among the tourist attractions of the city and its surroundings are:
- Museum Casa Natal de Domingo Faustino Sarmiento: it is located in the centre of the city. It is a historical place where the man who was the governor of the province and president of Argentina in the 19th century was born. You can visit rooms with several pieces of furniture and original objects that served different functions at that time.
- La Catedral (The Cathedral) and the Plaza Laprida (Laprida Square) can also be seen in the downtown area.
- Ruta del Vino de San Juan (San Juan Wine Routes): Gran San Juan is a vine growing area, one of the largest production areas in Argentina. There are wineries that can be visited, allowing visitors to learn about the processes of grape selection and wine making.
- Quebrada de Zonda: located in the outskirts of the city, it is a cleft between hills and can be crossed through the Provincial Route 12. It has different attractions such as a municipal camping site, trails, the Jardín de los Poetas (Poets Garden) with its provincial coat of arms made of plants and flowers, and the monuments Cabeza del Indio and Virgen del Líbano.
- Ullum Dam: it is also located in the outskirts. There is a shore on its reservoir, water sports are practised here, and there are protected areas to walk around.

To move within the city there are buses that allow you to get to the different neighbourhoods and surroundings. You have to pay for the trip with a card called 'Sube' (which is the same used in other cities of the country, such as Buenos Aires).