Sierra del Tontal
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From the foothills of the Andes in the province of San Juan you can appreciate the wonders of this famous mountain range without having to invest in professional hiking gear and researching weather conditions too extensively. The Sierra del Tontal in San Juan (translated in English as ‘Tontal Montain Range), lies at the foot of the Andes and from here the views of the snow-capped mountains will blow you away and yet the mild climate means you enjoy it in comfort.
The routes in the area offer a wide range of trekking routes that are suitable for all levels. However, the Sierra Tontal covers a huge area with difficult terrain and little infrastructure. Being so far off the beaten track means that you’re guaranteed to find peace and tranquility here, but it also means that your options can be limited. Your best option for experiencing the area would be to do a guided trekking tour, which you can book in the town El Barreal, also described in this Argentina travel guide, located just 34 km from the Sierra. Tour operators offer trips that are suitable for all levels of experience and fitness.
Nevertheless, it’s a serious mountaineering adventure that you’re after then the Tontal mountain range also includes some heavy weight mountains. For instance, the Pircas peak, with an impressive height of 4366 m; Ojo del Agua at 4,140 metres and Mogote de los Potreritos mountain, which is 3868 metres tall.
The area’s rich geology and paleontology means that there have been many discoveries of excellent fossil specimens. Embedded in the rock here, there are lots of fossilized plants and animal, if you look hard enough you may even find yourself a specimen.
Traveling within the Sierra del Tontal mountain range you’ll also find the El Leoncito (little lion) National Park. This conservation area covers a massive 76,000 hectares area in the western side of the Tontal mountain range. The park was officially created by the government in 1994 and was originally used by the Armed Forces of General San Martin during the uprising and revolution from Spanish rule from 1814 to 1818. Then, from 1965 onwards, the national park was used as an astronomical observatory, with the powerful telescope making the most of clarity of the sky in the area.
The region is located in the province of San Juan, just North of Mendoza Argentina. San Juan province has some amazing landscapes and plenty to offer tourists. Yet Sierra del Tontal is off the beaten track and is a more economical and less touristy option in comparison with Mendoza, making it recommended by this Argentina travel guide.