Talampaya & Valley of the Moon Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore Talampaya National Park's red sandstone canyons
- Discover ancient dinosaur fossils in Ischigualasto Park
- Marvel at the Valley of the Moon's unique lunar landscapes
- Enjoy a guided tour with insights into local geology and history
- Savor a delicious lunch amidst stunning natural scenery
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from central La Rioja hotels
- Professional guide for the entire tour
- Air-conditioned vehicle transportation
- National park entrance fees
- Lunch during the tour
- Personal expenses and gratuities
Itinerary
We will leave early in the morning from our selected hotels in La Rioja, to first visit the Ischigualasto Provincial Park.
This Provincial Park, also known as "Valle de la Luna" (Valley of the Moon) will present us with beautiful desert landscapes similar to the surface of the Moon, with impressive rock formations like the Bocce Court (Cancha de Bochas). We will make a circuit of approximately 4 hours where we can see these rock formations and fossil remains of dinosaurs, along with the native fauna of the place. The Guide explains the characteristics of the Park at each stop, allowing time to appreciate the unique landscape and take photographs.
We will continue our journey to the captivating Talampaya National Park in La Rioja, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its natural beauty and rich paleontological heritage. The park offers a chance to explore the entire main canyon, unique rock formations, and a diverse array of flora and fauna. (Internal route and entrance to the National Park not included).
After this visit, we will be returning to our selected hotels in the city of La Rioja in the late afternoon.
Important information
Know before you book
- The tour is not wheelchair accessible; participants should be able to navigate uneven terrains.
- Infants must sit on laps during the tour; please inform the operator in advance if you require a child seat.
- The tour operates with a maximum of 20 travelers to ensure a personalized experience.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear suitable for walking and exploring rugged terrains.
- Bring a hat, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and protected from the sun.
- Ensure your camera or smartphone is fully charged to capture the stunning landscapes and unique rock formations.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Infants Required On Laps
Traveler reviews
Wonderful can't miss
The immensity of nature leaves speechless the human being who looks small before such majesty. Must-see worth knowing.
Beautiful day
Well organized, very well coordinated. Excellent attention from the guide All very well, recommendable
TALAMPAYA NP will take you back in time to the early TRIASSIC period of the MESOZOIC era
We spent 4-5 hours in the park on November 15th 2025. The weather was hot (85 deg C). We boarded a bus around 1:30 PM which took us into 4 different points where we got off the bus and walked. The enormity of the red granite structures makes you realize how miniscule we look. Your imagination runs away trying to imagine how our earth looked and the animals that ruled in this period approximately 250 million years ago. Lystrosauras a reptile like herbivore together with many insects also lived during this time. This park is a geologists dream.
Excellent.
Unbelievable. We had a great time and the tour has very interesting surprises. I liked it and recommend it full. 👌🏻👌🏻
a journey through prehistory
We visited both, the Valley of the Moon or Ischigualasto is in San Juan and there continue to be discovered remains of animals from the prehistoric fauna, the tour is done by caravan and several stops are made, it is very interesting, it is worth the trip. Talampaya is in La Rioja, the tour is done in company vehicles, which are hired there, you have to reserve the day and time online. It is the only place in the world where geological strata from the Triassic can be seen and studied, meaning that earlier stages are seen than in Ischigualasto, although both are part of the same geological zone. My suggestion is to do one every day to appreciate more carefully and not confuse them.