National park · Argentina
El Leoncito National ParkParque Nacional El Leoncito
Enter El Leoncito for a day: pay ARS 300 (checked) entry, drive 12 km (7.5 mi) from Barreal, hike Cascada del Rincón (≈1 h) in summer; visit observatories in Oct–Mar.Enter El Leoncito for a day: pay ARS 300 (checked) entry, drive 7.5 mi (12 km) from Barreal, hike Cascada del Rincón (≈1 h) in summer; visit observatories in Oct–Mar.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
897 km² (346 sq mi)346 sq mi (897 km²)
approximate
Established
2002
Best months
Oct–Mar
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 7Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the fir…
- South America ↗Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the first day light; sleep lower where you can (Sacred Valley before Cusco) and descend if headache comes with vomiting or confusion.
- South America ↗A yellow fever certificate is required on arrival in French Guiana, and asked for on some routes into Bolivia, Paraguay, Suriname and Guyana, or when arriving from Amazon areas — vaccinate at least 10 days before travel and carry the card.
- South America ↗Overnight buses are the norm in Argentina, Chile and Peru, but pick top-tier companies and keep valuables on your body; on-board thefts from overhead racks are the common loss.
- Argentina ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Argentina's National Migration Directorate (Migraciones) or an Argentine consulate before booking.
- Argentina ↗Since April 2025 the official, MEP and street ('blue') dollar rates sit within a few percent of each other; a foreign card is usually the best-value way to pay, while ATM withdrawals carry high fixed fees. Rules have changed often — check before you fly.
- Argentina ↗Patagonia (El Calafate, El Chaltén, Ushuaia) is a November–March trip; in winter many services close and hiking is limited.
- Argentina ↗Since August 2026 non-resident foreigners must show insurance or pay for non-urgent care at nationally run public hospitals, and Buenos Aires City, Mendoza, Salta, Jujuy and Santa Cruz charge visitors for scheduled care; emergencies are still treated. Travel with medical insurance — check the current rules.
At a glance
- Country
- Argentina
- Area
- 897 km² (346 sq mi)346 sq mi (897 km²)
- Park covers 89,706 ha (≈ 897 km²) according to official park data (check).
- Established
- 2002
- Best months
- Oct–Mar
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- San Juan
El Leoncito National Park protects high‑altitude desert ecosystems, offers clear night skies, two astronomical observatories, and a range of trails from easy waterfalls to a challenging summit.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 2002.
Size and age
897 km² (346 sq mi)346 sq mi (897 km²) · national park since 2002
Park covers 89,706 ha (≈ 897 km²) according to official park data (check).
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: San Juan.
Why go
- High‑altitude desert landscape with clear night skies.
- Two astronomical observatories open to visitors.
- Varied hikes from easy waterfalls to a challenging summit.
When to go
- JanBest
- FebBest
- MarBest
- AprGo
- MayGo
- JunCaution
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepGo
- OctBest
- NovBest
- DecBest
- JanClear, cold nights – good for observatories.
- FebDry, mild days.
- MarSpring, still dry.
- AprWarming, low rain.
- MayCool, dry.
- JunPossible early frosts.
- JulCold nights, occasional snow.
- AugCold, windier.
- SepWarming, still dry.
- OctClear skies, comfortable temps.
- NovDry, warm days.
- DecSummer, clear nights.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GuanacosAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| PumasAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Lesser rhea (Cordillera rhea)Oct–May | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes |
| Leoncito catfish (in streams)All year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From San Juan city
Bus (El Triunfo) to Barreal (08:30 or 20:30), then taxi 12 km (7.5 mi) to park entrance.Bus (El Triunfo) to Barreal (8:30 AM or 8:30 PM), then taxi 12 km (7.5 mi) to park entrance.Bus (El Triunfo) to Barreal (08:30 or 20:30), then taxi 7.5 mi (12 km) to park entrance.Bus (El Triunfo) to Barreal (8:30 AM or 8:30 PM), then taxi 7.5 mi (12 km) to park entrance.
3–4 h
Open the page →
From Barreal town
Drive south on Provincial Route 149, turn onto paved road to park visitor centre.
15 min
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor centre | Ticket office, information desk, small shop. | Open daily; entry ticket required. |
| Cascada del Rincón area | Easy waterfall trail, suitable for families. | Free with park entry. |
| Cerro El Leoncito | Difficult summit trail with panoramic views. | Free with park entry; recommended for experienced hikers. |
| Observatory zone | CASLEO and CESCO observatories, guided visits. | Reservation required; small fee may apply. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
5 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates from official park site; positions approximate for orientation.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry | ARS 300 | person | Check official price at visitor centre. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
Park rules
- Fires
- Not allowed outside designated grills; bring own stove.
- Camping
- Only in the park campground; obtain permission at visitor centre.
- Pets
- Dogs must be on leash; not allowed in wildlife zones.
- Off‑road vehicles
- Prohibited off paved roads; use only marked routes.
- Litter
- Carry out all waste; bins are limited.
Where to stay
Near the park
Barreal town
Hostels, guesthouses and basic hotels 12 km (7.5 mi) from park gate.Hostels, guesthouses and basic hotels 7.5 mi (12 km) from park gate.
In the park
Park campground
Tent sites with tables, grills, flush toilets and showers.
Safety
Heat and sun exposure medium
Cold night temperatures medium
Remote area, limited phone low
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Visitor centre reachable by car; short walks to easy trails.
- Summit and some trails steep and rough; not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Use park store for supplies to reduce waste.
- Stay on marked paths to protect fragile desert vegetation.
- Support local Barreal businesses for food and lodging.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter El Leoncito National Park?
Entry is ARS 300 per person (check official price at the visitor centre).
What are the best hikes in El Leoncito National Park?
Easy: Cascada del Rincón (≈1 h) and Water Landscape Trail (≈2 h). Hard: Cerro El Leoncito summit (4–5 h round‑trip).
When is the best time to visit El Leoncito National Park?
October to March offers clear skies, mild temperatures and good conditions for observatory visits.
Can I camp inside the park?
Yes, at the designated campground; bring your own gear and follow fire rules.
How do I get to the park from San Juan?
Take the El Triunfo bus to Barreal (08:30 or 20:30), then a 12 km taxi ride to the visitor centre.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Sources
Ask about El Leoncito National Park
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