Lying in the fertile Tulum Valley surrounded by the Andes Mountains, it’s no surprise San Juan is known as Argentina's “Oasis City”. Wide tree-lined boulevards and pleasant plazas fill the town, while verdant vineyards and the surreal landscapes of Ischigualasto Provincial Park await nearby.
Things to do in San Juan
Tour Bodega Merced del Estero, a 14-hectare estate with over 100 years of history. Learn about the winemaking process as you wander through the vineyards and take in views of the surrounding mountains. See the fermenting rooms and ageing barrels before sitting down for tastings at the cellar door.
Delve into the rich history of San Juan’s pioneering winemaker at the Santiago Graffigna Wine Museum, housed in a reconstruction of the original 1870 winery. Join a guided tour to learn how an Italian immigrant shaped viticulture in the Tulum Valley. Finish with tastings at the museum’s wine bar.
Join a convoy of drivers, bikers and hikers on a journey into Ischigualasto Provincial Park. The “Valley of the Moon” is home to striking rock formations and radiant red sunsets. Marvel at the distinctively carved sandstone shapes, spot guanacos amongst the desert cacti and see a wealth of dinosaur fossils from the Triassic Period in the park’s museum.
History enthusiasts can visit Natal House of Sarmiento, the birthplace of Domingo Sarmiento, an Argentine activist, writer and seventh president of Argentina. Explore the exhibits dedicated to Sarmiento’s life and learn about the crucial political role he played during the 19th century, particularly in education.
Getting around San Juan
San Juan is a 20-minute bus or taxi ride from Domingo Faustino Sarmiento Airport. Located on the National Route 40, San Juan is easily reached by bus or car from most major cities. San Juan is well-serviced by buses and taxis.