Triassic Park

General Description

Some of the most spectacular geological formations and deserts on Earth are found in the impressive landscape that encompasses La Rioja, San Juan and Catamarca. Here, the soft earth (mostly sandy red soil), the extremes in temperature and water and wind erosion wrought curious and impressively beautiful formations over a wide area. These same climatic conditions and the prevailing dryness helped to preserve important fossil beds such as those found in Ischigualasto (also known as " Valley of the Moon" due to its extra-Earthy air). Fossils from all the geological periods, some 250 million years old, are found here, including those of the Euroraptor fossils, the oldest known dinosaur In the past, the indigenous people adapted marvellously to this rigorous habitat, seeking out its more humid areas to establish their villages and erect their ceremonial centres. Eloquent proof of this are the many petroglyphs, ritual mortars, and burial grounds found all along the imposing Talampaya Canyon, with its 550-foot-high red sandstone walls.

National Parks protect the unique specimens and the rich environment.

Itinerary

The following itinerary is just a sample. Fossil lovers and geologist can extend their stay in this fantastic land for as long as they wish.

DAY 1:
Meeting in San Juan, the capital of the province of the same name. Short visit of the city of San Juan and its surroundings and - time permitting - we visit the the Gambier Museum (formerly known as Museo de la Laja due to its location). This museum exhibits a valuable collection of the Ansilta and the Huarpes cultures. Its most important piece is the mummy of a body from the Inca's period which is in perfect conditions and has been found on the summit of El Toro Mt. The mummy was found by an expedition of the Andean Club Mercedario in 1964 and rescued one month later. This was the starting point for the development of the archaeology in San Juan.
After the short visit, departure towards San Agustin del Valle Fertil. This day we drive through the canyonlands of San Juan. Overnight SAN AGUSTIN del VALLE FERTIL Hotel or equivalent. (D)

DAY 2:
Excursion into Ischigualasto National Park. Located in northwestern Argentina, near the border with Chile, Ischigualasto is a basin region of sandstone and mudstones. These arid badlands have a bizarre and rugged terrain that has given it the popular name "Valley of the Moon". We will walk in the park following the well marked trails to reach the most amazing rock formations that were formed as a consequence of the wind erosion after millions of years. These trails let us appreciate the amazing "Encyclopedia" of the Triasic era that lasted for about 45 million years.

The Late Triassic (Carnian) deposits of the Ischigualasto Formation contain some of the oldest known dinosaur remains. Of those sites containing the earliest dinosaurs, Ischigualasto ranks second in fame, after the Chinle Formation of North America, but ranks first in the quality, number, and importance of its dinosaur finds. It is also the only place in the world where nearly all of the Triassic is represented in an undisturbed sequence of rock deposits, and both the overlying and underlying formations have also yielded important fossils of early dinosaurs as well as of early synapsids and freshwater fish.

Overnight SAN AGUSTIN del VALLE FERTIL Hotel or equivalent. (BD)

DAY 3:
Leaving from Valle Fertil, drive to Talampaya National Park . In addition to the scientific importance of Ischigualasto-Talampaya, the National Parks contain outstanding scenic areas that attract thousands of visitors every year. The red cliffs of Talampaya the variegated colors and strange rock formations all form natural attractions that are both interesting and beautiful. We will hike in the park to get to the most amazing formations. The walls of the canyon are about 160 m and they keep important imprints of the first inhabitants. Its archaeological importance can be compared to the Cave of the Painted Hands in Patagonia. At the park there are various options for visits from short hikes to more demanding and getting deep into the heart of this amazing and colorful canyon.

Ischigualasto-Talampaya represents the only known area in the world that contains a complete sequence of continental sediments with abundant fossil flora and fauna for the Triassic Period of geologic history. This period represents the origin of both mammals and dinosaurs, and offers the prospect of resolving one of the great enigmas of vertebrate paleontology--the rise to dominance of the dinosaurs and the suppression of mammalian evolution during 150 million years.

Overnight SAN AGUSTIN del VALLE FERTIL Hotel or equivalent. (BD)

DAY 4:
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer back to San Juan city arriving by midday and transfer to hotel, bus terminal or airport. (B)

General Information and Price

Rated: Easy

Tour Tariff - Private Departures
N° of Participants	2-3	6+
USD	$ 627	$ 743
EUR	520	616
GBP	351	416

(*) Price last updated on 30 October 2005. Current price may vary due to elements out of our control, so please always check by sending us a
quotation request .



Included: Accommodation in double rooms with private facilities, meals as specified, private transport, experienced English speaking guides, entrance fees to National Parks and museums, shared excursions

Not included: Other meals