Barreal is a mountain town at 1,650 metres altitude, 180 km from San Juan city (lat -31.6417, lng -69.4694). It is the adventure capital of San Juan province, famous for land sailing (carrovelismo) at speeds up to 100 km/h on the perfectly flat, dry clay plain of Pampa del Leoncito, stargazing at the CASLEO observatory under Argentina's cleanest skies, rafting on the Los Patos river with Andean mountain views, and trekking towards Mercedario (6,720m), one of the highest peaks in the Americas.
Getting there — distances & times
| From | Distance | Flight | Bus | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York (JFK) | 8400 km | 11 h via Buenos Aires | — | — |
| Miami (MIA) | 7000 km | 9 h + 2 h domestic | — | — |
| Madrid (MAD) | 9900 km | 13 h + AR domestic | — | — |
| Buenos Aires (EZE) | 1110 km | 1 h 40 | 14–16 h | — |
| Mendoza | 170 km | — | 2 h 30 | 2 h |
| Córdoba | 580 km | — | 8 h | 6 h 30 |
Month-by-month climate
| Month | Temp. | Rain | Crowds | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 19° / 35°C | 15 mm | Hot & dry summer | |
| Feb | 18° / 33°C | 15 mm | ||
| Mar | 15° / 30°C | 12 mm | ||
| Apr | 10° / 25°C | 5 mm | ||
| May | 6° / 20°C | 5 mm | ||
| Jun | 3° / 16°C | 5 mm | ||
| Jul | 3° / 16°C | 5 mm | ||
| Aug | 5° / 19°C | 5 mm | ||
| Sep | 8° / 23°C | 5 mm | ||
| Oct | 12° / 27°C | 8 mm | ||
| Nov | 15° / 30°C | 10 mm | ||
| Dec | 18° / 33°C | 15 mm |
How to Get There
180 km from San Juan city, 2.5-3 hours on paved road. By rental car or organised tour. The road offers spectacular mountain scenery.
What to See and Do
Land Sailing at Pampa del Leoncito
A vast, perfectly flat dry lakebed where wind-powered carts reach 100 km/h. No experience needed -- instructors provide training. The Barreal del Leoncito is also a natural mirror when wet. Price: USD 20-35.
CASLEO Observatory
One of Argentina's premier astronomical observatories with pristine dark skies (among the cleanest in the world). Night visits include telescope observations of planets, nebulae and galaxies. Book in advance.
Rafting on the Los Patos River
Class II-III rapids with stunning Andean mountain backdrop. Suitable for beginners. Half-day excursions from USD 30-50.
Mercedario Trekking
For experienced mountaineers, Mercedario (6,720m) is one of the highest peaks outside the Himalayas. Multi-day expeditions available with certified guides.
Best Time to Visit
- Spring-Autumn (March-May, September-November): Best temperatures. Clear skies for astronomy. Good wind for land sailing.
- Summer (December-February): Hot days but pleasant evenings. Good for rafting.
- Winter (June-August): Cold nights, best sky conditions for astronomy. Land sailing possible on calm-wind days.
