Calingasta is an isolated town of 2,000 inhabitants nestled between mountains, the last inhabited valley before the Andes (lat -31.3333, lng -69.4167). At 200 km from San Juan city, it offers altitude vineyards producing unique Syrah and Malbec, a historic hanging bridge, a 17th-century colonial chapel, and routes for trekking, mountain biking and rock climbing. The road from Uspallata is one of Argentina's most spectacular mountain drives.
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
200 km from San Juan city, 3-3.5 hours. From Barreal: 40 km (45 minutes). Paved road. The mountain scenery along the way is spectacular.
What to See and Do
Altitude Wines
Calingasta's vineyards at 1,500-1,800m altitude produce concentrated, complex wines. Small wineries offer tastings with mountain views. Syrah is the star variety.
Historic Hanging Bridge
A colonial-era hanging bridge spanning the Calingasta River. A local landmark and great photo opportunity.
Colonial Chapel
A 17th-century chapel, one of the oldest in the province, with thick adobe walls and a serene atmosphere.
Trekking and Mountain Biking
Trails through the Andean foothills with views of snow-capped peaks. Mountain biking routes of varying difficulty through the valley.
