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Centre · La Rioja
National ParkTalampaya
Red canyons and the world’s most complete Triassic record.
29.79° S · 67.83° O
- Established
- 1997
- Area
- 213,000 ha
- Ecoregion
- Monte shrubland
- Gateway
- Villa Unión
150-metre wind-carved walls, petroglyphs and Triassic fossils. A World Heritage Site with Ischigualasto, visited on guided tours, by bike or on foot.
Highlights
- Talampaya canyon with its 150 m walls and petroglyphs.
- The Lost City and the Rainbow Canyon.
- Full-moon walks in the canyon.
- Pairing it with Ischigualasto (Valley of the Moon), 90 km away.
Getting there
By plane
Aeropuerto Capitán Vicente Almandos Almonacid, La Rioja (IRJ)
200 km from the park, with flights from Buenos Aires. San Juan, 300 km away, is the alternative. Renting a car is best from either.
By car
RN 76 · RN 150 · RN 38 · RN 40 — 1,150 km from Buenos Aires
RN 76 crosses the park: from the Los Baldecitos junction it is 59 km to the Talampaya Canyon access. From the north, come via Chilecito and the Miranda pass.
By bus
Terminal de La Rioja y Villa Unión
Buses from across the country to La Rioja; from there to Villa Unión (60 km from the park), where tours are booked.
Trails
Difficulty
Duration
Difficulty: EasyModerateHardExpert
Cañón de Talampaya (trekking)
From Base Choique: the Canyon Gate, the Petroglyphs station, the Geological Fault and the Botanical Garden. Always guided.
- Distance
- 6 km
- Duration
- 3 h
- Elevation gain
- —
- Difficulty
- Easy
Out and back
Gran Mirador
Combines the canyon with Quebrada Don Eduardo and climbs to one of the highest points open to visitors.
- Distance
- 10 km
- Duration
- 5 h
- Elevation gain
- —
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Out and back
Los Balcones
From the Gothic Cathedral up to a ledge overlooking the canyon floor; combined with vehicle tours.
- Distance
- 3 km
- Duration
- 1.5 h
- Elevation gain
- —
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Out and back
Caminos al Sol
A guided sunset trek in Alto San Nicolás.
- Distance
- 3 km
- Duration
- 2.5 h
- Elevation gain
- —
- Difficulty
- Easy
Out and back
Cañón de Talampaya en bici
Cycling from Base Choique to the Gothic Cathedral or El Monje.
- Distance
- 26 km
- Duration
- 3 h
- Elevation gain
- —
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Out and back
Sendero Triásico
Self-guided among 16 life-size replicas of Triassic dinosaurs.
- Distance
- 0.25 km
- Duration
- 0.5 h
- Elevation gain
- —
- Difficulty
- Easy
Loop
Distances, elevation gain and times are approximate and change with the season. Check each trail’s status with the park before setting out.
Where to stay
Hotel$$
Villa Unión
Full services 60 km from the park, including upscale hotels and the Bermejo valley’s high-altitude wineries.
Cabins$
Pagancillo
Cabins, guesthouses and homestays 30 km away: the closest option for an early start.
Campsite$
Dentro del parque (área de servicios)
Campsite with showers, power at every pitch and grills, open 24 h: huge skies beneath the canyon walls.
Before you go
- The park cannot be visited independently: every visit is guided.
- The last tour leaves at 4 pm. Summer hours 8:30 am–7:30 pm; winter 9 am–6:30 pm.
- Tours may be suspended during Zonda winds or flash floods.
- There is no drinking water on tours: bring your own.
Plan your journey to Talampaya
We design private trips at each traveller’s pace: hikes, local guides and carefully chosen stays. Tell us what you have in mind and we’ll reply within 48 hours.