An often overlooked captital city of an often overlooked province, San Luis is a plesant little city that is worth a visit if you are passing nearby. Outside of the capital city there are a couple of natural attractions that should be seen, especially if you have your own transportation.

The province of San Luis has a few quaint small towns that are great places to relax- good for couples or families.

Hotels in San Luis

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By Air

The San Luis airport (LUQ) is located 2 miles to the NW of the center.

By Bus

The bus terminal in San Luis (tel. (02652) 424021) is located on San Martín 985 ( corner of España). Note that if you are arriving at night the terminal may be closed as it is not open 24 hours.

The official internet site of Tourism in San Luis

National Park Sierra de las Quijadas: Called the “mini Grand Canyon” by the locals, this area has good hiking trails in a brilliant red-rock . The park opens at 8AM and closes at 7PM, except during the summer months (October to April) when it stays open an hour later. Bring sunblock, as the sun is strong. Outside of a little store at the entrance to the park, there are no services. English guides available.

Potrero de los Funes

Las salinas y termas de Balde A salt factory and hot springs 35kms from the capital in the pueblo of Balde.

La Carolina: A small town beside the mountain Tomolasta.

The Los Reyunos Dam just outside of San Rafael

San Rafael is like a smaller version of Mendoza city. It’s an attractive town with tree lined streets and irrigation canals that feed the nearby wineries an olive plantations. It makes a great base for exploring the nearby canyons or a stopover if you are on your way from Mendoza to the lakes district.

In the winter it serves as a gateway city to nearby Las Leñas ski resort.

Hotels in San Rafael

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Hostels in San Rafael

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By Air

The San Rafael airport (AFA) is located 7 kms north from the center. Aerolineas Argentinas has several flights weekly to San Rafael.

By Bus

The bus terminal in San Rafael (tel. (02627) 427720) is located on Coronel Suárez corner Avellaneda. Mendoza is three hours away and several services go there daily. To Malargue and Las Leñas daily buses, more in the winter – but reserve in advance. The following companies offer bus service to San Rafael:

Andesmar
Flechabus

The official internet site of San Rafael

During the summer months a trip to the Cañon de Atuel makes for a good day trip or if you have a tent, a multiple day trip. Raft down the river or try a “Cool River” (kind of like a tube that you hold on to while drifting down the river). If you are more adventurous this is a great place to learn how to kayak and lessons are available.

Once you’ve had your fill of wine tours, why not visit an olive oil factory. Yancanelo, 4030 Hipólito Yrigoyen on the road to Mendoza offers tours and has a shop where you can buy their products.

San Rafael is a great town to bicycle around, as many locals have realized. Ask at tourist information about rentals.

Malbec anyone?

A city known for its wine and mountains, with leafy parks and wide café lined avenues. With everything from great nightlife to great steak and wine, Mendoza is a place where you can spend a lot of time. It is large enough that it has everything you need but yet in an hour you can be in the wilds of the Andes rafting, rock climbing, hiking, horseback riding or, if you are not that athletic, just admiring the view.

A tour of a vineyard is a must and you should also make every effort to travel up to the Andes and get a glimpse of Aconcagua peak, the highest in the Americas. If you happen to arrive during the winter, there is excellent skiing in the mountains.

Climate

If it weren’t for the canals that divert water from the Mendoza river to the city and the nearby wineries, Mendoza would be a near lifeless desert. Due to towering Andes clouds rarely make it over the city. Summers can be hot, but dry, so drink lots of water!

Caution: Irrigation ditches run alongside the sidewalk throughout the city. Care must be taken not to fall into them. After couple days in the city and you will get accustomed to hopping over them.

Hotels in Mendoza

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Hostels in Mendoza

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By Air

The El Plumerillo airport (MDZ) is located kms from the center in . For more information on El Plumerillo airport click here.

By Bus

The bus terminal in Mendoza (tel. (0261) 4313001/4315000) is located on Alberdi and Av. Acceso Este. Buses to Santiago de Chile (7 hours) may not run after a heavy snowfall. The pass can close for periods up to a few days during the winter, so plan accordingly.

Buses to Buenos Aires take around 14 hours, slightly more if arriving in BA during the commuter hour. A night bus along this route is an excellent option if you are trying to save money on accommodation . Spend a few extra pesos and you will get a comfortable seat in a quiet Cama bus along with dinner and wine.

Local bus

An excellent interactive mas of city bus routes in Mendoza can be found here

The official internet site of city of Mendoza

Parque San Martín is one of the best public parks in the country. Another work of Charles Thays, the 430 hectare park is home to a zoo, a world cup football stadium, a lake, restaurants and much more. Its also a great place to bicycle.

Barreal might be far away from everything, but it is one of the most beautfiul towns in the region. The proximity to the Cordillera de Ansilta leaves it with outstanding views views of the Andes. The climate is dry and the town can be visited year-round, but note that in the winter it can get quite chilly, especially at night

Orientation

There is really only one major road, Presidente Roca which is really just Route 149.

Hotels in Barreal

Since many streets in town don’t have names, many hotels in Barreal don’t have a real address. List of hotels in Barreal (in Spanish)

Buses run from Barreal to San Juan (4 hours) via Callingasta.

• La Pampa del Leoncito and the observatory
• Las sierras del Tontal
• Valle de Calingasta