Top 15 Must-See Attractions in San Juan, Argentina

This modest provincial capital is the second-largest city for wine production in Argentina; however, it offers a different experience than Mendoza. San Juan is a laid-back town that serves as an excellent base for exploring scenic national and provincial parks such as El Leoncito and Ischigualasto. Additionally, visitors are drawn to its numerous wine bodegas situated just outside the city.

In contrast to many historical places in Argentina, San Juan is relatively modern for a colonial town, as most of the original city was devastated by a 1944 earthquake. Compared to Mendoza, it attracts fewer tourists, resulting in a more relaxed pace of life. San Juan invites you to unwind, discover local landscapes, and savor a diverse selection of wines.

Let us examine the top attractions in San Juan:

1. Plaza 25 de Mayo

The central plaza of the city, also known as “Kilometer 0” of the San Juan Province, this square is ideal for relaxation, observing passersby, and socializing with friends.

Featuring tall palm trees and a fountain at its center, it embodies the characteristics of a typical Argentine city square; however, the main church is a contemporary structure rather than a historic cathedral.

Statues of Domingo Faustino Sarmiento, a former Argentine president born here, and Fray Justo Santa María, a bishop and statesman who championed Argentina’s independence, are present.

Several cafes, restaurants, and bars are located along the perimeter of the plaza for coffee or beer, and in the evening, the square and its trees are beautifully lit.

2. Casa Natal de Sarmiento

This site, the birthplace of the 19th-century Argentine president Domingo Faustino Sarmiento, has been designated a National Historic Monument in honor of an influential educator in the Americas.

Sarmiento was notably progressive, advocating for public education and promoting women’s rights to education.

This home serves as a testament to his life, upbringing, and commitment to self-improvement through writing and public service.

Visitors have the opportunity to view the room where Sarmiento was born, his personal bedroom, one of his writing desks, and a dining set used during his presidency from 1868 to 1874. Numerous original manuscripts and writings are also presented, and guided tours are available for an in-depth understanding.

3. Ruta del Olivo San Juan

The extra virgin olive oils produced in San Juan are beginning to gain recognition on the international stage, and a tourism route has developed through the local olive-producing areas.

Olive trees thrive in the same rocky soils and harsh climates preferred by grapevines, leading to a successful olive cultivation, especially in the Valley of Tulum.

Visitors can tour family-owned olive farms, an olive museum, and manufacturing facilities along the Ruta del Olivo (primarily Ruta 40) to witness the olive oil production process.

Outside of the city, Campo de Olivos on Ruta 12 provides tours of its groves and production facilities, demonstrating how olive oil is still traditionally made using the cold-press technique.

It is highly likely that you will depart with at least a couple of bottles of oil.

4. Museo de la Memoria Urbana

To gain a deeper understanding of the city’s history, visit this museum which chronicles San Juan’s foundation and the seismic event that devastated it in 1944. Admission is free, and the informative tours provide a wealth of historical context within a compact space housed in a former railway station.

Guests can also experience an earthquake simulator that offers a glimpse into the sensations felt during that period.

Photographs and historical newspapers reveal what the city looked like before the earthquake’s devastation, detailing its relocation and reconstruction efforts.

5. Parque de Mayo

This park serves as an excellent location for relaxation within the city, offering expansive green spaces, a lake, a fountain, and several monuments along walking paths.

Additionally, a children’s playground, fine arts museum, convention center, and auditorium are conveniently located nearby.

Occasionally, street entertainers or bands can be found performing in the park, and locals often enjoy mate (Argentina’s hot herbal tea) on the grass.

Every Sunday, an artisanal fair comes alive in the park, featuring vendors showcasing handicrafts and food carts offering quick bites.

You may also take the opportunity to feed ducks or colorful fish in the lake, engage in some exercise, or enjoy a picnic in a tranquil environment.

6. Museo Provincial de Bellas Artes Franklin Rawson

This contemporary and well-maintained museum showcases artwork by both European and Argentine artists.

With five exhibition spaces and regularly updated displays, visitors can appreciate paintings, sculptures, sketches, and photography across its two floors.

The staff is welcoming, admission costs are minimal, and a small museum shop on the ground floor offers a selection of souvenirs.

Alongside modern works of art, the museum features an auditorium, a library, and a cafe.

7. Quebrada de Dique Ullum

During summer weekends, San Juan locals escape the city to enjoy the closest equivalent to a beach.

This hydroelectric dam creates a reservoir ideal for fishing, boating, or simply soaking up the sun.

Visitors can take in stunning views of the reddish Andean foothills contrasting with the blue-green waters of the lake.

There are opportunities for hiking, cycling, and joining sporting clubs, and many visitors bring picnics or prepare meats for grilling.

Located approximately 20 kilometers from the city, a day trip is easily feasible, or you may choose to stay at one of the nearby campsites or hotels.

8. El Leoncito National Park

If you have the opportunity to venture out to Parque Nacional El Leoncito, it is highly recommended not to miss it.

Spanning over 90,000 hectares of diverse geography—from pampas to the Andes—the park features archaeological sites such as ancient adobe buildings and rock carvings.

Three scenic trails provide visitors access to remarkable sights like Cerro El Leoncito, herds of guanacos (llama-like creatures), streams, and waterfalls.

The remnants of the former estancia, which served as an outpost for the Army of the Andes, are also located here.

Park rangers offer ample information, and camping is available at no charge, complete with showers, barbecues, fire pits, and restrooms, though it is advisable to prepare for chilly nighttime temperatures.

9. Stargaze at World-Renowned Astronomic Observatories

Should you travel to El Leoncito, it proves advantageous to stay overnight to explore the two esteemed observatories situated within the park.

Due to its isolation, minimal atmospheric interference, and arid climate, the park provides an ideal setting for stargazing.

Both the El Leoncito Astronomic Complex (CASLEO) and Carlos Ulrico Cesco Astronomic Observatory (CESCO) welcome visitors, showcasing a 40-ton telescope and a collection of photographs and historical data.

Collaborative efforts, primarily between Yale University and the National University of San Juan, have taken place at these observatories.

Professors offer guided tours during the day, and stargazing events are conducted at night, allowing you to marvel at the exceptionally clear Milky Way.

10. Visit Great Wineries

San Juan, together with Mendoza, constitutes a vital part of Argentina’s Cuyo wine production region, with numerous bodegas in the vicinity of the city.

The arid Tulum Valley adjacent to the Andes proves beneficial for grape cultivation, notably featuring Syrah as the predominant varietal alongside a variety of other red, white, and sparkling wines produced in the San Juan region.

Accounting for slightly over 20% of Argentina’s total wine output, visiting several vineyards is highly recommended.

The Ruta del Vino is home to 14 bodegas; transportation options include car rental, guided tours, or taxi services for a day of exploration.

Many bodegas offer informative talks, guided tours, and tastings (often complimentary), along with one particular bodega that hosts a wine museum.

If fortunate enough to be in San Juan during February, partake in the Fiesta Nacional del Sol, celebrating the winegrowing process with cultural performances, music, and dancing.

11. Valle de la Luna

The unique rock formations within Ischigualasto Provincial Park evoke a lunar landscape, making the name “Valley of the Moon” quite fitting.

Discover the history of dinosaurs that once inhabited this area during the Triassic Period and view fossil evidence of their existence.

With low admission fees, opting for a tour in a 4×4 vehicle led by an experienced guide enhances the experience significantly.

Alternately, one can arrange for trekking through the park or mountain biking amidst breathtaking scenery.

Do not forget your camera; notable formations such as the “Painted Valley” and “Bowling Field” are worthy of a visit. The park is located about a three-hour drive from San Juan, yet the scenic routes make the journey profoundly worthwhile.

12. Eat Some Steak at a Local Parrilla

It is widely known that Argentines consume a significant amount of beef, and the country is acclaimed for offering some of the finest steak in the world.

While in San Juan, indulge in the local tradition by dining at a parrilla (steakhouse), where succulent grilled meats are served alongside an impressive wine selection.

Parrilla Los Toneles, characterized by its spacious dining area and platters of steaks and sausages presented on heated grills at your table, is highly recommended.

Be sure to accompany your meal with cured ham and other local appetizers while enjoying a bottle of Malbec or Syrah. Additional local favorites include Parrillada la Nueva Estancia and Posta del Campo, where you can savor delectable steak dishes as well.

13. Mountain Sports

Just outside San Juan, the rugged mountain landscapes offer exciting outdoor opportunities, including mountain biking, hang gliding, rock climbing, and horseback riding.

Additionally, fishing in the local rivers and streams, which offer an abundance of trout, is highly rewarding.

For an exhilarating experience, consider taking a guided excursion through rocky trails in a 4×4 vehicle.

The mountainous terrain offers numerous hiking trails of varying lengths and challenges for those wishing to explore further.

San Juan is home to several tour operators—Inca Posta is particularly well-reviewed—that can facilitate guided treks, ziplining, and various adventure sports.

14. La Celda Histórica de San Martín

Immerse yourself in Argentine history at the Santo Domingo Convent, where the esteemed liberator General Jose de San Martin is believed to have spent a night.

This pivotal figure in the revolutions of Argentina, Chile, and Peru is commemorated throughout the country in numerous statues depicting him on horseback.

The convent retains photos, furniture, and clothing preserved from his era and earlier times.

This National Historic Monument, the city’s oldest building, miraculously survived the earthquake, featuring adobe walls and three large bells from the 1700s.

It is a must-visit for enthusiasts of colonial architecture and those interested in the historical sites where this legendary general prepared for his liberating campaigns in Chile and Peru.

15. Difunta Correa

This site is one of the more unusual attractions in the area, as the shrine is visited by a high number of pilgrims each year, leading to the creation of stalls that sell souvenirs and freshly prepared meals.

Located in the village of Vallecita, this sanctuary honors the mythical figure of Deolinda Correa, an Argentine woman alleged to have lived in the 1800s.

Following her husband’s enforced conscription, she purportedly followed their path across the desert, tragically dying on a hillside with her infant still nursing at her breast.

Some shepherds discovered her remains, saved her child, and buried her at this location.

Her spirit is believed to have protected shepherds from losing their flocks and saved a notable gaucho from losing his cattle.

Many locals visit to seek Correa’s protection and leave offerings at her gravesite as a form of gratitude.

In addition to a statue depicting her death, you can explore the shrine, which contains numerous deposits of offerings at makeshift chapels, including license plates of vehicles she is believed to have safeguarded, miniature houses, and baby carriages.