Potrero de la Aguada
The red amphitheatre.
Piero Teardo — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Gonce — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Valentin Bruno — CC BY-SA 4.0
Sierra de las Quijadas National Park was created on 10 December 1991 in northwest San Luis province to protect a semi-arid landscape where the dry Chaco meets the High Monte. Its best-known sight is the Potrero de la Aguada, a vast natural amphitheatre of red gorges and cliffs carved by water and wind from sandstone. From viewpoints near the entrance the whole red amphitheatre opens up, and trails drop to the floor of the gorges between coloured walls. Its rocks hold important fossils of dinosaurs and flying reptiles, and guanacos, foxes and sometimes condors live here. Entry is currently free. Summer heat is fierce and shade scarce, so go early in the morning or before sunset and carry plenty of water. It is about two hours' drive from San Luis city.
The red amphitheatre.
Between coloured walls.
Dinosaurs and pterosaurs.
Northwest San Luis province, National Route 147
Spring and autumn, early morning or before sunset, as summer heat is fierce and shade scarce.