American Southwest? No Argentina

Morning tour in a convoy through the Valle de la Luna, Ischigualasto Provinicial Park
Continue to the adjacent Talampaya National Park
Tour to the imposing canyon and petroglyphs
Overnight in Villa Union

Another very hot day awaits us, but also relatively unknown natural phenomena that are well worth seeing. Just before the park gates we get right next to the car two vicuñas to see.

After a good hour's drive we have the Visitors Center des Ischigualasto Provinicial Parks reached where unexpected activity reigns. In addition to a few foreign tourists, there are many locals who come to the end of the year striking rock formations want to see the park. in the Convoy of over 15 vehicles we start the 3.5-hour tour through the desert park.

A first stop in Valle de la Luna will be at the rock "The worm" inlaid, where a fossilized fern can also be seen. The region is known for sensational finds from the time of the dinosaurs. The ranger's explanations are only in Spanish, but if I listen carefully, I understand a lot.

The next stop will be at a lookout point Valle Pintado inserted. The deep canyon with different colored layers of sediment could also be found in Utah. Some distance away is one Flock of vicuñas to see in the wilderness. The camel-like ungulates are extremely frugal and can cope with even the most difficult living conditions. Particularly funny to look at is a vicuna standing on a hill, probably to catch a little wind there to cool off.

Then they wait Cancha del Bochas to us. To the astonishment of many visitors, the spherical, naturally shaped stones are much smaller than expected, but still make a great photo subject.

After the nocturnal rains, crossing the numerous muddy watercourses is a bit difficult and, for a short time, from the Submarinos even impossible. Thus the convoy continues its journey directly to the most famous place in the park; El Hongo or The Mushroom in English. Unfortunately, the midday sun is anything but the most beautiful light of the day. The fragile rock formation is definitely worth seeing.

After the long return trip on the dusty slope, we treat ourselves to a chilled drink at the Visitors Center. The museum next door, which presents dinosaur exhibits, is nonsensically closed.

So we make our way to the neighboring one Talampaya National Park. Actually we didn't want to visit this park until tomorrow, but since it is not clear whether tours will be carried out on New Year's Eve we are still trying to find accommodation today. After a good hour's drive on an excellent asphalt road through the semi-desert landscape of the park, we arrive at the Visitors Center. At the last minute, because we're just about to catch the last tour of the day.

We drive rapidly towards the park's trademark. The striking red rock wall towers 150 m vertically. At whose feet are pre-Columbian petroglyphs which we don't know much about the creators. We also get to see a Nandu family.

The journey continues in muddy river bed up into the shady canyon. Sometimes the river carries water all year round, which makes it the vein of life for the desert dwellers. Many native plants also grow here. Another tour bus got stuck in the mud, so our tour has to be canceled prematurely.

We continue to the nearby town Villa Union. There we find a nice cabana with two rooms. Then we go to the center to eat. Once again we have to find out that nothing is available before 8 a.m. because Argentines eat very late.