LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL ITINERARY INFORMATION
Itinerary: Forgotten Andes & Parks
Two to three weeks / Mendoza to Corrientes
Just because the crowds head elsewhere doesn’t mean this trip lacks sights. In fact, the forgotten back roads and little-visited villages and parks make this a very special trip through an Argentina that most foreigners never see. With two weeks, you’ll be running; three will give you plenty of relax time for this journey of about 2850km.
Venturing off the beaten track in Argentina will turn up tiny villages, empty roads and rarely visited provincial parks that you’ll have almost entirely to yourself. Begin the journey in the wee provincial capital of San Luis, from where you can easily visit the spectacular Parque Nacional Sierra de las Quijadas, similar to San Juan’s Ischigualasto, sans the people. Bus over to San Juan, rent a car and head for the hills: drive up to Barreal in the breathtaking Valle de Calingasta for a few days of hiking, rafting, mountain climbing and land sailing beneath the country’s highest peaks. Head up RP 412 to the traditional towns of Rodeo, San José de Jáchal and Huaco, and stop en route for a dip in the thermal baths of Pismanta. Take the RN 40 back to San Juan and bus out to the fascinating Difunta Correa Shrine.
From San Juan, take an overnight bus to Córdoba, a wonderful colonial city that foreigners often skip. After a day or two exploring the city and the Jesuit estancias of the Central Sierras, grab another overnighter to Resistencia, an odd little city of sculptures and the nearest hub to the rarely visited Parque Nacional Chaco. From nearby Corrientes, catch some live chamamé (folk music of northeast Argentina), and head to Reserva Provincial Esteros del Iberá, a wetlands preserve and wildlife sanctuary comparable to Brazil’s Pantanal.
By this time you’ll be aching for human contact: either join the crowds at Iguazú Falls, a full day’s travel away, or head back to Buenos Aires, flying from Corrientes or journeying overland.
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