La Payunia Provincial Reserve

Overview

La Payunia Provincial Reserve is a vast and rugged landscape featuring volcanic cones, lava flows, and unique desert flora and fauna. It offers breathtaking natural scenery and opportunities for hiking, wildlife observation, and stargazing.

The reserve is known for its unique volcanic landscape, including the Payún Matru stratovolcano, which is one of the most significant volcanic features in Argentina. It is also a crucial habitat for various wildlife species.

National Park Volcanic Landscape

Location

Address

Mendoza

Neighborhood: Payúnia

Coordinates

-33.000000, -68.850000

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

tuesday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

wednesday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

thursday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

friday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

saturday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

sunday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Admission

Adults

$300 ARS

Children

$150 ARS

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

March-May

Best Time of Day

Early morning

Better wildlife sightings and cooler temperatures

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

2 hours

Recommended

Half day

Full Experience

2-3 days

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Mild

• Wildflowers
• Birdwatching

summer

Hot and dry

• Long daylight hours

autumn

Mild to cool

• Fall colors

winter

Cold

• Clear skies

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Bring plenty of water
Protect against the sun
Check weather conditions

What to Bring

essential

Water Sunscreen Hat

seasonal

Warm jacket Umbrella

not allowed

Drone flying without permit Littering

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Moderate

• Dehydration
• Sunburn

Medical facilities: Basic first aid available

Payment Information

Accepted

Cash, Credit cards

Currency

Argentine Peso (ARS)

Typical Costs

entry $200 ARS

parking $100 ARS

food $300 ARS

souvenirs $500 ARS

Dress Code

Casual, comfortable clothing, Hiking shoes, long sleeves, pants, Hiking shoes or boots, Open-toed shoes

Booking Tips

• At least a week in advance
• Official website or local tour operators
• 48 hours
• Available for guided tours

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

La Payunia Official App

Size: 40 MB

Features: Map, Guided tours, Weather alerts

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center

Charging Stations: Visitor center

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport (El Plumerillo)

Distance: 120 km

Travel Time: 2 hours

taxi

$5000 ARS 2 hours

public_transport

$1000 ARS 3 hours

From City Center

Distance: 120 km

bus

$800 ARS 2 hours

taxi

$3000 ARS 2 hours

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Unique natural beauty and sense of adventure

Historical Significance: Important geological and ecological significance

Insider Tips

Visit the visitor center for the best maps
Early morning wildlife sightings are the best

Local Recommendations

• Try local empanadas
• Ask for guide Carlos

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Hola

thank_you Gracias

where_is ¿Dónde está?

how_much ¿Cuánto cuesta?

beautiful Hermoso

ticket Boleto

Guide Languages: Spanish, English

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Payún Matru Volcano

Best Time: Sunrise

Tips: Wide angle shots

Result: Stunning volcanic landscape

#volcano #landscape

Photography Rules

allowed areas All outdoor areas

prohibited areas None

flash photography Allowed

commercial photography Permit needed

drone policy Permit required

tripod policy Allowed

selfie sticks Allowed

Nearby Attractions

Bodegas de Malargüe

Distance: 50 km

Walking: N/A

Type: Wineries

Ruta Provincial 186

Distance: 30 km