Valle de la Luna in Argentina: the 4 Valleys of the Moon and how to get there

1. Valle de la Luna in Cusi Cusi, Jujuy

This is one of those places that make you feel like you're on another planet. At about 3,800 m (12,470 ft) above sea level, the Valle de la Luna at Cusi Cusi, in Jujuy province, is dotted with strange rock formations eroded by wind and water. It's a well-kept secret that deserves to be discovered.

Location and how to get there: Cusi Cusi is in the Cochinoca department, in the northwest of Jujuy. We went from Tilcara. We took Route 9 to Abra Pampa (128 km of paved road). From Abra Pampa we crossed to Cusi Cusi on Routes 7 and 70 and finally Route 40 (Ruta 40). That whole last stretch is 120 km of unpaved road, with no cell service and no gas stations. It took us about 5 hours in a rented Renault Duster (not a 4x4). The gravel road was fairly well maintained by the area's mining companies. We recommend filling up with gas in Abra Pampa and carrying a spare tire.

2. Valle de la Luna in Ischigualasto National Park, San Juan

You've probably heard of this one already, but we can't leave it out. In San Juan province, Ischigualasto National Park is famous for its Valle de la Luna, a lunar landscape that looks like something from another planet. Here you'll find unique rock formations, dinosaur fossils and a surreal atmosphere.

Location and how to get there: It's in the northeast of San Juan province. The easiest way to get there is by road from the city of San Juan, taking National Route 40 and then Provincial Route 510. You can also visit it from La Rioja, since it's very close to Talampaya National Park. We included it in our La Rioja itinerary.

3. Valle de la Luna Rojo, Río Negro

This valley gets its name (rojo means red) from rock formations in an intense reddish tone that look like a Martian landscape. You can hike here among the rock outcrops and take in the impressive views.

Location and how to get there: It's near the town of General Roca, in Río Negro province. You can get there by taking National Route 22 from the city of Neuquén, then Provincial Route 6 to the valley.

4. Valle de la Luna Amarillo, Río Negro

Right next to Valle de la Luna Rojo is another well-kept secret: Valle de la Luna Amarillo (amarillo means yellow). This charming place is also in General Roca, in Río Negro province. Its golden-yellow rock formations create a landscape worth admiring and photographing. It sits on the bank of the Río Negro, where many local people spend the day on weekends.

Location and how to get there: Like Valle de la Luna Rojo, it's near the city of General Roca. Take the same National Route 22 from Neuquén, then Provincial Route 6, and you'll reach this fascinating place.

It's common to think that the only Valle de la Luna in Argentina is the one in San Juan, perhaps because of its fame and paleontological importance. But as you've discovered on our tour, there are actually 3 more valleys that share the name, each with its own character and charm.

We hope this trip through the 4 Valles de la Luna in Argentina has surprised you as much as it surprised us.

As always, the beauty of our country isn't limited to the best-known or most popular places, so we encourage you to venture further. And remember to take care of these places: don't litter, and don't light fires where it isn't allowed.