WESTERN CIRCUIT

Huellas del pasado - Traces from the Past
The Park treasures the fossils of two species of a particular group of ancient reptiles. The pterosaurs or winged lizards. One of them shows a set of teeth resembling a sort of basket, which was used for retaining and filtering the microorganisms with which it fed, presumably taking them from the water, the way that present day flamingos do. As a matter of fact, it is evident that the highlands still keep many secrets of its past biological history, secrets that will keep unravelling with the continuous pending scientific and biological research.

Los antiguos habitantes - The Pre-Historic dwellers.
There are some elements found inside the Park that reveal the former presence of the "Huarpes", a pre-Hispanic indigenous culture that once inhabited the land. It still remains to be proven that the rests of some small ovens were theirs, but it is a fact that other archaeological findings belonged to them.

Circuits
If the traveller wants to make a short visit, it will be enough for him to get off the train to find himself at the viewing points. A red-coated scenery, formed by precipices and altars at different heights are in the Potrero de la Aguada.

Sitting at the top of some outcroppings of rocks, or on the edge of the cliffs, the landscape can be stared at for hours, in an elated state of mind, with both eyes and mind filled by unique and pleasant sensations.

On the other hand, if his or her intentions are to take a longer trip, the traveller can take the journey that goes down to the Valley, always with the help of an expert guide, because it is very easy to get lost among the natural labyrinths that lay ahead. After the descent, the traveller will access the Potrero de la Aguada, and from this point, heading westward, will get to the Desaguadero River, whose waters nourish the Guanacache Lagoons Complex.

Access roads.
The Sierra de las Quijadas National Park is in the Northeast of the Province of San Luis. From this place, the natural approach will be by the hamlet of Hualtarán, at 120 kms over the Ruta Nacional No 147, from where a small gravel road goes to the left for about six kms that will actually take the traveller up to the the Potrero de la Aguada.

Suggestions and Tips for the Traveller

• Before engaging in any activity, ask for a permit and then get all the concerning information from the guards of the Park.
• Respect all the signs, directions and rules of the Park.
• Every excursion must have a local guide.
• Motorcycles and bicycles have restricted transit, but only over the designated vehicle roads.
• Camping is forbidden outside the special areas.
• Do not bring pets of any kind. If so, you must keep them leased..
• Do not leave your garbage and leftovers.
• Take enough drinkable water with you, there is none to be found in the Park..
• Carry a heater for cooking, the firewood is also a protected item.
• There are few shaded places. Protect yourself against the sun
• Don't forget your hat at home. If you did; buy another one.
• Use blockers on your skin or any other protection against sunburn.
• Wear sunglasses.