Arroyo Turquesa: Trekking in San Juan, Laguna Blanca and El Leoncito National Park
Four days in the Andes of San Juan: a high-mountain trek to the Arroyo Turquesa, nights camping by Laguna Blanca and stargazing at CASLEO on the eve of the new moon. March 5 to 8, 2027.
West of the city of San Juan, the Andes hold places that can only be reached on foot. The Arroyo Turquesa is one of them: a stream of intense color that rises at the foot of the Caballito glacier, more than 4,000 meters above sea level.
This expedition combines that trek with two nights of camping at Laguna Blanca, the Pampa del Leoncito and El Leoncito National Park, one of the main astrotourism destinations in Argentina. There we visit CASLEO, an international-level observatory, to look at the sky through a telescope.
It is a high-difficulty group trip, limited to 16 people, with a professional mountain guide, an assistant and a tour coordinator throughout the whole journey.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 – Friday, March 5 – Heading to Laguna Blanca See details
We meet at midday at San Juan airport. We have lunch and set off together in 4x4 vehicles into the heart of the Andes.
In the afternoon we reach the shelter facing Laguna Blanca, where we set up camp. The first day is meant for acclimatizing to the altitude and enjoying the mountains at an easy pace.
Dinner and overnight at camp.
Day 2 – Saturday, March 6 – Trek to the Arroyo Turquesa See details
This is the main day of the trip. In the morning we set out on foot toward the Arroyo Turquesa, together with the mountain guide and the assistant.
The goal is to reach the source of the stream, with a view of the Caballito glacier. We have lunch there, facing the glacier, and rest before heading back.
The round trip is about 16 km. The biggest challenge is the altitude: on this stretch we go above 4,000 meters above sea level.
Back at camp, we end the day with an asado dinner.
Day 3 – Sunday, March 7 – Barreal, Pampa del Leoncito and CASLEO See details
After breakfast we drive down to Barreal. There is free time to rest at Posada Posta Celestino and enjoy its swimming pool after two days in the mountains.
In the afternoon we go to the Pampa del Leoncito, a huge, flat plain where land sailing is practiced: a cart with a sail driven by the wind coming down from the Andes.
At dusk we enter El Leoncito National Park. At CASLEO we do a night observation with a telescope, on the eve of the new moon, when the sky is darkest and stars and planets are easiest to see.
Overnight in Barreal.
Day 4 – Monday, March 8 – Cerro de los Siete Colores and return See details
After breakfast we go to the Cerro de los Siete Colores (Hill of Seven Colors). A geologist who specializes in science communication joins us for an interpretive walk to understand how the hill’s colored layers were formed.
Then we head back to the city of San Juan, where the trip ends.
Highlights
- High-mountain trek to the source of the Arroyo Turquesa, with a view of the Caballito glacier.
- Two nights camping by Laguna Blanca.
- Stargazing with a telescope at CASLEO, on the eve of the new moon.
- Land sailing on the Pampa del Leoncito.
- Interpretive walk with a geologist at the Cerro de los Siete Colores.
Accommodation
The first two nights are spent camping at the shelter facing Laguna Blanca, with all meals included. The third night is in Barreal, at Posada Posta Celestino, with breakfast.
Included
- Ground transfers.
- Lunch on day 1.
- 1 night at Posada Posta Celestino (Barreal) with breakfast.
- 2 nights camping with lunch, dinner and breakfast.
- Professional mountain guide and assistant.
- Excursion to Laguna Blanca and the Arroyo Turquesa.
- Visit to CASLEO in El Leoncito National Park with night observation.
- Land sailing on the Pampa del Leoncito.
- Geotrek at the Cerro de los Siete Colores.
- Travel assistance.
- Tour coordinator throughout the trip.
Not included
- Flights.
- Sleeping bags (can be rented locally).
- Services not mentioned.
Price and payment
Price per person: ARS 1,350,000 (Argentine pesos).
Contact us for payment options for international travelers.
Four days with a demanding hike in the middle, the reward of reaching the foot of a glacier and a night watching the sky from one of the best places in the country to do it. The group is limited to 16 people. Write to us to book your spot or ask any questions.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Arroyo Turquesa and how do you get there?
It is in the Andes of San Juan, in the department of Calingasta. On this trip we drive in 4x4 vehicles from San Juan up to Laguna Blanca, where we camp, and from there we hike to the source of the stream, with a view of the Caballito glacier.
What fitness level do I need?
This is a high-difficulty trip. On the trekking day we walk about 16 km round trip and go above 4,000 meters above sea level. Mountain hiking experience and good physical condition are recommended. If you have doubts about your case, contact us before booking.
How does acclimatization to altitude work?
The first day is designed for acclimatization: we drive up in 4x4 vehicles to Laguna Blanca and spend the night there before the next day’s trek.
Do I need to bring a sleeping bag?
Sleeping bags are not included. You can bring your own or rent one locally for the two nights of camping. As a reference, in 2026 the rental cost ARS 39,000 (Argentine pesos) for the two nights.
What is CASLEO?
It is the El Leoncito Astronomical Complex (Complejo Astronómico El Leoncito), one of the two international-level observatories in El Leoncito National Park. On this trip we visit it at night to observe the sky through a telescope.
Are flights included?
No. The trip starts on Friday, March 5 at midday at San Juan airport and ends on Monday, March 8 in the city of San Juan.
