Barreal combines activities on the Río Los Patos with the vast Pampa del Leoncito, regional history and wine tastings. Nearby destinations in the Departamento Calingasta also include Parque Nacional El Leoncito, around 34 kilometres from Barreal. Distinguishing between the town and its surroundings can help you organise activities to suit your stay.

Rafting, land sailing and cycling in Barreal

Rafting trips of varying difficulty are offered on the Río Los Patos in Barreal. The specific options depend on the operators and river conditions; check whether trips are running before you travel. Land sailing on Pampa del Leoncito is considered Barreal’s favourite sport. The quiet paths in Barreal are also suitable for cycling. Together, the river, plain and paths offer different ways to stay active.

Pampa del Leoncito, also known as Barreal Blanco, is a plain in Barreal in the Departamento Calingasta. It is 12 kilometres long and 5 kilometres wide. These dimensions give you an idea of the landscape associated with land sailing.

Regional history, wine and getting your bearings

Museo Renzo Herrera preserves objects relating to regional history. Bodega Entre Tapias offers wine tastings, while the Centro Cultural in Barreal serves as a tourist information centre. These provide further points of interest in addition to outdoor activities: regional history, wine and visitor information.

Excursions in the Departamento Calingasta

Parque Nacional El Leoncito is in the Departamento Calingasta, about 34 kilometres from Barreal. It covers 89,900 hectares. Its landscape includes plains between mountain ranges, high plateaus, ridges and small high-altitude oases. Hiking trails vary considerably in length and difficulty.

The trail to Cerro Leoncito is 8 kilometres long, takes about 3 hours and is of moderate to high difficulty. A shorter alternative is the 500-metre trail to Cascada El Rincón, which is easy: it leads from the car park to a natural viewing terrace overlooking the waterfall. Check trail conditions before setting out.

The Geológico La Cantera trail offers a 4-kilometre route and an additional 6-kilometre route of moderate difficulty; there are ancient petroglyphs along the way. Paisajes de agua runs alongside the El Leoncito stream and is an easy, 1-kilometre trail. It is possible to spot cavies, foxes, various bird species and guanacos there. You may also be able to spot a puma, but this is not guaranteed.

Stargazing and viewpoints

At Parque Nacional El Leoncito, the Observatorio CASLEO is associated with stargazing. Observatorio Cesco is open for daytime visits from Thursday to Sunday, 10 am to 12 pm and 4 pm to 6 pm. Night visits to Observatorio Cesco are possible by booking in advance through its website. Check opening times and booking requirements before your visit.

The viewpoints also offer different experiences: Mirador del Manzanar has a 360-degree panorama and is next to a historic apple orchard. Mirador del Cesco is a few metres from the entrance to Observatorio Cesco. It sits higher than Mirador del Manzanar and offers a wider view that also takes in the observatory.

Getting there and finding accommodation

Barreal is mainly accessed via Ruta Nacional 149. If you are looking for a hotel in Barreal, you can base your choice on activities in town and plan destinations in the Departamento Calingasta separately as excursions.

For the wider travel overview: Departamento Calingasta.