Talampaya

Located in northwestern Argentina, the Talampaya National Park
welcomes visitors with an impressive collection of wind eroded, whimsical
rock formations that proudly embellish this inhospitable region.

Some of these rock formations have received names according to the figure they seem to resemble. This way, you will find "The Monk", "The Wise Man", "The Tower", and "The Cathedral" among others.
One of the most beautiful formations is the so-called "Lost City", a 2km long depression which shape resembles ruined buildings.

In order to preserve this delicate equilibrium of this natural setting and to protect inexperienced tourists from getting into potentially dangerous areas (i.e., collapse danger), entry to the Talampaya National Park is only allowed to groups accompanied by an authorized guide from the Park. The tour usually includes a car ride through the most popular and impressive landscapes but, depending on the group's preferences, trekking and biking activities are also permitted in some areas.

The Talampaya National Park was declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2000, due not only to its astonishing beauty, but also to its archaeological and paleontological value. Together, the Talampaya and Ischigualasto National Park (also known as Moon Valley), contain the most complete continental fossil record known from the Triassic Period (245-208 million years ago)...that is, the time when dinosaurs ruled the world!