Malargüe is part of the Andean volcanic belt, which stretches along the western edge of South America and the Andes mountain range. This region is characterized by significant tectonic activity, which has given rise to numerous volcanic formations in the area.
The most impressive of them is La Payunia Reserve. With more than 800 volcanic cones, extensive lava fields, and striking black sand plains, visiting it feels like stepping foot on a completely different planet.
La Payunia Reserve spans about 450,000 hectares, featuring one of the highest densities of volcanoes in the world.
Also read: What To Do in Mendoza – A Guide to Argentina’s Wine Capital
How to Visit La Payunia
You typically have to be based in Malargüe to visit La Payunia. The reserve is located about a 3-hour drive South of the small town and can only be visited on a guided tour.
La Payunia is a protected reserve due to its unique geological formations and biodiversity and so only a few areas are allowed to be visited, hence the need for an experienced guide.
Fun fact: La Payunia Reserve is being considered for UNESCO World Heritage status due to its exceptional volcanic features and biodiversity. Let’s hope this happens!
We did all of our tours in Malargüe with Choique Turismo and we highly recommend them.
If you’re based in San Rafael, Sierra Negra Turismo offers 4×4 private excursions to the Payunia (on a higher price tag, of course).
Also read: Discover San Rafael, Mendoza: The Ultimate Top 10 Things to Do
Know Before You Go
⏰ Tours depart from Malargüe and the minimum duration is between 10 and 12 hours.
🎟️ We recommend checking current fees before you go but last we checked the tour was going for about 100 euros per person with Choique Turismo, plus the 3300 pesos fee to enter the reserve.
🥾 Pants are mandatory for this experience. Low temperatures, even in summer due to the strong winds, require bringing some warm clothing. The solar radiation is also very strong, so proper sun protection is necessary. Bring comfortable walking shoes and extra water.
🥐 Since this is a full-day tour, breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks are usually provided. We recommend also bringing your own snacks for the 3-hour journey to and from.
🚽 There are no restrooms along the entire route from Malargüe to Payunia, but you can use nature during the stops. At the reserve’s entrance and exit, restrooms are available.
🚁 Drones are not allowed in the reserve unless you have a permit. Permits can be obtained by contacting their Tourism Department.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and Autumn are considered ideal due to the milder temperatures and fewer local tourists. We visited during summertime in January and still thought the place was quite empty and the temperatures hot but bearable. Weather does change out of the blue so we experienced a crazy hail storm that painted the park white!
If you visit during wintertime (June to August), you’ll likely get a completely different landscape with the cones potentially being covered by snow. Access can be more challenging during these months but still possible.
Also read: How to Visit Aconcagua – Ultimate Guide & Tips
La Payunia Tour Itinerary
1️⃣ La Pasarela: the first stop after you leave Malargüe. This imposing basalt rock canyon was created by the forces of a river, the Río Grande.
2️⃣ Fortunoso Oil Field: it’s not a secret the Andes are rich in natural resources, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that right before entering a (thankfully) protected natural reserve, you pass through an oil mining field. You’ll get to see the huge machines working in the field.
3️⃣ Ranger Station: before entering the reserve, you’ll stop at a ranger station to present your entry tickets and use the restrooms.
4️⃣ La Payunia Reserve: once inside the reserve, some of the most amazing stops are:
- Pampas Negras: this entire area is covered by lapilli, which is fragmented lava or pyroclastic material, very small in size and very dark in color.
- Pyroclastic Bomb Field: where large volcanic bombs, ejected during an eruption, have landed and solidified.
- Los Colores & Wax Museum: viewpoints to the colorful volcanic fields and particular rock formations. The most famous one is a rock shaped like a window.
- El Morado Volcano: a volcano rich in iron and therefore red! You’ll hike to the top of this one.
Fun fact: La Payunia Reserve is one of the highest concentrations of volcanoes in the world 🌋
Besides volcanic cones and lava fields, you’ll also spot loads of guanacos (smaller cousins of the llamas) around here.
5️⃣ Ranger Station: you’ll leave the reserve via another ranger station, where you can use the restrooms again.
Fun fact: On the way back to Malargüe, you might spot the DS3 antenna. The antenna is part of the Deep Space Network (DSN) operated by NASA and was placed here due to its strategic location to complement the existing antennas in Spain and Australia, ensuring global coverage for deep space missions. How cool is that?!
Hot tip: for a smooth travel experience, we always recommend using a Wise debit card for the best withdrawal fees around the globe and Airalo to never arrive in a foreign country without internet.
