LAGUNA BRAVA, HISTORY, COLORS AND EXTREME ADVENTURE, ARGENTINA By Ale Mcalister

This amazing historical and colourful place, Parquehave found traces of human activity of 8,000
Nacional de Laguna Brava, park is located in theyears ago.   This area was then home of the
Province of La Rioja, that counts with numerousnatives Tehuelches and Mapuches, and it was
touristic attractions, such as fishing, windsurf andcommon path for all the indigenous communities in
mountain climbing between other sports togethertheir transition from the mountains to the sea.
of course with the local National Parks that areThe first white men who settled in the area (circa
worth to visit, such as Parque Nacional de1741) were the Jesuit missionaries, and that today
Talampaya, also in the same Province.thanks to them we have more information of
This Park is South-East from Buenos Aires to Lawhat this place looked like those days.
Rioja there are 1200 km and can be reached byThe Mapuche indigenous dominated the land
bus or plane. From La Rioja to Laguna Bravaaround 1743/45 forcing the departure of the
there is 450 kms and only has access driving on aJesuits. At that time the chief Cangapol, who
4x4 vehicle driving along the national route 38 todominated these lands made the Mapuches rule
Patquía and then the national Route 150 to theuntil late year 1,800.
intersection with the Valle Fertil.   The EntranceAmong the amazing colorful landscape, one of the
to this park is called Portezuelo at its highest pointattractions are the Vicuña reservation and pink
over the sea level.flamingos, Pumas or Chilean Tiger, and other
We continue our drive towards the Provincialspecies in this isolated but beautiful place, salt
Route 26 crossing the town of Villa Union, wherelakes, grassy steppes, clear sky, and bright sun,
it’s recommended to stay if you intend tothe perfect silence which is suitable for
visit this park on a day tour, due to its extensivemountaineering, as its also close to the Big
grounds and long time drive.  Other villages alongVolcano Bonete 6159mts of altitude above the
the way are Vinchina and Villa Castelli.   Thesea level and Pissis and The Veladero, the second
closest Provinces are Catamarca and San Juanhighest after South America's Aconcagua Peak.
and very close to the Chilean frontier path PircasWe recommend you to visit it during the months
Negras.of April and May and from October to November
It is also recommended to take a full programdue to climatic conditions, consisting of a harsh
which may include the tour to this park or towinter. For the more adventurous travelers, they
Talampaya.   For long walk lovers, hiking andcan stay in this place, carrying the necessary
extreme 4x4 adventures this is the perfect place.elements such as adequate shelter, food and fuel.
The history of Laguna Brava area is wide inThe length of the circuit and complete range of
terms of anthropology, with approximatelyLaguna Brava is about 3 days.
4000mts above the sea level, and where they