San Juan City

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Although historically old, the city of San Juan lacks the colonial charm of other Argentine cities in the north, as it was entirely re-built to meet anti-seismic standards after a major earthquake in 1944 completely flattened it. However, little seismic activity has been registered since then and the “Sanjuaninos” have ensured their city has plenty of parks, broad leafy avenues and wide pavements which make it very attractive. It has loads of museums, some of greater interest than others, and also the largest concert hall in South America, with stunning acoustics.Your first stop should be the Tourist Information Office to pick up a map.

A visit to the Natural Science Museum, the Museo de Ciencias Naturales, is a must. Argentina has long been recognized by the scientific community as a paleontological gold mine with all kinds of never-before identified dinosaurs popping out of the ground from Patagonia upwards. The museum puts on a really good show. If you’re into history, one of Argentina’s founding fathers, the educator Domingo Faustino Sarmiento who established an educational system across the country and later became president, was born and brought up here.

His home has been turned into a museum, the Casa Natal de Domingo Sarmiento, where you can pick up some interesting facts about the turbulent nation-building process in the 18th and 19th centuries. Also try the Museo Historico Sanmartiniano for more of the same and an insight into the deeds of one of Argentina’s most famous heroes.

Don’t miss a visit to a vineyard for wine-tasting and the chance to learn more about the regional specialties. The most interesting ones are: Bodega Santiago Graffigna, one of the largest wineries, with its own museum about the family who dedicated generations to producing some of the best vintages in the province and Champañera Cavas de Zonda, inside a labyrinth of caves beneath a mountain which keeps the temperature cool and stable at 16° all year round for the champagne-making process. Buy some at the shop – the prices are very reasonable.

If you’re into water sports, close to San Juan, the Ullum reservoir offers opportunities for windsurfing and sailing and is just an hour’s drive through spectacular scenery from San Juan city. If you’re fed up with the city, stay at the Howard Johnson Bahia resort and enjoy the sunset over the water from the terrace.

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