This protected area features more than 800 volcanoes, a unique biodiversity, and geological formations that seem out of this world
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Mendoza is not only renowned for its wines, its gastronomy, and the imposing Aconcagua. In the southernmost part of the province lies La Payunia, one of the densest and most fascinating volcanic landscapes on the planet. This site, located in the department of Malargüe, covers more than 665,000 hectares of volcanic terrain and exceptional biodiversity, becoming a true natural sanctuary that dazzles visitors from all over the world.
La Payunia stretches across the districts of Río Grande, Agua Escondida, and Río Barrancas, about 90 km from the city of Malargüe and 570 km from the provincial capital. Its altitude ranges between 1,700 and 3,780 meters (5,577 and 12,402 feet) above sea level, reaching its highest point at the Payún Liso Volcano.
A unique volcanic park in the world
La Payunia: el parque volcánico de Mendoza que busca ser Patrimonio de la Humanidad
With more than 800 volcanic cones, La Payunia is one of the densest volcanic fields on the planet. The site's geological richness, with fields of solidified lava, ash, lapilli, and formations known as "volcanic bombs," has earned it a nomination as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site.
Among its most notable formations is the Payún Matrú, standing 3,750 meters (12,303 feet) tall, with a caldera 9 km in diameter, and Santa María, surrounded by the famous "Pampas Negras", covered by dark pyroclastic material that gives the landscape a Martian appearance.
A reserve of life in the heart of the desert
Beyond its spectacular geology, La Payunia is a refuge for remarkable biodiversity. It is home to around 14,000 guanacos, one of the largest populations in the country, as well as species such as the red fox, the pampas cat, the mara hare, and the Patagonian piche.
La Payunia: el parque volcánico de Mendoza que busca ser Patrimonio de la Humanidad
In terms of vegetation, shrubs such as jarilla, black solupe, and yellow firewood stand out, while in the driest areas cacti and grasslands of tupe and flechilla abound. Some species were ancestrally used by local inhabitants to prepare infusions, dyes, and to light campfires.
Birds such as the brown monjita, the black mockingbird, and the Patagonian rhea, called "choique," also inhabit the region. Among the reptiles, endemic species such as the escorial lizard and the piche-tailed lizard can be found.
Protected area and scientific treasure
La Payunia: el parque volcánico de Mendoza que busca ser Patrimonio de la Humanidad
The Government of Mendoza declared La Payunia a Protected Natural Area, with the goal of preserving its landscapes, fauna, flora, archaeological, and paleontological materials.
Additionally, scientific research is encouraged in a young and little-eroded volcanic district, ideal for studying the planet's geological dynamics.
