To reach the El Leoncito Astronomical Complex (CASLEO) located in the Calingasta department, west of the San Juan province, it takes 15 hours by car crossing seven states. Situated at 2,552 meters above sea level, it is within an astronomical reserve of 70,000 hectares that guarantees the preservation of the quality of its sky.
CASLEO is part of the El Leoncito National Park, a protected area that offers visitors the opportunity to explore natural trails and participate in astrotourism activities. It offers daytime and nighttime visits, allowing astronomy enthusiasts and the general public to enjoy guided sky observations.
The complex houses the "Jorge Sahade" telescope, a 2.15-meter diameter Ritchey-Chrétien reflector, considered the largest in Argentina. Each year, about 80 researchers and graduate students participate in observational proposals with this telescope. The combination of first-class scientific facilities and a privileged natural environment makes the El Leoncito Astronomical Complex a must-visit destination for lovers of astronomy and nature.
Inaugurated in 1986, CASLEO was formally created in 1983 through an agreement between the Undersecretariat of Science and Technology, CONICET, and the national universities of La Plata, Córdoba, and San Juan. It is located approximately 30 kilometers south of the town of Barreal, accessible via Route 149.
For those interested in visiting CASLEO, prior reservations are recommended, especially for nighttime observations. In the decade 2011-2020, researchers from 33 countries comprised the work teams that used the 2.15 m telescope. At 1,263 kilometers from the City of Buenos Aires, this place offers the opportunity to enjoy the sky and explore every corner of it, with ideal landscapes for photography along the way.
