About
San Juan is a city in the Argentine province of the same name, set at the foot of the Andes in South America. It is a place where the mountains feel close at hand, and where many visitors arrive as much for the surrounding landscape as for the city itself.
A city shaped by the mountains
Its position at the foot of the Andes gives San Juan a strong sense of place. The range rises close to the urban area, and the views change with the light through the day. The city is also known as a gateway to Aconcagua, the high peak that draws climbers and trekkers from many countries, so for some travellers San Juan serves as the starting point for a longer mountain journey.
Wine and the countryside
San Juan is known for wine production, and vineyards form a large part of the area around the city. A visit here naturally suits those interested in wine, whether that means touring vineyards, sampling local bottles or simply enjoying the agricultural landscape that surrounds the city.
Rebuilt after a great earthquake
San Juan was devastated by an earthquake in 1944, and the city was rebuilt afterwards. Visitors looking at the modern city can see the result of that reconstruction, and the event remains part of how the city understands itself.
- Location: San Juan Province, Argentina
- Best suited to: travellers interested in the Andes, wine country and mountain expeditions
- Also known as: St. John
