The sport "carrovelismo", or landsailing, is becoming increasingly popular in Argentina, as well as in the rest of the world. It is mostly practised on beaches along the seashore, but the world's ultimate place for landsailing is far away from any beach or ocean. Travel to San Juan in west Argentina, where the Pampas of Barreal are a landsailing paradise.
Carrovelismo or Landsailing in Argentina
In the southwest corner of San Juan Province lies a lacustrine basin. Amidst this highland desert of scrub lies a cracked lakebed, where nothing grows at all. The lake, which dried up millions of years ago, is now a fourteen by five kilometres dry plain and one the world's best tracks for landsailing. The word Carrovelismo comes from Carro a Velo, literally "Car by Wind". It is a three-wheeled sailing vehicle that is propelled by strong wind. In fact, it is the sail of a boat attached to a vehicle.
The reason for the popularity of landsailing on the Plains of El Leoncito, or the Pampas of Barreal, is the presence of the Zonda Wind. This wind is conspicuously absent during the morning, but starts to blow around noon and increases by the hour and can reach speeds of 120 kilometres per hour. The Zonda Wind originates on the Pacific Ocean and blows via the Andes Mountains into Argentina.
Landsailing Competitions in San Juan, West Argentina
The Zonda Wind is known for its fierce gusts that cover everything and everyone in thick layers of dust. While some people are literally driven crazy by the Zonda Wind, it has a high attraction for others; not only for lovers of landsailing in Barreal but also for windsurfers and kitesurfers in Rodeo – in the northwest of San Juan.
Spectacles in Barreal are the World Championship Carrovelismo, or other competitions that are held on the plains of El Leoncito. Check out the travel agencies in Barreal or the Tourist Information in San Juan to see when these competitions take place, since dates change every year.
Renting Carrovelas and Landsailing Instructions in Barreal
In the beautifully situated village of Barreal are several agencies that rent out carrovelas and give instruction in landsailing. Experienced landsailors can cruise the Pampas of Barreal independently, while an instructor is provided for those who are unfamiliar with the sport. Carrovelas are always rented for an entire afternoon, and never in the morning [because there is no wind].
Places of Interests in Barreal and El Leoncito National Park
- The morning can be spent wandering around the village of Barreal or its surroundings. Take in the sweeping views of the Andes Mountains that form the border between Argentina and Chile or read a book in the shade of the tall poplar trees.
- A good place for camping is the adjacent El Leoncito National Park [free of charge]. The facilities are basic, one toilet and shower at the entrance, but the park has a well-equipped asado set-up to prepare a true Argentinean asado [bbq].
- El Leoncito National Park offers hiking trails, a small but very refreshing waterfall, and guided visits to the El Leoncito and Cesco Observatories.
Karin-Marijke Vis - Karin-Marijke Vis is a bilingual writer (Dutch-English) who has been traveling in Asia and South America since 2003.
Join the Conversation