Valle Fértil Department

Valle Fértil
Departamento Pocito
location of Departamento Valle Fértil in San Juan Province
location of Departamento Valle Fértil in San Juan Province
Coordinates: 30°40′S 67°26′W / 30.667°S 67.433°W / -30.667; -67.433
CountryArgentina
SeatVilla San Agustín
Area
 • Total
6,419 km2 (2,478 sq mi)
Population
 (2001 census [INDEC])
 • Total
6,864
 • Density1.1/km2 (2.8/sq mi)
Demonymvallista
Postal Code
5400
IFAM
Area Code0264
Patron saintSan Agustín
Websitewww.munivallefertil.gov.ar
Lago San Agustin in Valle Fértil

Valle Fértil is a department of the province of San Juan (Argentina). Characterized by highly fertile landscapes and contains the Ischigualasto Provincial Park, also known as the Valley of the Moon, which is visited by tourists from around the world.

Origin of the name

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The Spaniards, upon their arrival, found the indigenous people referred to the area as "Chaj Nai--Paj", which means "green or fertile country of many rivers".

Tourism

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Ischigualasto

The main attraction is Ischigualasto, a strange landscape, in what may have been one of the most interesting stages of the earth's history, the Triassic period, the place known as the Valley of the Moon, for the apparent resemblance to a lunar landscape. It is a protected area for the preservation and study of strange geological formations, wildlife, flora and fossils.

30°40′S 67°26′W / 30.667°S 67.433°W / -30.667; -67.433