La Ciénaga is a protected natural area along the Río Huaco, roughly 25 kilometers from San José de Jáchal and about 179 kilometers from the city of San Juan.

The landscape is strikingly varied — multicolored hills, natural caves, unusual rock formations, and unexpected waterfalls combine to create a setting well known among geology and paleontology enthusiasts. There is no cell service in the area.

A campground operates on site, and well-marked trails accommodate hikers and cyclists of varying ability levels. Organized birdwatching excursions are also available, as the area supports a notable diversity of bird species.

Nearby, within the same protected zone, the formation known as Los Nevados features white eroded landforms set against intensely red terrain, reached via the winding Cuesta de Huaco.