Pampa del Leoncito suffers severe environmental damage from illegal vehicle entry

A 46-year-old doctor from Mendoza is under investigation after driving a Toyota Hilux into the restricted Pampa del Leoncito area in Calingasta, San Juan, causing significant damage to the delicate clay soil of Barreal Blanco.

The vehicle became stuck in the soft terrain, leaving tracks approximately 25 centimeters deep. According to Calingasta Mayor Sebastián Carbajal, attempts to recover the vehicle and the use of an enduro motorcycle transported in the truck caused additional damage. The vehicle has been placed under the custody of the Gendarmería Nacional.

Authorities have implemented a 30-day total ban on vehicular access to the area to allow the ground to dry and stabilize following recent rains. Experts warn that due to the unique natural conditions of the site, such damage can be extremely long-lasting; previous incidents have required between 40 and 60 years for natural recovery, and officials estimate this specific damage could take up to 100 years to heal. To prevent future occurrences, the San Juan government will reinforce security controls and install an information node at the entrance.