El Rey National Park
Explore one of the protected areas with the biggest wildlife diversity in the region.
Tour a jungle that changes as the altitude increases. Explore its paths, rivers and streams. Nature here merges with history. Follow the footprints of the native farmers, who have lived here since ancient times. Take a look at the treasured archaeological materials found in the park: ceramic pieces, objects with zoomorphic motifs, and axes made of polished stone.
Visit Pozo Verde and Chorro de los Loros, Santa Elena field and Los Lobitos waterfall, Popayán River and Los Patitos lagoon. Explore the spots which are home to diverse wildlife: the charata and the red-legged seriema, the Brazilian duck and the least grebe, the red-fronted coot and the common gallinule, the skunk pig and the tapir, the fox and the cougar, the dolphin fish and the boga, the catfish and the sábalo, the corzuela and the neotropical river otter. A natural experience is waiting for you.
Geographic location: Province of Salta.
How to get there: The park is located 200 km away from the capital of Salta. Take Ruta Nacional 9 from this city to Lumbreras. Then, go along Ruta Provincial 5 to Paso de la Cruz and take Ruta Provincial 20 to the entrance of the park.
Area: 44,162 hectares.
Altitude: Between 700 and 2,300 meters above sea level.
Climate: Tropical dry. The rainy season extends from December through March. The average temperature is 8ºC in winter and 21ºC in summer. There are snowfalls and temperatures below zero at the top of the mountains.
Recommended length of stay: 2 to 4 days.
Recommended clothing and gear: Insect repellent and light clothes. It is advisable to be prepared for temperature changes.
What to do: wildlife watching, trekking, hiking and horseback riding. It is allowed to camp.
Tips: It is only possible to access the park by car from April to November (during the dry season), when rivers are low and the paths dry.