Los Cardones National Park
Discover them in natural environments within diverse eco-regions: Puna grassland, High Andean region, Argentine Northwest Monte and Thistle of the Prepuna.
Have you seen the huge cactuses that identify the valleys between the Andes in the Argentine north? They lend their name to Los Cardones National Park. Behold them. Walk around one of the largest cardon gardens in South America. Also discover the landscapes of the Valle Encantado and the Ojo de Cóndor panoramic point, Camino del Pasado and Piedra del Molino, the Tin Tin mount, and the village of Cachi. Explore Las Pailas and the pre-Columbian ruins at La Paya.
Here, over 60,000 hectares of natural environment are waiting for you. Do you like wildlife watching? Spot the red fox and the Tucumán mountain-finch, the southern andean flicker and the highland tuco tuco, the guanaco and the rapid’s frog, the huayco tinamou and the Andean condor, the skunk and the southern viscacha. Watch the flight of the white-fronted woodpecker, an emblematic bird from the park. Live it all in the province of Salta.
Geographic location: Province of Salta, north of Argentina.
How to get there: via Ruta Provincial 33 (120 km away from the city of Salta).
Altitude: Between 2,700 and 5,000 meters above sea level.
Climate: In a large portion of this area, the climate is dry, with a significant temperature range.
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 2 days.
Recommended clothing and gear: Warm clothes suitable for significant temperature changes due to the height.
Tips: While it can be visited all year round, it is better to come in the dry season, from March to November.