Category: Blog

The Argentine Northwest is a region characterized by its numerous species and natural beauty. National parks are protected areas within a specific legal framework created to preserve the native animals and plant life so that future generations can enjoy them. Let’s learn more about the national parks located in both Salta and Jujuy provinces. These beautiful areas are a great plan for nature and outdoor enthusiasts and even when some of them prove difficult to access, others offer campsites and good facilities for visitors. Los Cardones National Park This park is located in Salta and is the most visited even when sometimes people don’t know they are crossing it. With 64000 hectares, it was created in 1961 in order to protect the dry mountain ranges in the area that were so important to the pre hispanic cultures who fed their animals there. Even though the park doesn’t have adequate infrastructure to receive visitors, the administrative offices are located in Payogasta and they can provide further information about the reserve. People cross this national park when they travel from Salta to Cachi and one of the most recognizable segments is the Recta del Tin Tin, a 19 kilometer straight route built over an old Inca road. Plant life is mainly dominated by the Echinopsis atacamensis, a kind of big cactus known as cardón by the locals. Apart from these giants, dinosaur prints and cave paintings can be found within the limits of the park. Considering the dryness of the environment and the difficulties for life to sprout, a big variety of animals live here, including armadillos, mountain cats, foxes, pumas and condors. El Rey National Park This park is located some 200 kilometers from Salta, in the Anta department. It is one of the most biodiverse regions in the country and includes both yungas (mountain forests) and dry plains. This 44000+