Los Cardones National Park
Explore a high-altitude desert landscape dotted with giant cardón cacti, ancient fossils, and dinosaur tracks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clear skies, pleasant temps
Los Cardones National Park
Best Time
Clear skies, pleasant temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a high-altitude desert landscape dotted with giant cardón cacti, ancient fossils, and dinosaur tracks.
"Just gorgeous - the guidebook had it as a must see - and it truly is!"
🚗 Vehicle is Key
A car is essential for exploring the park's vastness. Consider a 4x4 for some routes.
💧 Stay Hydrated
High altitude and dry climate demand plenty of water. Bring more than you think you'll need!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cardón Cacti Forests
Throughout the park
Towering, ancient cardón cacti dominate the landscape, creating an otherworldly, timeless vista.
Fossilized Forest
Specific designated areas
Discover petrified tree trunks over 70 million years old, remnants of a lush past.
Dinosaur Tracks
Various locations within the park
Walk in the footsteps of giants by viewing ancient dinosaur footprints preserved in stone.
Cuesta del Obispo
Access road to the park
A breathtaking zig-zagging mountain pass offering panoramic views of the valleys below.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Los Cardones
Navigating the Park's Wonders
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Vehicle is Key
A car is essential for exploring the park's vastness. Consider a 4x4 for some routes.
💧 Stay Hydrated
High altitude and dry climate demand plenty of water. Bring more than you think you'll need!
☀️ Sun Protection
The sun is intense at high altitudes. Pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring, so comfortable, supportive shoes are a must.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Vehicle is Key
A car is essential for exploring the park's vastness. Consider a 4x4 for some routes.
💧 Stay Hydrated
High altitude and dry climate demand plenty of water. Bring more than you think you'll need!
☀️ Sun Protection
The sun is intense at high altitudes. Pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring, so comfortable, supportive shoes are a must.
🧀 Support Local Artisans
Many indigenous vendors sell delicious goat cheese and handicrafts. Great souvenirs!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Los Cardones National Park for its unique, awe-inspiring landscapes dominated by towering cardón cacti and ancient geological wonders. The vastness and natural beauty are frequently highlighted, with many appreciating the opportunity to see dinosaur tracks and fossilized forests. Some note that while the park itself is beautiful, the surrounding areas and the drive, particularly the Cuesta del Obispo, offer equally stunning scenery.
"Ancient Pre-Columbian Route: The park lies along El Camino Inca, part of the ancient Inca road system that once connected parts of Argentina, Chile, and Bolivia. These roads were used by indigenous cultures for trade and communication long before Spanish colonization.
Fossilized Forest: Hidden within the park are petrified tree trunks from over 70 million years ago, dating back to the Cretaceous period. This fossilized forest tells a story of when this area was much wetter and forested—quite different from its current desert-like appearance.
Ghost Stories: Some local guides whisper about mysterious lights and ghostly figures seen in the vast desert expanses at night. These stories add an eerie, mystical aura to the otherwise serene environment."
Iryna Kabanchuk
"Just gorgeous - the guidebook had it as a must see - and it truly is!
It may ”only“ be a somewhat barren area studded with large cacti - but the views of this vast landscape are absolutely impressive!"
René Schüler
"The park himself is protected but is not exceptional because you can see many places with more cactus than here. But after the park, in the direction of Salta, there are very beautiful views with green mountains and red rocks, it's amazing !
Many indigenous people send goat cheese, artisanal stuff...
And you can see guanacos in the park!"
Auré Gumy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach Los Cardones National Park from Salta is by car. You'll typically drive along Route 68 towards Cafayate, then take Route 40 north, or head west on Route 68 towards the Cuesta del Obispo. The drive itself, especially via the Cuesta del Obispo, offers stunning scenery. 
While challenging, it's not impossible. Organized tours from Salta often include visits to the park. However, for independent exploration and to truly appreciate the vastness, having your own vehicle or renting one is highly recommended.
Many visitors opt for the scenic route via the Cuesta del Obispo, a winding mountain pass with incredible views. This route leads you through diverse landscapes before reaching the park. Alternatively, you can access parts of the park via Route 40.
Direct public transportation to the heart of Los Cardones National Park is very limited. Buses typically run between major towns like Salta and Cachi, and you might need to arrange local transport or tours from those points to enter the park itself.
The distance varies depending on the route, but it's approximately a 2-3 hour drive from Salta city to reach the main areas of Los Cardones National Park. The journey through the Cuesta del Obispo adds to the travel time but is well worth it for the views.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
As of recent information, Los Cardones National Park generally does not have an entrance fee for general access, making it an accessible natural wonder. However, it's always a good idea to check official park websites or local tourism offices for any potential changes.
Los Cardones National Park is typically open year-round, 24 hours a day, allowing for flexible exploration. However, visitor centers or specific facilities within the park may have limited operating hours, especially during off-peak seasons.
No advance booking is usually required for general entry into Los Cardones National Park, as there is no entrance fee. If you plan to join a guided tour, then booking that tour in advance would be necessary.
Visitors are expected to respect the natural environment. This includes staying on marked trails, not disturbing wildlife, and not removing any natural elements. Always follow park ranger guidelines.
Generally, pets are not allowed in national parks to protect the native wildlife and delicate ecosystems. It's best to leave your pets at your accommodation when visiting Los Cardones National Park.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Must-sees include the vast cardón cacti forests, ancient dinosaur tracks, and the fossilized forest. Hiking trails offer opportunities to explore the unique high-altitude landscapes and enjoy panoramic views. Don't miss the Cuesta del Obispo for spectacular vistas. +1
Yes, there are several hiking trails of varying difficulty within Los Cardones National Park. These trails allow you to immerse yourself in the unique flora and fauna, and discover hidden geological wonders.
Keep an eye out for guanacos, condors, and various high-altitude bird species. The park's diverse ecosystems support a range of wildlife, though sightings can depend on luck and time of day.
Absolutely! The dramatic landscapes, towering cacti, and vast open spaces make Los Cardones a photographer's paradise. The Cuesta del Obispo and the cacti forests offer incredible opportunities for stunning shots.
Los Cardones National Park is situated at high altitudes, with elevations often exceeding 3,000 meters (9,800 feet) above sea level. This contributes to the unique climate and the hardy vegetation found there.
📸 📸 Photography
The iconic cardón cacti forests are a prime subject, especially during sunrise or sunset. The Cuesta del Obispo offers breathtaking panoramic shots of the valleys. Look for areas with dinosaur tracks or the fossilized forest for unique compositions.
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – provide the most dramatic lighting for photography, casting long shadows and highlighting the textures of the landscape. Midday can be harsh due to the high altitude sun.
Experiment with wide-angle lenses to capture the vastness of the landscape. Look for interesting foreground elements like cacti or rock formations to add depth. Consider using a polarizing filter to enhance the blue of the sky and reduce glare.
Yes, wildlife photography is possible, but patience is key. Binoculars can help spot animals like guanacos from a distance. Use a telephoto lens if you have one to capture them without disturbing their natural behavior.
A versatile camera with interchangeable lenses is ideal. Consider a wide-angle lens for landscapes and a telephoto lens for wildlife. A sturdy tripod can be useful for low-light photography or capturing long exposures. Don't forget extra batteries and memory cards!
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and water, as facilities can be sparse. Consider a shorter, easier hike to keep younger ones engaged. The drive through the Cuesta del Obispo can be thrilling, but be mindful of winding roads. Supporting local artisans selling goat cheese and crafts can also be a fun cultural experience for the whole family.
🚗 Road Trippers & Adventurers
Consider dedicating at least a full day, or even an overnight stay in nearby Cachi, to fully appreciate the park. The high-altitude environment and the potential for off-road exploration (with appropriate vehicles) add to the adventure. Be prepared for changing weather conditions and ensure your vehicle is in good condition for mountain driving.
📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers
+1Beyond the iconic cacti, seek out the fossilized forest and dinosaur tracks for unique, historically significant shots. The high-altitude environment also offers opportunities to photograph unique flora and fauna. Remember to pack appropriate gear, including wide-angle and telephoto lenses, and a sturdy tripod for capturing the park's grandeur.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Majestic Cardón Cacti
+1These cacti are not just visually striking; they play a crucial role in the park's ecosystem, providing shelter and food for various animals. Their ribbed structure and ability to store water are adaptations to the arid conditions. Seeing them up close, you can appreciate the intricate patterns and the sheer age they represent.
When exploring, remember to admire these natural wonders from a respectful distance. They are a protected species, and their slow growth means they are a precious part of this unique environment. The sheer density of cardones in certain areas gives the park its distinctive name and character.
Echoes of the Past: Fossils and Dinosaur Tracks
Adding to the prehistoric allure are the dinosaur tracks scattered throughout the park. These preserved footprints allow visitors to literally walk in the path of giants that roamed this land millions of years ago. Finding and observing these tracks provides a tangible connection to the deep history of the Earth and the creatures that once inhabited it.
These paleontological wonders underscore the park's significance not just as a natural landscape but as a living museum. They offer a unique educational opportunity, reminding us of the dynamic geological and biological history of our planet. Exploring these sites is like stepping back in time, a truly awe-inspiring experience.
The Scenic Route: Cuesta del Obispo
As you navigate the Cuesta del Obispo, you'll witness a transition in landscapes, from lush vegetation in the lower valleys to the more arid, high-altitude terrain characteristic of the park. The sheer scale of the scenery is often described as awe-inspiring, with sweeping vistas that stretch for miles. It's a perfect spot for photography and to simply soak in the grandeur of the Andean landscape.
Be prepared for the winding nature of the road, especially if you're prone to motion sickness. However, the incredible views and the sense of adventure make the Cuesta del Obispo an unforgettable part of any visit to Los Cardones National Park. It truly sets the stage for the wonders that await within the park itself.
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