National Parks in Argentina

National Parks in Argentina have become famous around the world, but they represent only a portion of the country's vast network of protected natural areas. Below, you will find a brief overview of…

National Parks in ArgentinaWooded peninsulas and bays of Lake Nahuel Huapi, in Argentina's first national parkSan Martín and Mbiguá falls framed by jungle in Iguazú National Park

National Parks in Argentina have become famous around the world, but they represent only a portion of the country's vast network of protected natural areas.

Below, you will find a brief overview of some of the most important protected natural areas and National Parks in Argentina.

Los Cardones National Park – Northwest Region

Located in Salta Province, Los Cardones National Park protects several ecoregions, including the High Andes, the Puna (Andean Plateau), Monte de Sierras y Bolsones shrublands, and portions of the Yungas cloud forest.

This park contains one of the greatest diversities of cactus species in Argentina. It is also home to endangered wildlife such as the Andean colocolo cat and the red fox. Visitors may also spot guanacos, condors, and gray foxes. The Andean Woodpecker, one of the largest woodpeckers in South America, appears on the park's logo.

Giant cardón cacti on the slopes of Los Cardones National Park, with the Andes behind

Iguazú National Park – Northeast Region

Iguazú National Park is one of the most famous National Parks in Argentina and home to one of the Natural Wonders of the World.

Located on the border between Argentina and Brazil, it protects the Atlantic Forest ecosystem and an extraordinary biodiversity. Coatis, capuchin monkeys, toucans, and hundreds of bird species can be observed throughout the park. The region is also rich in reptiles, fish, and other wildlife.

Iberá National Park – Northeast Region

Iberá National Park protects one of the largest and most important wetland ecosystems in the world.

Its lagoons, rivers, marshes, and estuaries provide habitat for capybaras, caimans, and numerous bird species. Endangered animals such as the jaguar, marsh deer, and maned wolf (aguará guazú) are also protected here.

Female jaguar with two cubs crossing a flooded grassland in Iberá National ParkMale marsh deer among green aquatic plants in the Iberá wetlands

Talampaya National Park – Central Region

Located in La Rioja Province, Talampaya National Park is one of the highlights along Argentina's legendary Route 40.

The park preserves important geological formations and fossil remains dating back to the Triassic Period. Together with Ischigualasto Provincial Park, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its exceptional paleontological value.

Aconcagua Provincial Park – Central Region

Located in Mendoza Province, Aconcagua Provincial Park protects part of the High Andes region.

Its main attraction is Mount Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Americas at 6,962 meters above sea level. The park also preserves the southernmost section of the historic Inca Trail.

Snow-capped Aconcagua above the Horcones valley with purple wildflowersQuebrada de Horcones sign of Aconcagua Provincial Park with the mountain behind

Patagonia

Patagonia contains the largest concentration of National Parks in Argentina. The region can be divided into Northern Patagonia, Southern Patagonia, and Atlantic Patagonia.

Northern Patagonia

Nahuel Huapi National Park was the first national park established in Latin America. Shared by Río Negro and Neuquén provinces, it protects Patagonian forests, mountains, lakes, and steppe landscapes.

Nearby, visitors can also explore Los Arrayanes National Park on the Quetrihué Peninsula. Its name means "place of myrtle trees" in the Mapuche language.

Lanín National Park features more than 24 lakes, extensive lenga and coihue forests, and areas of Valdivian rainforest. Its iconic landmark is Lanín Volcano, while the Araucaria tree is one of its most distinctive species.

Southern Patagonia

Los Glaciares National Park is home to the world-famous Perito Moreno Glacier and is one of the most iconic National Parks in Argentina.

The park protects a significant portion of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, the third-largest continental ice mass on Earth after Antarctica and Greenland.

Wildlife found in the region includes Andean deer (huemul), pumas, condors, and numerous other native species.

Further south, Tierra del Fuego National Park marks the southernmost national park in Argentina, where the Andes Mountains meet the sea and many Antarctic expeditions begin.

Atlantic Patagonia and Marine Protected Areas

Argentina's Atlantic coastline and exclusive economic zone provide critical habitat for a wide variety of marine species, including several endangered animals.

Peninsula Valdes wildlife

The Namuncurá and Yaganes marine protected areas are remote and difficult to access. However, along National Route 3, travelers can visit Monte León National Park and the Peninsula Valdés Protected Area, two of the best places in Argentina to observe marine wildlife.

To learn more about Patagonia's protected areas, we invite you to read our Patagonia National Parks article.

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