Argentina National Parks have become famous around the globe, but they are just some of the protected natural areas this country has in its vast territory.
Below you will find a brief description of the most important protected natural areas in Argentina.
Los Cardones National Park – Northwest Region
This park is located in Salta. It protects different ecoregions such as the High Andes, the Puna (High Andes Plateau), Monte de Sierras y Bolsones (mountain range bushes), and some Yungas (wet forest).
This park has the most significant diversity of Cactus species in the country. It is also home to endangered species such as the Colocolo Andean cat and the red fox. Also, you might spot Guanacos, Condores and Grey Foxes. The animal that represents this park in its logo is the Andean Woodpecker, one of the largest.
Los Cardones National Park – Taken by José Deiros
Iguazu National Park – Northeast Region
This is one of the most famous Argentina National Parks and one of the natural wonders of the world. It is on the border between Argentina and Brazil, where there is also a national park.
It protects the Paranaense Jungle and its biodiversity. Coatis, Caí monkeys, and toucans can be seen in the trees. Around 450 species of birds were spotted here. There are plenty of fishes and reptiles.
Iberá National Park – Northeast Region
This Argentina National Park was one of the largest in the country before the unfortunate fires at the beginning of 2022. It protects one of the most important wetlands in the world. Estuaries, rivers, and lagoons are home to Capybaras and Caimans. Some of the endangered species protected here are the Jaguar, Swamp Deer, and aguará guazú.
Talampaya National Park – Central Region
This National Park is one of the main attractions when doing the famous route 40. This park located in La Rioja Province protects mainly traces of the Triassic era. Together with Ischigualasto Provincial Park, this area was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, because of the diversity of fossils found.
Aconcagua Provincial Park – Central Region
Located in Mendoza, this provincial park protects the high Andes mountains. The main attraction is Mount Aconcagua which is the highest peak in America with 6962 m.a.s.l. Also, it protects the southernmost Inca trail found.
Patagonia
This region has the largest concentration of Argentina National Parks. we could divide it into three main regions: Northern Patagonia, Southern Patagonia, and Atlantic Patagonia.
Northern Patagonia
Nahuel Huapi National Park was Latin America’s first National Park. This park is shared by Rio Negro and Neuquen provinces and protects mainly Patagonic forests and steppe.
Very close to this park we can find Arrayanes National Park in Peninsula de Quetrihué. This name means “place where there are myrtle trees” in the Mapuche language.
Lanín National Park has more than 24 lakes inside, different Lenga and Coihue forests, and Valdivian Jungle. The most iconic tree is the Araucaria. Also, this park is home to the emblematic Lanin Volcano.
Southern Patagonia
In Los Glaciares National Park is where the famous Perito Moreno Glaciar is. This park is one of the most emblematic Argentina National Parks. It is also one of the most important parks in the world because it protects the third-largest continental ice field in the world.
Andean Deer, Pumas, and Condores are just some of the species protected in the areas near the Andes.
Also, in Tierra del Fuego there is the Southernmost Argentina National Park. This is where the Andes meet the sea, and where most of the excursions to Antarctica depart.
Atlantic Patagonia and Maritim Protected Areas
The exclusive economic sea area of Argentina is the perfect habitat and nursery for many marine species, some of them endangered.
Namuncura and Yaganes areas are almost impossible to access. Along the National Route 3, you will find Monte Leon National Park and Peninsula Valdes Protected Area, the best places to visit and learn about sea life.
To learn more about Argentina National Parks in Patagonia we invite you to check our Patagonia National Parks post.
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