Parque Nacional Los Cardones

Located in the high Andean valleys of Salta, this park is characterized by vast fields of towering cardón cacti. It's an excellent place to see guanacos,...

Parque Nacional Los Cardones at a Glance

Location
Andean Northwest, Argentina, Central & South America
Coordinates
-25.297380, -65.931210
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Moderate
Malaria Risk
Moderate

Getting to Parque Nacional Los Cardones

Nearest airport: Aerodromo Cachi - Capitan Bornices, 31 km away.

Nearest international airport: Aeropuerto Internacional de Salta Martín Miguel de Güemes (SLA), 67 km away.

Weather & Climate in Parque Nacional Los Cardones

The warmest temperatures in Parque Nacional Los Cardones occur in January, averaging 11.4°C (up to 16.1°C). The coolest conditions are in August at 7.5°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in July with average rainfall of 0.1mm. Average humidity: 26.3%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 11.4°C (rainfall: 123.2mm)
  • February: 10.8°C (rainfall: 91.6mm)
  • March: 10.8°C (rainfall: 64.5mm)
  • April: 9.8°C (rainfall: 13.6mm)
  • May: 8.6°C (rainfall: 0.6mm)
  • June: 8.0°C (rainfall: 1.0mm)
  • July: 8.0°C (rainfall: 0.1mm)
  • August: 7.5°C (rainfall: 0.1mm)
  • September: 8.7°C (rainfall: 2.9mm)
  • October: 9.8°C (rainfall: 9.5mm)
  • November: 10.8°C (rainfall: 21.6mm)
  • December: 11.2°C (rainfall: 83.7mm)

Best Time to Visit Parque Nacional Los Cardones

The best months to visit Parque Nacional Los Cardones are April, May, June, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 11.44°C, rainfall 123.2mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 79%
  • February: Good, temperature 10.81°C, rainfall 91.6mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 82.1%
  • March: Good, temperature 10.77°C, rainfall 64.5mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 79%
  • April: Great, temperature 9.77°C, rainfall 13.6mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 64.3%
  • May: Great, temperature 8.61°C, rainfall 0.6mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 40%
  • June: Great, temperature 7.98°C, rainfall 1mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 26.9%
  • July: Great, temperature 8.02°C, rainfall 0.1mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 26.3%
  • August: Great, temperature 7.54°C, rainfall 0.1mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 29.7%
  • September: Great, temperature 8.68°C, rainfall 2.9mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 39.6%
  • October: Great, temperature 9.81°C, rainfall 9.5mm, sunshine 11.8 hrs, humidity 54.1%
  • November: Good, temperature 10.76°C, rainfall 21.6mm, sunshine 11.9 hrs, humidity 64.3%
  • December: Good, temperature 11.17°C, rainfall 83.7mm, sunshine 11.4 hrs, humidity 74.9%

Wildlife in Parque Nacional Los Cardones

Home to 43 recorded species including 17 birds of prey, 13 waterbirds, 6 tropical birds, 6 iconic birds, 1 predators.

Recommended Packing List for Parque Nacional Los Cardones

Based on average temperature of 9.6°C, typical conditions, humidity 55%.

  • Heavy layers & thermal clothing - temperatures around 10°C require warm insulation
  • Warm hat & gloves - critical for early morning game drives
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Parque Nacional Los Cardones

31 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Andean Northwest

Visitor Tips - Parque Nacional Los Cardones

Parque Nacional Los Cardones is a truly unique landscape, where ancient cardon cacti stand sentinel across a vast, high-altitude desert. We love the way the light plays on their spines at sunset, creating an almost otherworldly glow that feels both timeless and deeply spiritual. It is a place that invites quiet reflection and a profound appreciation for the resilience of nature.

Gate Times

The park generally operates from 8 AM to 7 PM, though these hours can shift slightly with the seasons, particularly during the shorter daylight hours of winter. We always recommend checking the official APN (Administración de Parques Nacionales) website or local tourist information for the most current schedule before your visit. A modest entrance fee is required, payable at the gate, and no advance booking is typically necessary for day visits.

Tipping

Tipping is a gesture of appreciation, not an obligation, but it is certainly welcomed. For local guides accompanying you on walks or excursions, we suggest around 10-15 USD per person per day, or 5-10 USD for a shorter half-day activity. For park rangers, a small gratuity is less common but always appreciated if they have provided exceptional assistance or shared valuable insights. We find it best to offer tips discreetly and, if possible, in local currency, Argentine Pesos.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Argentina

Travel advisory for Argentina

Parque Nacional Los Cardones FAQs

When is the ideal time to visit Parque Nacional Los Cardones for the best weather and wildlife viewing opportunities?

The dry season, from April to November, offers clear skies and pleasant temperatures, making it ideal for exploring. Wildlife, particularly vicuñas and guanacos, is often more visible near water sources during these drier months.

How do I access Parque Nacional Los Cardones, and what kind of unique experience does it offer beyond typical wildlife viewing?

The park is primarily accessed via Ruta Provincial 33 from Salta, a scenic drive that can be done independently or with a guided tour. Beyond spotting wildlife, you'll experience the awe-inspiring 'Recta del Tin-Tin,' a perfectly straight road through ancient cardón forests, and panoramic views of the high Andean landscape.

What are the typical entry fees and practical considerations for visiting Parque Nacional Los Cardones?

As a national park, there is usually a nominal entry fee, often included if you book a guided tour from Salta. It's advisable to carry water, snacks, and warm layers, as temperatures can fluctuate significantly in the high-altitude environment.

What specific health and safety precautions should I be aware of when exploring Parque Nacional Los Cardones?

Due to the high altitude of the Andean valleys, visitors should be mindful of potential altitude sickness; staying hydrated and taking it easy initially is recommended. While the region has a moderate malaria risk, the park itself is generally considered low risk, but consult your doctor for the latest advice.

Are there specific tips for maximizing my chances of spotting condors and other unique wildlife in Parque Nacional Los Cardones?

For condors, look towards the higher ridges and thermal currents, especially in the mornings or late afternoons. Vicuñas and guanacos are often seen grazing in the open plains, so a good pair of binoculars and patience will enhance your viewing experience.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.