Parque Nacional El Leoncito

Parque Nacional El Leoncito is a protected area in Argentina.

Parque Nacional El Leoncito at a Glance

Location
Cuyo & Central Andes, Argentina, Central & South America
Coordinates
-31.902964, -69.257780
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate

Getting to Parque Nacional El Leoncito

Nearest airport: Aeródromo Uspallata (SAMU), 71 km away.

Nearest international airport: Aeropuerto Internacional Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL), 219 km away.

Big Five in Parque Nacional El Leoncito

1 of the Big Five can be found here: Mountain Lion.

Weather & Climate in Parque Nacional El Leoncito

The warmest temperatures in Parque Nacional El Leoncito occur in January, averaging 15.4°C (up to 22.8°C). The coolest conditions are in June at 4.2°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in May with average rainfall of 1.5mm. Average humidity: 22.2%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 15.4°C (rainfall: 59.1mm)
  • February: 14.7°C (rainfall: 9.2mm)
  • March: 13.9°C (rainfall: 9.0mm)
  • April: 10.1°C (rainfall: 4.6mm)
  • May: 6.5°C (rainfall: 1.5mm)
  • June: 4.2°C (rainfall: 6.3mm)
  • July: 4.5°C (rainfall: 1.7mm)
  • August: 4.7°C (rainfall: 8.3mm)
  • September: 6.4°C (rainfall: 9.9mm)
  • October: 9.3°C (rainfall: 12.9mm)
  • November: 12.6°C (rainfall: 8.2mm)
  • December: 14.8°C (rainfall: 7.3mm)

Best Time to Visit Parque Nacional El Leoncito

The best months to visit Parque Nacional El Leoncito are January, February, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 15.45°C, rainfall 59.1mm, sunshine 13.3 hrs, humidity 41.1%
  • February: Great, temperature 14.66°C, rainfall 9.2mm, sunshine 12.6 hrs, humidity 41.3%
  • March: Great, temperature 13.92°C, rainfall 9mm, sunshine 11.8 hrs, humidity 38.7%
  • April: Great, temperature 10.08°C, rainfall 4.6mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 27.8%
  • May: Great, temperature 6.47°C, rainfall 1.5mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 22.2%
  • June: Great, temperature 4.23°C, rainfall 6.3mm, sunshine 9.1 hrs, humidity 24.3%
  • July: Great, temperature 4.45°C, rainfall 1.7mm, sunshine 9.7 hrs, humidity 17%
  • August: Great, temperature 4.72°C, rainfall 8.3mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 19.5%
  • September: Great, temperature 6.43°C, rainfall 9.9mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 19.4%
  • October: Great, temperature 9.34°C, rainfall 12.9mm, sunshine 12.4 hrs, humidity 24%
  • November: Great, temperature 12.62°C, rainfall 8.2mm, sunshine 13.1 hrs, humidity 26.3%
  • December: Great, temperature 14.85°C, rainfall 7.3mm, sunshine 13.6 hrs, humidity 31.4%

Wildlife in Parque Nacional El Leoncito

Home to 11 recorded species including 4 birds of prey, 3 predators, 2 waterbirds, 1 tropical birds, 1 iconic birds.

Recommended Packing List for Parque Nacional El Leoncito

Based on average temperature of 9.8°C, typical conditions, humidity 28%.

  • 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 El Leoncito

10 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Cuyo & Central Andes

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Argentina

Travel advisory for Argentina

Parque Nacional El Leoncito FAQs

What unique wildlife can visitors hope to encounter in Parque Nacional El Leoncito's high-altitude desert landscape?

El Leoncito is home to resilient Andean species adapted to its arid environment. Keep an eye out for guanacos, vicuñas, and various high-altitude birds like the Andean condor. Pumas are also present, though sightings are rare.

What are the primary attractions and activities available at Parque Nacional El Leoncito, beyond traditional wildlife spotting?

This protected area is renowned for its exceptionally clear skies, making it a prime destination for stargazing at its two major astronomical observatories, CASLEO and El Leoncito Astronomical Complex (CELE). Visitors can also enjoy hiking through unique high-altitude desert landscapes and exploring ancient petroglyphs.

When is the optimal time of year to visit Parque Nacional El Leoncito for the best stargazing and wildlife viewing experiences?

The austral autumn and winter months (April to October) generally offer the clearest skies, ideal for astronomical observations. While wildlife is present year-round, these cooler, drier months also provide comfortable conditions for exploring the park's unique ecosystems.

What are the typical entry fees and accommodation options for travelers planning a visit to Parque Nacional El Leoncito?

Entry fees are usually a modest charge per person, with potential discounts for residents. Accommodation within or very near the park is limited, often requiring visitors to stay in nearby towns like Barreal and arrange transportation, though some basic camping might be available.

Are there any specific health or safety considerations unique to visiting Parque Nacional El Leoncito, given its remote and high-altitude setting?

Due to the significant altitude, visitors should be aware of potential altitude sickness and allow time for acclimatization. It's crucial to carry ample water, sun protection, and warm layers, as temperatures can fluctuate dramatically, and services are sparse in this remote region.

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.