Parque Provincial Cordón Del Plata

Parque Provincial Cordón Del Plata is a protected area in Argentina.

Parque Provincial Cordón Del Plata at a Glance

Location
Cuyo & Central Andes, Argentina, Central & South America
Coordinates
-33.014430, -69.534900
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate

Getting to Parque Provincial Cordón Del Plata

Nearest airport: Aeroclub Tupungato, 53 km away.

Nearest international airport: Aeropuerto Internacional Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL), 124 km away.

Weather & Climate in Parque Provincial Cordón Del Plata

The warmest temperatures in Parque Provincial Cordón Del Plata occur in February, averaging -1.9°C (up to 2.7°C). The coolest conditions are in July at -14.7°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in March with average rainfall of 14.2mm. Average humidity: 34.6%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: -2.1°C (rainfall: 53.1mm)
  • February: -1.9°C (rainfall: 27.5mm)
  • March: -2.1°C (rainfall: 14.2mm)
  • April: -7.5°C (rainfall: 25.3mm)
  • May: -11.2°C (rainfall: 49.9mm)
  • June: -14.3°C (rainfall: 182.6mm)
  • July: -14.7°C (rainfall: 82.7mm)
  • August: -14.4°C (rainfall: 120.3mm)
  • September: -14.0°C (rainfall: 80.0mm)
  • October: -11.0°C (rainfall: 29.7mm)
  • November: -8.3°C (rainfall: 18.8mm)
  • December: -4.8°C (rainfall: 23.9mm)

Best Time to Visit Parque Provincial Cordón Del Plata

The best months to visit Parque Provincial Cordón Del Plata are February, March, April, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature -2.15°C, rainfall 53.1mm, sunshine 13.5 hrs, humidity 48.4%
  • February: Great, temperature -1.86°C, rainfall 27.5mm, sunshine 12.9 hrs, humidity 39.1%
  • March: Great, temperature -2.09°C, rainfall 14.2mm, sunshine 11.9 hrs, humidity 34.6%
  • April: Great, temperature -7.45°C, rainfall 25.3mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 40%
  • May: Good, temperature -11.2°C, rainfall 49.9mm, sunshine 9.3 hrs, humidity 47.2%
  • June: Poor, temperature -14.29°C, rainfall 182.6mm, sunshine 7.1 hrs, humidity 59.5%
  • July: Good, temperature -14.68°C, rainfall 82.7mm, sunshine 8 hrs, humidity 50.6%
  • August: Good, temperature -14.38°C, rainfall 120.3mm, sunshine 9 hrs, humidity 49.4%
  • September: Good, temperature -14.03°C, rainfall 80mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 51.7%
  • October: Great, temperature -11.02°C, rainfall 29.7mm, sunshine 12 hrs, humidity 51.8%
  • November: Great, temperature -8.35°C, rainfall 18.8mm, sunshine 13.1 hrs, humidity 54.7%
  • December: Great, temperature -4.8°C, rainfall 23.9mm, sunshine 14 hrs, humidity 48.3%

Wildlife in Parque Provincial Cordón Del Plata

Home to 23 recorded species including 10 birds of prey, 8 waterbirds, 3 tropical birds, 1 predators, 1 iconic birds.

Recommended Packing List for Parque Provincial Cordón Del Plata

Based on average temperature of -8.9°C, typical conditions, humidity 48%.

  • Heavy layers & thermal clothing - temperatures around -9°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 Provincial Cordón Del Plata

46 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Cuyo & Central Andes

Visitor Tips - Parque Provincial Cordón Del Plata

We find the raw, untamed beauty of Cordón del Plata utterly captivating. The sheer scale of the Andes here is humbling, and the opportunities for challenging treks are unparalleled. We especially love the feeling of true wilderness, far from the crowds, where the silence is broken only by the wind and the call of condors.

Gate Times

The park is generally open from 8 AM to 6 PM, but we advise checking the official park website or contacting local authorities for the most up-to-date hours, especially during shoulder seasons or holidays. Permits are often required for entry and overnight stays, and we recommend booking these well in advance, particularly for popular trekking routes. There are no strict booking requirements for day visits, but arriving early is wise to secure parking.

Tipping

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. For guides, we recommend around 10-15% of the tour cost if you are exceptionally pleased with their service. For lodge staff, a small tip of 5-10% left in a communal tip box at the end of your stay is customary. Rangers do not typically expect tips, but a sincere thank you for their dedication is always welcome.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Argentina

Travel advisory for Argentina

Parque Provincial Cordón Del Plata FAQs

What unique wildlife can I expect to encounter at Parque Provincial Cordón Del Plata, given its high-altitude Andean environment?

This park is renowned for its Andean fauna. You can frequently spot guanacos, the wild relatives of llamas, along with various bird species like the majestic Andean condor soaring overhead. Keep an eye out for smaller mammals such as foxes and, if you're very lucky, the elusive puma.

When is the optimal time to visit Parque Provincial Cordón Del Plata for both wildlife viewing and outdoor activities?

The best time to visit is during the warmer months, from November to April, which corresponds to spring and summer in Argentina. During this period, the weather is more favorable for hiking and trekking, and wildlife is generally more active and visible. Some higher-altitude areas may be inaccessible due to snow outside these months.

What are the specific altitude considerations for visitors to Parque Provincial Cordón Del Plata, and how should I prepare for them?

Parque Provincial Cordón Del Plata is situated at significant altitudes, with some areas exceeding 3,000 meters (9,800 feet). It's crucial to acclimatize gradually, stay hydrated, and be aware of symptoms of altitude sickness. Consult your doctor before traveling and consider spending a day or two in Mendoza to adjust.

How accessible is Parque Provincial Cordón Del Plata from major cities, and are there any specific entry requirements or fees?

The park is conveniently located about 100 kilometers west of Mendoza City, making it a popular day trip or multi-day excursion. While there isn't a strict 'safari' entry fee like some African parks, provincial parks in Argentina typically require a small entrance fee, and some guided activities may incur additional costs. It's advisable to check current regulations before your visit.

Beyond the moderate malaria risk, what other health and safety precautions should I take when visiting Parque Provincial Cordón Del Plata?

While malaria risk is noted, the primary health concerns in this high-altitude park are related to the environment itself. Be prepared for intense sun exposure by using high-SPF sunscreen and wearing protective clothing, and carry plenty of water to prevent dehydration. Always inform someone of your hiking plans and consider hiring a local guide for challenging treks due to the rugged terrain.

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.