Parque Nacional Bosques Petrificados de Jaramillo

Parque Nacional Bosques Petrificados de Jaramillo is a protected area in Argentina.

Parque Nacional Bosques Petrificados de Jaramillo at a Glance

Location
Southern Patagonia & Fuegian Coast, Argentina, Central & South America
Coordinates
-47.671818, -68.056900
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate

Getting to Parque Nacional Bosques Petrificados de Jaramillo

Nearest airport: Aeródromo Cerro Vanguardia, 78 km away.

Big Five in Parque Nacional Bosques Petrificados de Jaramillo

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

Weather & Climate in Parque Nacional Bosques Petrificados de Jaramillo

The warmest temperatures in Parque Nacional Bosques Petrificados de Jaramillo occur in January, averaging 20.1°C (up to 27.4°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 3.0°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in October with average rainfall of 4.8mm. Average humidity: 33.3%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 20.1°C (rainfall: 11.0mm)
  • February: 19.4°C (rainfall: 17.1mm)
  • March: 15.6°C (rainfall: 17.3mm)
  • April: 11.4°C (rainfall: 26.0mm)
  • May: 6.7°C (rainfall: 16.7mm)
  • June: 3.8°C (rainfall: 32.5mm)
  • July: 3.0°C (rainfall: 16.8mm)
  • August: 6.3°C (rainfall: 22.0mm)
  • September: 9.1°C (rainfall: 18.5mm)
  • October: 14.0°C (rainfall: 4.8mm)
  • November: 17.0°C (rainfall: 16.7mm)
  • December: 18.7°C (rainfall: 17.8mm)

Best Time to Visit Parque Nacional Bosques Petrificados de Jaramillo

The best months to visit Parque Nacional Bosques Petrificados de Jaramillo are January, February, December, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 20.14°C, rainfall 11mm, sunshine 12.6 hrs, humidity 34.5%
  • February: Great, temperature 19.37°C, rainfall 17.1mm, sunshine 11.5 hrs, humidity 38.1%
  • March: Great, temperature 15.63°C, rainfall 17.3mm, sunshine 9.5 hrs, humidity 44.5%
  • April: Good, temperature 11.43°C, rainfall 26mm, sunshine 7.8 hrs, humidity 54.4%
  • May: Good, temperature 6.67°C, rainfall 16.7mm, sunshine 6.8 hrs, humidity 67.5%
  • June: Poor, temperature 3.79°C, rainfall 32.5mm, sunshine 5.6 hrs, humidity 70.4%
  • July: Good, temperature 3.05°C, rainfall 16.8mm, sunshine 6.4 hrs, humidity 67.9%
  • August: Good, temperature 6.25°C, rainfall 22mm, sunshine 7.1 hrs, humidity 61%
  • September: Great, temperature 9.08°C, rainfall 18.5mm, sunshine 9.1 hrs, humidity 52%
  • October: Great, temperature 13.99°C, rainfall 4.8mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 33.3%
  • November: Great, temperature 16.97°C, rainfall 16.7mm, sunshine 12.4 hrs, humidity 34.6%
  • December: Great, temperature 18.66°C, rainfall 17.8mm, sunshine 12.5 hrs, humidity 34.6%

Wildlife in Parque Nacional Bosques Petrificados de Jaramillo

Home to 2 recorded species including 1 predators, 1 waterbirds.

Recommended Packing List for Parque Nacional Bosques Petrificados de Jaramillo

Based on average temperature of 12.1°C, typical conditions, humidity 49%.

  • Layered clothing - recommended for 12°C temperatures
  • Fleece or warm jacket - essential for cool mornings and evenings
  • 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

Similar Parks in Southern Patagonia & Fuegian Coast

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Argentina

Travel advisory for Argentina

Parque Nacional Bosques Petrificados de Jaramillo FAQs

What unique natural attractions can I expect to see at Parque Nacional Bosques Petrificados de Jaramillo, beyond typical safari wildlife?

Parque Nacional Bosques Petrificados de Jaramillo is renowned for its extraordinary fossilized forests, featuring massive petrified tree trunks up to 3 meters in diameter and 30 meters long, dating back 150 million years. While not a traditional wildlife safari, visitors can observe unique Patagonian fauna like guanacos, choiques (rheas), and various bird species amidst the ancient landscape.

Considering its remote location, what is the best time of year to visit Parque Nacional Bosques Petrificados de Jaramillo for optimal conditions?

The best time to visit Parque Nacional Bosques Petrificados de Jaramillo is during the Patagonian summer, from November to March, when temperatures are milder and daylight hours are longer. Outside of these months, strong winds and colder temperatures can make exploration less comfortable, and some services might be limited.

What are the typical entrance fees and any recommended guided tour costs for exploring the petrified forests?

Entrance fees for Parque Nacional Bosques Petrificados de Jaramillo are generally affordable, with separate rates for Argentine residents and foreign visitors, typically around a few USD. While self-guided exploration is possible, hiring a local guide is highly recommended to fully appreciate the geological significance and identify specific fossilized specimens, often costing extra.

Given the park's 'moderate malaria risk' and low crowding level, what specific health precautions should I take, and how does the low crowding enhance the experience?

Despite a moderate malaria risk in some parts of Argentina, the Patagonian region where Bosques Petrificados de Jaramillo is located generally has a very low incidence; however, consult your doctor for the latest recommendations. The park's exceptionally low crowding level (1/5) offers a uniquely tranquil and immersive experience, allowing for undisturbed contemplation of the ancient landscape and excellent photographic opportunities without large groups.

What kind of infrastructure and visitor services are available within Parque Nacional Bosques Petrificados de Jaramillo, given its protected status and remote location?

As a protected area, Parque Nacional Bosques Petrificados de Jaramillo offers essential visitor services including a small visitor center with interpretive exhibits, well-marked walking trails, and basic restroom facilities. Due to its remote nature, it's advisable to bring your own water, snacks, and any other necessities as on-site provisions are very limited.

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.