The park serves as a sanctuary for numerous threatened species, including the jaguar, ocelot, and Andean condor. Notable mammals include the tapir, spectacled bear, and red brocket deer. The park is also home to over 350 bird species, making it a crucial site for bird conservation. Rare species like the solitary eagle and military macaw can be found within its boundaries.
Baritú hosts one of Argentina's most diverse botanical collections, featuring pristine Yungas (cloud forest) vegetation. The park contains over 1,200 plant species, including valuable hardwoods like cedar, walnut, and mountain pine. The vegetation varies with altitude, transitioning from subtropical jungle at lower elevations to mountain forest and high-altitude grasslands, with numerous endemic species and medicinal plants.
The park encompasses part of the eastern ranges of the Andes Mountains, with elevations ranging from 400 to 2,800 meters above sea level. Its terrain features deep valleys, steep slopes, and dramatic gorges carved by the Baritú and Lipeo Rivers. The underlying geology consists primarily of Precambrian and Paleozoic rocks, creating a complex topography that supports diverse ecological niches.
Established in 1974, Baritú National Park was created to protect one of Argentina's most pristine subtropical forests. The region has historical significance as the ancestral territory of indigenous communities, particularly the Kolla people. The park's remote location in Salta Province, near the Bolivian border, has helped preserve its pristine condition, making it one of the least visited but most untouched national parks in Argentina.
Baritú's most distinctive feature is its exceptional level of preservation, representing one of the last truly pristine areas of Yungas forest in Argentina. The park's dramatic elevation changes create distinct ecological zones, from subtropical jungle to cloud forest. Its remote location and limited access have helped maintain its wilderness character, offering visitors a rare glimpse of untouched South American wilderness.
Baritú National Park experiences a subtropical climate with marked seasonal variations. Summer months (December to February) are hot and humid with temperatures reaching 30°C (86°F), while winters (June to August) are mild with occasional frost at higher elevations. The park receives abundant rainfall, averaging 2,000mm annually, with peak precipitation occurring between November and March. This creates a unique microclimate that supports the park's rich biodiversity.
Argentina
-22.5330°, -64.7330°
1974
722
Baritú National Park protects one of Argentina's most pristine yungas cloud forest ecosystems. The park is known for its extreme biodiversity and serves as habitat for jaguars, tapirs, and numerous bird species. Its remote location and difficult access have helped preserve its pristine condition.