Despite the harsh environment, Los Cardones National Park supports a diverse array of wildlife. Notable mammals include guanacos, Andean foxes, mountain vizcachas, and pumas. The park is also home to numerous bird species, including Andean condors, hawks, and hummingbirds adapted to high altitudes. Reptiles such as lizards and snakes are common, having adapted to the desert conditions. Several endemic species can be found within the park boundaries, making it an important area for biodiversity conservation in the region.
The park's vegetation is dominated by the iconic cardón grande cacti, which can grow up to 10 meters tall and live for hundreds of years. Other notable plant species include various xerophytic plants adapted to the arid conditions, such as jarilla shrubs, churqui, and different varieties of bunch grasses. The vegetation varies with altitude, featuring distinct ecological zones from pre-Puna shrublands to high-altitude grasslands. Many plants display remarkable adaptations to survive the harsh desert conditions, including water storage capabilities and protective mechanisms against extreme temperatures.
The park is situated within the Calchaquíes Valleys, featuring dramatic geological formations shaped over millions of years. The landscape is characterized by red sandstone mountains, deep valleys, and extensive high-altitude plateaus ranging from 2,700 to 5,000 meters above sea level. The area was formed through intense tectonic activity and subsequent erosion, resulting in striking rock formations and stratified layers that reveal the region's geological history. The park's terrain includes significant deposits of minerals and fossils from various geological periods.
Los Cardones National Park was established in 1996 to protect its unique desert ecosystem and archaeological heritage. The area has a rich cultural history dating back thousands of years, with evidence of human settlement by indigenous peoples including the Diaguita and Calchaquí tribes. These communities left behind significant archaeological sites, including rock art and ancient settlements. The park's name comes from the cardón grande cacti (Echinopsis terscheckii) that dominate the landscape, which have been central to local culture and were traditionally used for construction and fuel by indigenous peoples.
The park's most distinctive features include the vast forests of cardón cacti, which create an otherworldly landscape against the backdrop of red mountains. The Tin Tin Straight Line, an ancient Incan road that runs perfectly straight for 12 kilometers, is another remarkable attraction. Visitors can explore numerous archaeological sites, including petroglyphs and ancient settlements. The park also offers spectacular viewpoints of the Calchaquí Valleys, hiking trails of varying difficulty, and opportunities for photography, particularly during sunrise and sunset when the desert landscape is bathed in golden light.
Los Cardones National Park experiences a high-altitude desert climate characterized by significant temperature variations between day and night. During summer (December to February), daytime temperatures can reach 25°C (77°F), while dropping to 5°C (41°F) at night. Winters (June to August) are cold and dry, with temperatures ranging from 15°C (59°F) during the day to below freezing at night. The park receives minimal rainfall, averaging only 200mm annually, with most precipitation occurring during the summer months. Strong winds are common throughout the year, particularly in the afternoon.
Argentina
-25.1670°, -66.0000°
1996
650
Los Cardones National Park is characterized by its large population of cardón cacti and high-altitude Andean landscapes. The park preserves important archaeological sites and pre-Hispanic rock art. Its varied ecosystems range from high-altitude grasslands to desert environments.