Argentina examples of nature reserves and national parks. Argentina, endless natural attractions. What to do in Nahuel Huapi National Park

Argentina is a silver country of adventure, whose geography we studied together with the children of Captain Grant. Moreover, it attracts not only tango and football, the best meat in the world and dozens of varieties of ice cream. The diversity of its nature is simply unique. Argentina stretches for thousands of kilometers from the southern mainland Antarctica to the impenetrable jungle in the north.

On its territory there are 33 national parks and four natural monuments, not counting the numerous protected areas of regional rank. There are currently seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Argentina.

Los Glaciares

Los Glaciares (Spanish: Los Glaciares) , glaciers) is a national park located in the province of Santa Cruz, along the Chilean border. The area of ​​the park is 4459 km². Founded in 1937, Los Glaciares is the second largest national park in Argentina. The park owes its name to the huge ice cap in the Andes, which feeds 47 large glaciers, of which only 13 flow towards the Atlantic Ocean. This ice mass is the largest after the ice of Antarctica and Greenland. In other parts of the world, glaciation begins at least 2,500 m above sea level, but in Los Glaciares, due to the size of the ice cap, glaciers start at 1,500 m and slide down to 200 m, eroding the slopes of the underlying mountains.

For the first time, the territory between the lakes Viedma and Lago Argentino was taken under protection by the Argentine state in 1937. However, this territory was declared a national park only shortly before the end of World War II in April 1945. Modern borders Los Glaciares National Park were statutorily established only in the autumn of 1971. In 1981 Los Glaciares National Park was included in the List of World Natural Heritage Sites.
The territory of Los Glaciares, which is 30% covered with ice, can be divided into two parts, each of which belongs to its own lake. The largest lake in Argentina, Lake Argentino (area 1466 km²) is located in the southern part of the park, and Lake Viedma (area 1100 km²) is located in the north. Both lakes feed the Santa Cruz River, which flows to the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Between these two parts is the Central Zone closed to tourists.where there are no lakes.

The northern half of the park includes part of Lake Viedma, the Viedma Glacier, small glaciers and several mountain peaks popular with climbers and mountain hikers such as Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.

The southern half of the park, along with small glaciers, includes the main glaciers flowing into Lake Argentino: Perito Moreno, Uppsala and Spegazzini. A typical boat trip includes a tour of the otherwise inaccessible Uppsala and Spegazzini glaciers. The Perito Moreno Glacier can be reached by land.

Three thousand years ago, the Indians lived in the area of ​​​​Lake Argentino, who were engaged in hunting and gathering. The population was highly mobile, which made it possible to consume both the resources of the steppe and the highlands. The ancient inhabitants of these places used stones to produce tools, took refuge in numerous caves, where even now you can find ancient drawings - traces of their presence. One of the examples of rock art can be seen near Lake Roca, where abstract motifs are depicted on a stone canopy - straight and wavy lines, dots, as well as human and animal figures.

Los Glaciares Park is a popular international tourism destination. Tours start in the city of El Calafate, located on Lake Argentino, and in the village of El Chalten, located in the northern part of the park at the foot of Mount Fitz Roy. The main attraction of the park is the majestic glaciers, which are worth spending at least two or three days to explore. For lovers of mountains in the northern part of the park, there are many mountain routes of varying degrees of difficulty, and the abundance of lakes allows you to make water walks.
If you have more than three days to explore the park, you should look for the cave paintings of the Indians in order to freeze in front of them and for a moment imagine the life of ancient people.

Iguazu

This national park was created in 1934 in order to preserve one of the most beautiful places in Argentina: waterfalls on the Iguazu River, surrounded by subtropical jungle.
The park is located in the north of the province of Misiones, it covers an area of ​​67 thousand hectares. Along the northern border of the park runs the Iguazu River, which separates Brazil and Argentina, and is the southern border of the Brazilian National Park of the same name. Both parks are now a World Natural Heritage Site.

On the banks of the Iguazu and the islands of its delta, many moisture-loving plants grow, many of which are not found in other parts of the country. This is the most unique place in the world, as 5 forest species are concentrated on one piece of land.
Diverse and animal world park, while walking you can see colorful parrots, lizards, a huge number of butterflies. There are especially many of them near puddles of water, where they get dissolved minerals.
The national park is home to many rare and endangered species, including the jaguar, oscelot, anteater, and tapir.

Traces of human presence here are 10 thousand years old, evidence of the prehistoric era are found remains of vessels. Already in historical times, the selva was inhabited by Indians who were engaged in hunting, fishing and gathering. Around 1000 AD. from the north came the Guarani, who drove out the tribes that had lived here before. The Guarani had advanced technology Agriculture, grown various vegetables.
The first tourist expedition to the waterfalls was organized at the end of the 19th century. One of its participants, Victoria Aguirre, donated money for the construction of a road from the port of Iguazu to the falls, thereby greatly facilitating the path for the next travelers.

50 meters from the entrance to the park is the visitor center "Ivira Reta", which translates as "country of trees". Here you will learn that, in addition to magical waterfalls, unique flora and fauna are protected in the national park, that the history of these places began many millennia ago, and its heroes were Gaurani Indians, Jesuits, European colonists and ecologists who have been working here since its inception. parka.
The park has many trails, paths, bridges, viewing platforms that will allow you to see different waterfalls up close. From the entrance to the park to the beginning of hiking trails, tourists are transported by a small eco-train.
The lower path will allow you to enjoy the view of most of the falls from above and from the front. From a distance, the Devil's Throat and the Brazilian waterfalls will open in front of you, and if you wish, you can get wet under the jets of the Bosetti waterfall.
The upper path will lead you along the fall line of the main waterfalls and allow you to enjoy their panorama.
You can approach the Devil's Throat by walking about a kilometer along the walkways that end in a wide balcony right above the gorge where the waterfall falls.
If you still have time, be sure to visit San Martin Island, where you will be taken by boat. It will take a lot of effort to climb to the very top, but they will be rewarded with an unforgettable view of the Three Musketeers waterfall.
The Macuko trail was created specifically for wildlife lovers. The trail passes through an old clearing in the heart of the selva, and at the end of it a 20-meter waterfall awaits you. This is a great opportunity to get to know the subtropical forest and, if you're lucky, its inhabitants.

Nahuel Huapi

The Nahuel Huapi Park extends from the southeast of the province of Neuquén to the northeast of the province of Río Negro and is the oldest national park in Argentina. It was founded in 1934 and covers an area of ​​7050 square kilometers. Within the park is the main tourist town region - Bariloche. Another city popular with tourists - Villa La Angostura - is also located on its territory and is located right on the lake.
The attraction of the park is the extinct volcano Tronador with a height of 3554 m above sea level (in Spanish, tronador means loud, thundering). It rises above a belt of forests and numerous lakes of glacial origin. The main peak of Tronador is El Principal. From the top of Tronador, from its sheer cliffs, eight glaciers slide into deep gorges. In the glaciers of Tronador, the Frias River is born, carrying matte green waters.

Another attraction of the park and its decoration is Lake Nahuel Huapi, located at an altitude of 767 m, about 70 km long and with an area of ​​530 sq. km. It is very deep, with steep banks, navigable.

Forests of huge cedars and evergreen beeches are well preserved here. The age of some beeches up to 40 m high and 2 m in diameter reaches 500 years. In the forests of the Andes, Patagonian larches 30-35 m high and 2-3 m in diameter rise above the southern beeches. They remind California sequoias. Their trunks are braided with vines, various epiphytes settle on them.

There are many car tours in the national park. But the "circumnavigation" with a length of 280 km is in the greatest demand.

There are mammals in the park. But there are no large ones, except for the acclimatized European deer and fallow deer, which have bred in large numbers (therefore, the regulation of their numbers was begun). Occasionally, one can see a pudu deer here, only 30-35 cm tall, with short horns. Mouse opossums live in the forests. In the streams - Darwin's rhinoderm frog, hippocamelus, guanaco, vicuña, chinchilla also live.

Nahuel Huapi National Park is open all year round, but there are two tourist seasons: winter (July-September) and summer (January-March). National ski competitions are held here at the beginning and at the end of the season. A large ski station is located 20 km from the city. Lifts have been built for the convenience of tourists.

Lanin

Lanin National Park is located in the province of Neuquen, covers an area of ​​380 hectares and is known for rare species of trees, many of which do not grow anywhere else in the country. The park was founded in 1937 with the aim of preserving the ecosystem, fauna and flora of the area. The park is also home to the famous Lanin Volcano, lakes Lakar, Uekulafken and Alumine, as well as many rivers where sport fishing for salmon and trout is allowed.In addition to beautiful forests, unusual animals can be found in the Park, as Pudu is the smallest deer on earth and the most wanted by all visitors.

Everyone who wants to get acquainted with the park more thoroughly usually stops in the city of San Martin de los Andes, which is located right on the shores of Lake Lacar.

Tierra del Fuego (Terra del Fuego)

The archipelago that makes up Tierra del Fuego was discovered in 1520 by the Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan, and he got this name because of the fires lit by the Indians along the coast when Magellan sailed through the strait that now bears his name.
The young Charles Darwin also visited here, who was very impressed by the landscapes of the island and the harsh lifestyle of the local Indians.
The national park of the same name with a total area of ​​63 thousand hectares was created in 1960.
The landscape of the park was formed under the influence of erosion and ancient glaciers, which no longer exist. After a series of geomorphological processes, the Andes mountain range rose - a system of mountain ranges that surround forested valleys, cut by rivers and lakes, swamps and rock outcrops.
In the coastal part of the park there are bays of Lapataya and Ensenada, in which ravines alternate with small beaches - ideal habitats for birds.
The climate of the region is cool, humid, with a maximum of precipitation in autumn. In winter, a lot of snow falls, which accumulates in the valleys and on the slopes.

Up to a height of 600 meters above sea level, dense forests are common, and shrubs grow higher. A characteristic feature of the landscapes of the national park are peat bogs. The process of peat formation is possible only in a humid environment with low temperatures, which prevent the decomposition of organic matter, and such conditions are typical for Tierra del Fuego.
The diversity of the animal world here is not so great - about 20 species of mammals and about 90 species of birds. A distinctive feature of the ecosystems of Tierra del Fuego is the absence of amphibians. The most common is the red fox. Another mammal, the guanaco, lives in the mountains almost all year round and only descends into the interior valleys for the winter.
Of the birds, three species of South American geese that live on open places and on the beaches. Woodpeckers can be found in the forests, and condors fly high in the sky over valleys and mountain peaks.
The large island of the archipelago was inhabited by humans about 10 thousand years ago. The ethnic diversity of the settlers suggests that they interacted quite effectively with the environment, which we now perceive as very unfavorable. Numerous archaeological finds point to the ancient connection between man and the nature around him.
Ancient people equipped their dwellings on the coast, traveled by sea in canoes, hunted seals and collected shellfish. The Indians lived in huts built from trunks and branches, and their clothes consisted of seal skins.
The disappearance of these groups dates back to the arrival of the first European colonizers in the 1880s. Epidemics are considered the main factor in the destruction, but the so-called “shooting exercises” of travelers and poisoning by hunters for the free hunting of seals played a significant role.

Several short walks have been developed for travelers, including along the banks of the Lapataya and Owando rivers; to the Black Bay, the waters of which are characterized by a very dark color due to peat at the bottom; to the panoramic point of Lapataya bay; former settlement of beavers, along the swamp. These are small trails up to one kilometer long.
In addition to them, you can walk along routes from 5 to 10 km long, which will allow you to enjoy the views of the Beagle Channel, Lake Roca and climb Mount Guanaco with a height of 970 meters.

Chaco

Chaco National Park is located in the central part of the South American continent, in the east of the Gran Chaco plain. This name can be translated as "Big hunting field". Chaco Park was founded in 1954. The park was established by the Argentine government to protect the unique landscapes of the most elevated parts of the Eastern Chaco.

By the time the park was created, unique forests in most of the plain had already been cut down.
In the central, eastern and southern parts of the park, forests and light forests of Kebracho trees grow. It is a tree with very hard wood of dark red color (the name comes from the Spanish expression "break an axe"). The height of the trees reaches 15 meters. The most valuable are white and red quebracho, containing a large amount of tannin. Due to the dense and virtually non-rotting wood, quebracho wood is in great demand, which was the reason mass felling these trees.

Talampaya
Talampaya Provincial Park was established in 1975 and in 1997 it received the status of a national park. Its main goal is the protection of unique paleontological and archaeological monuments - rock outcrops with preserved remains of flora and fauna of ancient times.
Together with the adjacent Ichigualasto Provincial Park, this area is a World Natural Heritage Site.
Under the open sky, on vertical walls and huge stones, you can see many abstract and drawings of animal and human figures, which makes this area one of the most representative in terms of rock art in Argentina.

The landscape diversity of the park is very large, there are flat and low-mountain areas, depressions and plateaus. Often there are strange forms of sand and stone, as, for example, in the area that is known as the "Lost City".
The climate of the region is characterized by extreme temperatures, significant temperature differences during the day and in different seasons. Summers are hot, daytime temperatures rise above +50ºС, and the minimum temperature in winter drops to -9ºС. The territory is characterized by low humidity, and only in summer there are powerful downpours, often accompanied by hail.

The territory is dominated by shrubs, many cacti. Rare trees grow near the rivers. A number of plants are endemic to this region and country.
Among the animals in the park you can meet a gray fox, a lark. Andean condor, falcon and eagle are found on the vertical walls of the canyons.

The uniqueness of the park lies in the huge wealth of fossils found here. In recent decades, this area has also received scientific recognition due to the fact that the fossils found here belong to Triassic, the time of the appearance of dinosaurs.
One of the most notable finds at Talampaya is the fossil of Lagosuchustalampayensis, which lived here 250 million years ago and was one of the first dinosaurs to inhabit the Earth. Another interesting find is the 210-million-year-old Palaeocheris talampayensis fossil turtle.
After visiting the information center, tourists are offered a walk through the park, during which you can see various archaeological rarities.
The Lost City is one of the most interesting places, attracting with excellent panoramic landscapes and mysterious geoforms.

Peninsula Valdes

Protected area " Peninsula Valdes» was established in 1983, in the province of Chubut. Currently, the reserve occupies almost 400 thousand hectares of land and 176 thousand hectares of water space.
In 1999, the Valdes Peninsula received the status of a World Natural Heritage Site.
The protected system of the peninsula includes four protected areas that attract various species of marine and terrestrial animals.

The peninsula is located in the northeast of the province of Chubut, and is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. From the north and south, its coasts are washed by the bays of San José and Nuevo.
The relief of the territory is a typical Patagonian plateau, which breaks off into the sea with sheer shores. The coast is composed of marine sediments, which are subject to constant erosion. Part of the coastline is represented by beaches, among which rocky ones stand out - a favorite place for elephant seals.
The climate on the territory of the peninsula is transitional between the temperate climate of the central part of the country, with a maximum of precipitation in the hot months and a cold climate with winter rains, which is more characteristic of Patagonia. Summers on the peninsula are hot but short, and winters are cold.

The main vegetation of the seashores is algae. They cover the rocky shores with colorful blankets: blue-green, green, brown, red or yellow-green, depending on the pigment in the plant cells.
The Valdes Peninsula in Patagonia is of great importance for the conservation of marine mammals. The population of the endangered Australian right whale (Eubalaena glacialis australis) breeds here. The peninsula is known worldwide for its excellent opportunities observing these giants. They come ashore in June and stay until December to breed. The southern whale reaches a length of about 14 meters and weighs up to 50 tons. Females bear cubs for a whole year, and at a time give birth to only one offspring.
Southern elephant seals and southern sea ​​lions, and killer whales living here use a unique hunting strategy adapted to the conditions of the local coastline.
The peninsula is also home to many species of birds and land animals such as guanaco, fox, American rhea, American (pampas) partridge, and Patagonian hare.

There are not many places in the world where you can see so many animals in their natural surroundings. On a boat excursion or walking along the steep coast, you will be so close to them that you can learn all their habits.
Scuba diving is also possible on the peninsula.

Ibera

The Ibera Marshes are the second largest marsh area in Latin America, covering almost 1,400 thousand hectares of area, in the province of Corrientes. Over a long period of time, the old channels and channels of the Parana River have formed this complex network of swamps, swamps, small lakes, dams and rain streams.

The Iber marshes are reservoirs of stagnant water, the depth of which varies from one to three meters. These water surfaces are covered with two types of aquatic plants: some rise from the bottom, forming thickets along the banks, while others stay on the surface, sometimes reaching great thickness. On such layers, over time, the earth brought by water and wind accumulates, and then new plants and even trees begin to grow on it. Sometimes such layers grow into real islands that move along the water surface, guided by wind and currents.

The system includes three botanical provinces: Espinal in the south, Eastern Chaco in the west, and the provinces of Paraná in the north.
This diversity is expressed in the plant richness of the territory, which is represented by reeds, water lilies, water lentils, irises, water hyacinths, small ferns. Reeds, laurel trees, yatai palms (in other words, colored palms), entire galleries and islands of closed trees grow here. Among the various types of trees that can be seen on the territory: tekoma (Indian jasmine), urundey, black laurel, white quebracho (Kutrov family), ombu (Dioecious phytolacca), jacaranda, erinthrina, willow.
Two species of caimans live in swamps (reptile families of alligators, differ from other alligators in the presence of a bony abdominal shell). One of them is the black caiman (Melanosuchus niger). It is the largest, can reach 4 - 5 meters in length, about 30% of the length is the tail. He has a narrow jaw, dark skin, and a yellow belly. The other is the broad-faced caiman (Caiman latirostris). It was the latter that was most destroyed because of the very valuable skin.
Among other species, the river wolf cub, capybara (capybara) - the largest modern rodent, swamp deer, big fox (Chrysocyon brachyurus), black howler and others are common. Also here you can find less large species: small gray fox (Dusicyon griseus), armadillo, ferret, weasel, hare, viscacha, lizards, turtle. Among reptiles: water boa constrictor, common boa constrictor, nyakanina (large poisonous snake), as well as various Poisonous snakes: rattlesnake, keffiyu and others.
There are more than three hundred species of birds in the swamps: various herons, goldfinches, cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) and other colorful species.

Considering the diversity and uniqueness of the fauna of the protected area, the most an exciting activity there will be observation of wildlife. Tourists are offered classic birdwatching programs; boat trips, with which you can get to know the inhabitants of the water expanses better; horseback riding and leisurely walks.

Los Cardones
100 km from the city of Salta, in the mountains, at an altitude of 2700 to 5000 m above sea level, on an area of ​​​​65 thousand hectares, a real cactus field stretches with bright flashes of yellow daffodils. Cacti of a special kind in the form of slender columns, found in abundance up to a mark of 3400 m above sea level, reach 250-300 years of age and three meters in height. In the past, the road from the Inkaiko Empire to the Enchanted Valley passed through the cactus fields. And until now, some residents of the region consider plants to be strict keepers of the tranquility of mountains and valleys, scaring away strangers. Currently, cacti of this species are on the verge of extinction due to the irrational use of their fiber.
In the national park, you can also find chock trees, which belong to the legume family and form small forests. Thanks to a special geographical location, vicuñas, wild donkeys, foxes, parrots, armadillos, about 100 species of birds, condors, etc. live in the park. Fossil remains of long-extinct animals and traces of dinosaurs were also found here. The park was founded in December 1996.

ARGENTINA

Nahuel Huapi

The Nahuel Huapi National Park in Argentina, in the provinces of Neuquen and Rio Herpo, covers an area of ​​about 800,000 hectares. It was created in 1903 by the famous naturalist of Argentina, Dr. Francisco Perito Moreno (1852–1919). Initially, the country's first national park covered an area of ​​8,000 hectares between Puerto Blest and Frias Lake. In 1907 protected area was expanded to 43,000 hectares, and in 1922 it reached its present size. After the Conservation Law was passed in 1934, Nahuel Huapi became Argentina's first national park.

The attraction of the park is the extinct volcano Tronador with a height of 3554 m above sea level (in Spanish, tronador means loud, thundering). It rises above a belt of forests and numerous lakes of glacial origin. The main peak of Tronador is El Principal. From the top of Tronador, from its sheer cliffs, eight glaciers slide into deep gorges. In the glaciers of Tronador, the Frias River is born, carrying matte green waters.

Another attraction of the park and its decoration is Lake Nahuel Huapi, located at an altitude of 767 m, about 70 km long and with an area of ​​530 sq. km. It is very deep, with steep banks, navigable. Other lakes are connected with this lake (Gutierrez, Perito Moreno, Correntoso, Gallardo, Frias, Frey, etc.).

On the lake is a large island with an area of ​​​​3700 hectares - Victoria. It is known for the ruins of ancient structures and rock carvings, some of which are 9,000 years old. There are five small lakes on the island.

Forests of huge cedars and evergreen beeches are well preserved here. The age of some beeches up to 40 m high and 2 m in diameter reaches 500 years. In the forests of the Andes, Patagonian larches 30–35 m high and 2–3 m in diameter rise above the southern beeches. They look like California redwoods. Their trunks are braided with vines, various epiphytes settle on them.

The Ketrihue peninsula cuts into the expanse of Lake Nahuel Huapi, on which forests of arrayana grow - trees with trunks, intricately curved, with smooth cinnamon-colored bark. During the flowering period, they are literally strewn with white flowers, and during the fruit ripening period, the forest turns purple-bronze.

The Brazo-Bleet bay of Nahuel Huapi Lake is very deep. Its shores rise as steep walls from the water, resembling norwegian fjords or channels of Tierra del Fuego.

There are many car tours in the national park. But the greatest demand is for the 280 km round-the-world trip (Bariloche, the Limay River, Traful, Correntoso and Espejo lakes, the town of La Angostura, the northeast coast of Lake Nahuel Huapi, Limay and again Bariloche).

Traveling through the park, tourists enter the Enchanted Valley, where you can see formations of the Tertiary period, changed by erosion and time. For their bizarre forms, they were given the names Castle, Finger of God, Penitent, Pensive India, etc. Lake Traful (32 km long, up to 3 km wide) is rich in salmon. On the shore of the lake is the town of Traful with hotels and a marina. Lake Correntoso (length about 40 km), located at an altitude of 816 m above sea level, is surrounded on all sides by a humid beech forest. The Correntoso River, only 100 m long, flows out of the lake.

There are mammals in the park. But there are no large ones, except for the acclimatized European deer and fallow deer, which have bred in large numbers (therefore, the regulation of their numbers was begun). Occasionally, one can see a pudu deer here, only 30–35 cm tall, with short horns.

Mouse opossums live in the forests. In streams there is Darwin's rhinoderm frog, the male of which keeps fertilized eggs in his throat pouch until the tadpoles themselves jump out of their mouths. Few American rhea ostriches survive. Ducks - shelducks - nest in the steppe. A few armadillos. Hippocamelus, guanaco, vicuna, chinchilla also live here.

In hard-to-reach places, the cougar is found - the second largest cat in North America. She was called panther, leopard, mountain or Mexican lion. Unlike others wild cats puma does not show ferocity towards humans. But this did not save her from the cruel persecution of white settlers (the Indians did not hunt the cougar - they revered her).

Puma is very reminiscent of a panther, but differs from it in an elegant and graceful build. Its color is always monotonous - gray or reddish (cougar kittens are born spotted, like panthers, and with age the spots disappear).

In the south of Patagonia, the cougar does not exceed 1.22 m in length and weighs no more than 30–40 kg. When attacking, the cougar develops a speed of up to 18 m / s, jumps from a place to 7–8 m, climbs trees superbly. It hunts mainly moose and deer.

The cougar lives alone. Each animal occupies a plot of 15-40 square meters. miles and does not allow rivals on it.

In North America, the cougar has no serious enemies, and in South and Central America the cougar has a very dangerous enemy - the jaguar, which is much stronger than it, but the cougar is lighter and more agile.

Puma can attack wild and domestic animals. Climbing into the pen, she cuts 6-7 cows or sheep at once (while the jaguar always kills only one animal). Therefore, the profession of tigreros has long existed - a hunter for jaguars and cougars. True, now the situation has changed somewhat: there are few cougars and jaguars left, so they are protected almost everywhere, and often the government pays compensation to farmers for livestock killed by predators.

There are many birds in the park: badly flying tanaculos, black Magellanic woodpecker, Chilean hummingbirds, wedge-tailed parrots. The condor is on the verge of extinction. The lakes are inhabited mainly by loons. There are also ducks, black-necked swan, gulls and cormorants.

On the southern shore of the lake is the center of the national park - the city of San Carlos de Bariloche, which is connected to the capital by regular air and rail links. Tourists arriving here certainly visit the F. Moreno Museum, which contains relics of missionaries, conquerors of this region, and presents household items of the local population.

Nahuel Huapi National Park is open all year round, but there are two tourist seasons: winter (July-September) and summer (January-March). National ski competitions are held here at the beginning and at the end of the season. A large ski station is located 20 km from the city. Lifts have been built for the convenience of tourists.

From November 1 to April 15, fishing is allowed in the lakes of the Nahuel Huapi Park under the licenses of the General Directorate of the National Park. A license is also issued for shooting red deer on Lake Victoria. Alpinists, or, as they are called here, Andinistas, also go to the park (in 1931, the Andino Bariloche club was created, which equipped mountain shelters on the slopes of the mountains).

In addition to the Nahuel Huapi National Park, another national park, Los Glasres, is located in the Patagonia region (it was founded in 1937). The most notable in the park are the large glacial lakes Viedma and Lago Argentino. One of the glaciers that dumps its flows into the lake is Perito Moreno, declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site.

It is better to go to the famous glacier from El Calafate, which has retained its provincial appearance. It is dominated by small houses with peaked roofs and walls painted in pastel colors. El Calafate is named after a local plant that produces blue berries that are used to make delicious marmalade. The legend says: whoever tries it will definitely come back here.

After a two-hour journey, tourists reach the spurs of the Cordillera. Passing through the gates of the national park, travelers will see a seemingly unreal giant formation up to 70 m high from a bluish-white ice mass. It rises between mountain ranges and keeps its "tongue" in the lake.

Something constantly crackles in the glacier. Or maybe suddenly an unimaginable roar can be heard - a piece of ice several tons in size breaks into the water.

The glacier and the peninsula are separated by the so-called Iceberg Channel, which is only 5 m wide. Therefore, it happened that ice masses blocked the channel. Naturally, in the southern part of Lago Argentino, which is fed by glaciers, there is no runoff of water. Gradually, the water level rises here by 20 m or more, and water breaks through the top of the glacier every three to four years, which is why the glacier continues to grow.

Perito Moreno is beautiful at any time of the year. Its pointed peaks shimmer with multi-colored "lights", sparkle in the sun. The most courageous undertake to conquer the glacier. The inscription on the shields installed here warns that more than one daredevil who climbed the hulk was killed by ice fragments. Tourists take their first steps on the ice accompanied by guides, who first of all attach devices with spikes 3 cm long to the travelers' shoes.

In 1934, Argentina passed a law on the protection of nature, according to which the country's national parks are museums in nature, reserves where local species of plants and animals can freely develop. It is also noted that national parks have economic, cultural, aesthetic and scientific significance.

National parks in Argentina are divided into three zones.

The first zone includes areas of virgin nature, or inviolable zones.

The second zone includes areas that have degraded for various reasons (landscape restoration work is envisaged here).

The third zone is made up of recreational areas - roads, hotel complexes, facilities and service industries, etc. Argentine environmentalists believe that the territory of the third zone should be reduced.

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1. Los Glaciares National Park (Parque Nacional Los Glaciares)

"Los Glaciares" means "glaciers" in Spanish, and that says it all. This is a huge national park, the main tourist sites of which are glaciers. Unlike most of its counterparts in the rest of the world, the Los Glaciares glaciers are among the most easily accessible to visit, as they descend from the mountains to the shores of lakes. Thus, anyone can see them, even with handicapped. The main thing is to have enough money to get to one of the southernmost parts of Patagonia.

What to do in Los Glaciares National Park?

  • Go to the Perito Moreno glacier - the most popular, picturesque and closest to big land. In addition, there is an excellent infrastructure in the vicinity of the glacier. Everyone can walk along the paths and viewing platforms around the glacier. Also, when walking on a catamaran, you can be in close proximity to the 60-meter wall of ice. People with average physical fitness should go on a 3-4 hour trek on the glacier itself.
  • See the Uppsala Glacier - the largest glacier in South America, the size of 3 Buenos Aires (!!!).
  • Take a trip to the Spegazzini Glacier - a wall of ice that reaches 135 meters in height (more than twice as high as Perito Moreno or 30 meters higher St. Isaac's Cathedral!). Possible technical climbing, trekking, walks on the lakes.
  • Visit the Argentine trekking paradise around Mount Fitz Roy.
  • Of the adventure activities in Los Glaciares National Park, bike rides, kayaking, rafting on lakes and rivers, off-road tours, ATVs are available.

How to get to Los Glaciares National Park?

The base city for visiting the national park is El Calafate. You can fly here from several major cities Argentina. Tours to some of the glaciers and Mount Fitz Roy operate from the tourist village of El Chalten, which is 2-3 hours by car or bus from El Calafate.

When to visit Los Glaciares National Park?

The ideal months for a trip to the glaciers are from November to March, although it is quite possible to come from September to May as well. Despite the huge number of glaciers, there are not often low sub-zero temperatures. Even directly on the glaciers in good weather, you can sweat a lot.

2. Iguazu National Park (Parque Nacional Iguazu)

What to do in Iguazu National Park?

  • Admire the waterfalls. For the convenience of the review, there are many observation platforms, equipped paths, and a developed park infrastructure.
  • Take a shower under the waterfalls by taking an extreme boat tour.
  • Take a train ride through the jungle, which will take you to the most powerful of the 200 waterfalls, the Devil's Throat.
  • Take a short walk along the Macuko road and take a dip under one of the waterfalls.
  • Take a helicopter tour and experience the power and beauty of the waterfalls from a bird's eye view.
  • See the local fauna: here you can meet coatis, iguanas, many butterflies and birds (more than 400 species!).
  • Visit the bird park on the Brazilian side.
  • Swim in the river with crocodiles.

How to get to Iguazu National Park?

An ideal base point from where you can see all the attractions of the parks is the city of Puerto Iguazu. There is a good choice of accommodation and restaurants, many flights from Buenos Aires and some other cities of Argentina arrive at the local airport.

When to visit Iguazu National Park?

You can visit Iguazu National Park all year round. In winter it is relatively warm and there are significantly fewer tourists, while in summer it can be very hot (above +30°C). Traditionally, the rainiest month is November, although no one has canceled the increasingly frequent natural anomalies. Rain has its pros and cons. Of course, few people want to walk in cloudy weather. On the other hand, the river is especially full these days, which means you can see the waterfalls “turned on” at full capacity. In addition, even in the rainiest months, clear days are not uncommon.

3. Provincial Reserve La Payunia (Reserva provincial La Payunia)

In Argentina, in addition to national parks, reserves and provincial parks (i.e. parks regional level). Among them there are unique places, which could well qualify for country-level sights. Pajunia Nature Reserve is the most striking example. Until now, it is rarely talked about, but the place itself is undoubtedly worthy of a visit. This region of Argentina is the second largest in the world after Kamchatka in terms of the number of volcanoes. There are more than 800 of them here!

What to do in Pajunia Reserve?

  • It is easy to guess that the main sight here is volcanoes and unique landscapes created as a result of eruptions. These views are absolutely surreal! In some places of the reserve there are black fields where nothing is visible to the horizon except black ash.
  • Go down during an excursion to the huge crater of one of the volcanoes.
  • View Argentine oil production sites.
  • Photograph guanacos, armadillos and Patagonian hares.
  • Go on an off-road tour. They also offer minibus rides, they are not for the faint of heart!

How to get to Pajunia Reserve?

The base city for visiting the reserve is Malargue. People usually get here from Mendoza, located 350 km to the north (buses run). The place is quite remote, but from Malargue you can also go to explore the mountain valleys and the most famous ski resort in South America, Las Legnas. So a trip for a couple of days will be quite justified.

When to visit Pajunia Reserve?

The best time to visit the reserve is the Argentinean summer and off-season, i.e. from November to April.

4. Nahuel Huapi National Park (Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi)

Nahuel Huapi National Park is the main holiday destination for most Argentines. Unless, of course, you do not take into account a beach holiday. The park occupies a large part of the Argentinean lake district - a place where the combination of mountains with lakes creates absolutely fabulous pictures. According to many travelers, and even more so Argentines, these places are not only not inferior, but even surpass the beauty of the Swiss Alps.

Nahuel Huapi is one of the most developed and landscaped national parks in Argentina. On its territory is located Big City San Carlos de Bariloche. And the description of the activities that you can do here will take more than one hour. So let's try to be selectively brief.

What to do in Nahuel Huapi National Park?

  • First of all, admire the classic views. It is extremely simple to do this: both in the park and in the city of San Carlos de Bariloche, numerous viewing platforms. You will find the main postcard view of the park on the mountain Cerro Campanario.
  • Tracking. In the park you will find many routes lasting from an hour or less to 5-6 days. They are suitable for people with any physical fitness: there are both ordinary walks and professional climbs. One thing unites them all - beautiful landscapes.
  • Drive along the 7 lakes road, included in the list of the most scenic roads in the world. You can do this both on a rented car and as part of an excursion. As a rule, a full circle on the road takes from 300 to 400 km. In fact, this route also captures part of the Lanin National Park.
  • Excursions on the lakes will not only open the Nahuel Huapi park for you from a new side, but also allow you to get to the islands and see the hidden pearls of the lake district in the form of waterfalls and the forest of arrayans (unusual myrtle trees).
  • Sports activities in Nahuel Huapi are off the charts: kayaking, kite surfing, scuba diving, sport fishing, paragliding, horseback riding, rafting, mountain biking, canopy (abseil) and much more.

How to get to Nahuel Huapi National Park?

San Carlos de Bariloche is located in the middle of the Nahuel Huapi National Park and is easily accessible by plane from many major cities in Argentina. Most of the attractions in the park can be reached by car.

When to visit Nahuel Huapi National Park?

The best time to visit the national park is from November to March. In the cold season, lovers come here ski holidays and other winter sports.

5. Lanin National Park (Parque Nacional Lanin)

The Lanin National Park borders the Nahuel Huapi Park and is also an important part of Argentina's Lake District. In many ways, he repeats his southern counterpart, both in landscapes and in activities. Going to Lanin stands for a quieter and more measured life. Its central town of San Martin de Los Andes is a place much quieter than San Carlos de Bariloche, but not without its own charm. San Martin really wants to be like European mountain towns, although basically it reminds them only of rather big prices 🙂

What to do in Lanin National Park?

  • Again, beautiful lakes framed by mountains act as a magnet here. Around San Martin there are many observation platforms with unforgettable views.
  • Lanin is the name of a volcano located exactly on the border of Argentina and Chile. Its almost perfect cone rises 3700 meters above the park and is considered the main local decoration. You can make a technical ascent to the volcano, which usually takes 1.5-2 days.
  • Go on excursions around the lakes.
  • The choice of sports activities is also great: trekking, horseback riding, kayaking, rowing, canopy, golf, many winter sports, etc.
  • The park has a large number of campsites for every taste and budget.

How to get to Lanin National Park?

20 km from San Martin de Los Andes, there is a small Chapelco airport, where you can fly from Buenos Aires. Another option is to get from San Carlos de Bariloche by car or bus.

When to visit Lanin National Park?

The ideal time to visit the park is from November to March. In winter, people come here mainly for mountain sports.

6. Tierra del Fuego National Park (Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego)

There are plenty of national parks with mountains and lakes in Argentina. But in the very south of Patagonia, nature is becoming more and more severe, which fascinates travelers who come here. Further south from here there is nothing but a few islands and Antarctica.

6. National Park Tierra del Fuego (Tierra del Fuego). Photo by Petr Meissner.

What to do in Tierra del Fuego National Park?

  • Go trekking. The park has over 40 km of well marked hiking trails. There are several organized campsites.
  • Take a ride on the world's southernmost train, which runs right through the national park.
  • From the city of Ushuaia, which is located near the entrance to the national park, you can take a lot of interesting excursions: sea trips with a visit to penguins and fur seals, helicopter rides (here they are some of the best in the world!), in the presence of snow, rides on husky sleds, etc.

How to get to Tierra del Fuego National Park?

Due to the remoteness of the region, Ushuaia is mainly visited by planes from many cities in Argentina, as well as from Chile.

When to visit Tierra del Fuego National Park?

If you are not interested in winter adventures, then it is better to come to the national park from November to March. It's almost never hot here. In summer, the temperature usually does not exceed 10-15°C. Winters are rarely severe: at this time, the normal air temperature is from 0 to -5°C.

7. Los Cardones National Park (Parque Nacional Los Cardones)

It is hard to imagine that for the sake of cacti people are ready to travel hundreds of kilometers. However, this is exactly what is happening in the Los Cardones National Park in northwestern Argentina. There are so many cacti here that entire valleys are occupied by them. Many of them are over 15 meters high! Well, where else can you go to the cactus forest? 🙂

What to do in Los Cardones National Park?

  • Admire the cacti among the vast expanses of the desert mountains. The spectacle is especially impressive during the flowering of cacti.
  • Stop by a cute colonial town, or rather a village, Kachi.
  • Drive through the wineries near the town of Cafayate.

How to get to Los Cardones National Park?

Most travelers enter the park through the city of Salta, where there is an airport with good connections to other regions of the country. You can also get to Salta by bus, basically, it will be many hours of travel.

When to visit Los Cardones National Park?

The park can be visited all year round, daytime temperatures are above zero. Winter nights can be cold.

8. Talampaya National Park and Ischigualasto Provincial Park (Parque Nacional Talampaya y Parque provincial Ischigualasto)

Despite the different levels national importance, national and provincial parks can be called twins. By local standards, they are located close to each other and attract travelers with the same - unearthly landscapes. The locals even called Ischigualasto the "Moon Valley", although it would be more correct to call this place the Martian valley. The fact is that the rocks here are of a brown-red hue, which becomes fiery red at dawn and sunset. And then the brain starts to go crazy, not at all recognizing the visible picture as what we are used to seeing on planet Earth.

These deserted and practically dead places more than 2 million years ago they were a real cradle of nature. The territory was covered with dense vegetation, the fossilized remains of which can still be found today, and among all this plant diversity, dinosaurs ran and flew, the skeletons of which are often found by paleontologists.

What to do in Talampaya and Ischigualasto parks?

  • In Talampaya Park, the main attraction is a canyon with reddish sheer cliffs up to 150 meters high.
  • Both parks contain surreal rock formations, the result of centuries of soil erosion. They look like man-made monuments and this makes them even more impressive (for example, Submarine, mushroom, tray, sphinx, etc.).
  • In the list of the main attractions of Ischigualasto, the field with "bowling balls" holds the leadership - a rock that has acquired over time an almost perfect ball shape.
  • All of the above can be seen during trekking, car tours, as well as cycling.

09. Stone formation "Mushroom" in Ischigualasto Park. Photo by Pedro Reyna.

How to get to Talampaya and Ischigualasto parks?

Both parks are quite remote from civilization. You can get to them from two cities where there are good bus connections and airports: San Juan (closer to Ischigualasto), and La Rioja (closer to Talampaya). Getting to the parks by public transport is problematic. So you need to take a car or a tour from the nearest cities.

When to visit Talampaya and Ischigualasto parks?

The best time to visit is September to December and March to May. For the most part, the parks are not self-driving and you must buy one of the tours offered at the entrance to their territory (transport, walking tours, bicycles).

Argentina is the eighth largest country in the world, but its entire population is concentrated mainly in cities, and therefore has vast and almost uninhabited territories. Although it is one of the world's leguminous supplier countries, only 30% of its territory is turned into arable land, the rest of the territory has completely diverse landscapes: deserts and semi-deserts, jungles and forests, where nature is the complete mistress. From the highest point in America (Mount Aconcagua - 6.962 meters above sea level) to the lowest point in the country (Salina Grande on the Valdes Peninsula - 48 meters below sea level), from tropical to subarctic climate in Tierra del Fuego, there is a great variety of natural diversity.

Iguazu National Park (Spanish: Parque Nacional Iguazú) is a national park in Argentina, located in the department of Iguazu, in the northern part of the province of Misiones, in the Argentine Mesopotamia. The park was created in 1934 and partially contains one of the natural monuments of South America, Iguazu Falls,


Ischigualasto Provincial Park (Spanish: Parque provincial de Ischigualasto) is a conservation area in Argentina, located in the province of San Juan, in the northwest of the country. Together with the Talampaya National Park, located within the same geological formation,


Los Glaciares National Park (Spanish: Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, glaciers) is a national park located in Patagonia (South America), in the Argentine province of Santa Cruz. The area of ​​the park is 4459 km². In 1981 it was included in the World Heritage List.


Nahuel Huapi (Spanish: Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi) is a national park in Argentina. Founded in the area of ​​Lake Nahuel Huapi in 1934, this is the oldest national park in the country. Today, the protected area covers an area of ​​7050 km² in the provinces of Neuquen and Rio Negro in northern Patagonia.


Tierra del Fuego (Spanish: Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego) is a national park in the southern part of the Argentine sector of the island of Tierra del Fuego (Isla Grande), located 11 km west of Ushuaia. The park was created on October 15, 1960 and expanded in 1966.


Sierra de las Quijadas (Spanish: Parque Nacional Sierra de las Quijadas) is a national park located in the center of the province of San Luis, Argentina. Founded in 1991. The area of ​​the park is 73,533 hectares. The park is located in a paleontological area,

Argentina occupies the southeastern part of the mainland of South America and a number of nearby islands. It borders Chile to the west, Bolivia and Paraguay to the north, Brazil and Uruguay to the northeast. In the east it is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

Argentina is located in three climatic zones: tropical, subtropical and temperate. Summer in the south of the country is cold: the average temperature of even the warmest month, here it is January, is +15°С. The "Pole of Heat" in Argentina is the tropical region of the Gran Chaco in the north. In summer the air there warms up to +30 - +40°С, and in winter the average temperatures reach +17 - +20°С.

Flora and fauna of Argentina

In the north of the country, subtropical forests grow in which trees are found valuable breeds: evergreen coniferous araucaria and lapacho tree, from the bark of which a very healthy tea drink is prepared, known even to the Incas.

Shrub vegetation prevails in the southern parts of the country. Vast swampy areas are covered with reeds, reeds, water lilies, and more elevated and dry areas are occupied by meadows with a rich grass cover. In some places there are sparse forests of acacias, mimosas, ostrich trees, and palm groves along the river banks.

One of the plants is the national flower of Argentina. This is Erythrina, or Coral Tree. Some species of this plant are used for landscaping park areas and streets.

As for the animal world of the country, it is somewhat less diverse compared to the animal world of other Latin American countries, but most of it is made up of species that do not live anywhere else on the continent or in the world.


These include the Pampas deer, Pampas cat, Magellanic dog. In the north-west of the country, on the territory of the high-mountainous volcanic plateau of Pune, there is a relic spectacled bear.

Cougars are found in the vastness of Pampa, in some places you can still find wild chinchillas, most of which were exterminated for the sake of fur. Otters and nutrias live in the reservoirs, as well as a large number of waterfowl. Found in subtropical forests various types hummingbirds, including rare ones.

Architectural and cultural monuments

The cultural and architectural landscape of Argnetina is diverse and somewhat heterogeneous. Buenos Aires is not just the capital of the country - it is a city that combines the architectural heritage of the times of the Spanish conquistadors and the creations of modern architects. The cultural landscape of Buenos Aires is in line for inclusion in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Casa Rosada (Spanish: La Casa Rosada, Pink House).


This building in the central Plaza de Mayo is the main official working residence of the President of Argentina. The characteristic pink color of the walls of the Casa Rosada turned the presidential residence into one of the most memorable buildings in Buenos Aires, one of its architectural symbols - it is included in the lists of National Monuments of Argentina.

The history of this building is interesting. In 1594, a fort was erected on the site of this building, designed by the Spanish conquistador Juan de Garay. The building was thoroughly rebuilt in 1713 and existed until 1857, when it was almost completely destroyed. Only a small outbuilding survived, from which in 1862 a building began to grow, standing to this day.

The unusual color of the walls, according to existing legend, was supposed to symbolize the reconciliation of the country's two main political parties - the Unitarians and the Federalists. The colors of these parties were, respectively, white and red.

The version, of course, is beautiful in its own way, but the Argentines also tell another version, much more prosaic: the pink color of the walls of the building is due to cow's blood, which was added to the paint for greater durability.


Pedestrian bridge Puente de la Mujer (Women's Bridge, Woman's Bridge, Spanish Puente de la Mujer). The bridge was opened recently - on December 20, 2001, but this did not prevent it from immediately becoming one of the attractions of the Argentine capital. The author of the project, Spaniard Santiago Calatrava, says that the silhouette of the bridge symbolizes a couple dancing tango.

The bridge is located in the Puerto Madero area - this is a modern business district built on the site of old docks and piers. All the streets in this block wear female names That's why the bridge was called the Woman's Bridge.

The river in this place is navigable, but the bridge is not bred or even raised: its central section turns 90 °, allowing the ship to pass.

Reserves and national parks

On the territory of Argentina there are several large reserves and national parks, which are also included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Cueva de las Manos (Spanish: Cueva de las Manos, Cave of Hands). Located in the south of Argentina, in the valley of the river Pinturas. On the walls of the cave there are drawings of living creatures and negative images of human hands, the earliest of which date back to 9 thousand BC.


According to the results of archaeological excavations, the cave for a long time was inhabited: the ancestors of the Indians of Patagonia lived in it. The latest drawings date back to the first millennium AD. The paints with which the drawings are made are of mineral origin. Bone tubes were found in the cave, with the help of which the drawings were made.

In addition to numerous hands, hunting scenes for guanacos, Nanda ostriches, cats and other animals are also depicted on the walls of the cave. The drawings show the use of bolas, a traditional throwing weapon of the Indians of South America.

Inca Bridge (Spanish: Puente del Inca) and geothermal springs. The so-called Inca Bridge is an object of natural origin, a natural bridge across the Mendoza River. The bridge is 28 meters wide, 48 meters long and 8 meters thick. The height of the arch is 27 meters.


Scientists believe that the bridge could have formed as a result of a sequence of snow avalanches and rockfalls: avalanche ice and snow formed the first layer above the river, on which the second layer lay - from stones, dust and rock fragments. The first layer melted, and the second, caking and soaking with mineralized water from nearby geothermal springs, gradually formed the arch of a natural bridge.

Near the bridge, in the village of the same name, there are five geothermal springs. Venus, Mars, Saturn, Mercury and Champagne. The waters of the springs are rich in sodium chloride, alkali metals, arsenic-containing minerals, soda, various kinds of carbonates and sulfates. The temperature of the waters varies from 33°C to 38°C in different springs.

Iguazu Falls (Spanish: Cataratas del Iguazu, port: Cataratas do Iguaçu). The complex is 2.7 km wide and includes approximately 270 individual waterfalls. The height of the water fall reaches 82 meters, but on most waterfalls a little more than 60 meters.


The largest waterfall - "Devil's Throat" (Spanish Garganta del Diablo) is a U-shaped cliff 150 wide and 700 meters long. This waterfall, on top of that, marks the border between Brazil and Argentina.

The Iguazu Falls are one of the most visited tourist destinations in South America. Every year there are 1.5-2 million visitors. Viewing platforms are specially equipped for tourists. In the vicinity of the waterfall, hiking and car routes are laid, including those passing at the very foot of the waterfalls.

According to one of the local legends, the waterfalls on the river appeared for this reason: an Indian youth kidnapped his beloved, sailed with her in a boat down the Iguazu River. The gods opposed this and decided to stop the lovers.

They opened a gorge before them, where the waters of the once calm river fell. Once in the whirlpool, the girl turned into one of the stones that lie at the foot of the waterfall. The young man became one of the trees that surround the river and the waterfall, and now he always looks at his beloved.

Fans of outdoor activities can go to the ski resorts in the foothills of the Andes. For those who prefer to observe the underwater worlds, there is an opportunity to go diving in Patagonia: in the Beagle Strait you can see a sunken ship lying at the bottom, and off the island of Tierra del Fuego you can meet a huge spider crab and dolphins. Divers from all over the world come to Puerto Madryn to appreciate the beauty of the local waters.

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