National park · Argentina
Los Cardones National ParkParque Nacional Los Cardones
Enter Los Cardones for ARS 30–50 per person; hike the Enchanted Valley Trail (8 km (5 mi), easy) in spring (Sep–Nov) to avoid crowds; stay in Salta or nearby villages.Enter Los Cardones for ARS 30–50 per person; hike the Enchanted Valley Trail (5 mi (8 km), easy) in spring (Sep–Nov) to avoid crowds; stay in Salta or nearby villages.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
650 km² (251 sq mi)251 sq mi (650 km²)
approximate
Established
1996
Best months
Apr–May, Sep–Nov
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 10Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the fir…
- South America ↗Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the first day light; sleep lower where you can (Sacred Valley before Cusco) and descend if headache comes with vomiting or confusion.
- South America ↗A yellow fever certificate is required on arrival in French Guiana, and asked for on some routes into Bolivia, Paraguay, Suriname and Guyana, or when arriving from Amazon areas — vaccinate at least 10 days before travel and carry the card.
- South America ↗Overnight buses are the norm in Argentina, Chile and Peru, but pick top-tier companies and keep valuables on your body; on-board thefts from overhead racks are the common loss.
- Argentina ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Argentina's National Migration Directorate (Migraciones) or an Argentine consulate before booking.
- Argentina ↗Since April 2025 the official, MEP and street ('blue') dollar rates sit within a few percent of each other; a foreign card is usually the best-value way to pay, while ATM withdrawals carry high fixed fees. Rules have changed often — check before you fly.
- Argentina ↗Patagonia (El Calafate, El Chaltén, Ushuaia) is a November–March trip; in winter many services close and hiking is limited.
- Argentina ↗Since August 2026 non-resident foreigners must show insurance or pay for non-urgent care at nationally run public hospitals, and Buenos Aires City, Mendoza, Salta, Jujuy and Santa Cruz charge visitors for scheduled care; emergencies are still treated. Travel with medical insurance — check the current rules.
- Andean Northwest ↗Towns sit at 1,200-3,000 m; Purmamarca and Tilcara are around 2,300-2,500 m. Arrive, drink water, keep day one light.
- Andean Northwest ↗Cards work in Salta and Jujuy cities; carry cash (ARS) for small pueblos, market stalls and park entries.
- Andean Northwest ↗A rental car is the fastest way to link Salta, the Quebrada and the salt flats; book an automatic early and check whether gravel roads are allowed.
At a glance
- Country
- Argentina
- Area
- 650 km² (251 sq mi)251 sq mi (650 km²)
- 65,000 hectares (source: Wikivoyage).
- Established
- 1996
- Best months
- Apr–May, Sep–Nov
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Salta
Los Cardones National Park protects a high‑altitude desert in Argentina’s Andean Northwest, famed for towering cardón cacti, Andean condors, guanacos and a handful of marked trails such as the Enchanted Valley loop.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- Special national sitePart of Argentina's national park system.
Size and age
650 km² (251 sq mi)251 sq mi (650 km²) · national park since 1996
65,000 hectares (source: Wikivoyage).
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Salta.
Why go
- See towering cardón cacti across a high‑altitude desert landscape.
- Spot Andean condors, guanacos and vicuñas in their natural habitat.
When to go
- JanCaution
- FebCaution
- MarGo
- AprBest
- MayBest
- JunGo
- JulGo
- AugGo
- SepBest
- OctBest
- NovBest
- DecCaution
- JanHot, possible thunderstorms.
- FebHeat persists.
- MarCooling, occasional rain.
- AprMild, clear skies.
- MayDry, comfortable temperatures.
- JunCool, low visitor numbers.
- JulCool, occasional frost at high points.
- AugSimilar to July.
- SepSpring bloom, good wildlife viewing.
- OctClear, mild weather.
- NovWarm, low crowds.
- DecHeat returns.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andean condorMar–May, Sep–Nov | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no |
| GuanacoAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| VicuñaMar–May, Sep–Nov | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no |
| Gray fox, chinchilla, armadilloAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance gate | Ticket office, visitor information, parking. | Open daily; entry fee required. |
| Piedra del Molino area | Granite formation with short climb to viewpoint. | Free access from the main road. |
| Trailheads | Start points for Secret Trail and Enchanted Valley Trail. | Marked signs; guide recommended for longer hikes. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates from official park website; trailhead positions approximate.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry | ARS 30–50 | person | 2026 estimate; check official site. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
Park rules
- Off‑road driving
- Not allowed outside designated roads; fines apply.
- Collecting plants or fossils
- Prohibited; the park protects its natural and paleontological resources.
- Camping
- Only in designated campgrounds; wild camping forbidden.
Where to stay
Near the park
Salta city
Wide range of hotels, hostels and guesthouses; 2 h drive to park.
Near the park
San Antonio de los Cobres
Small town with basic lodgings 30 km (19 mi) from the park entrance.Small town with basic lodgings 19 mi (30 km) from the park entrance.
Safety
Heat and altitude medium
Getting lost on unmarked routes high
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Entrance area and short trails are reachable by car with short walks.
- Longer hikes involve uneven terrain and steep sections; not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Stay on marked paths to protect fragile desert vegetation.
- Do not collect rocks, fossils or plants.
- Support local guides and accommodations that follow park guidelines.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Los Cardones National Park?
Entry is ARS 30–50 per person (2026 estimate); purchase the ticket at the gate.
What are the best hikes in Los Cardones National Park?
Enchanted Valley Trail (8 km, easy) offers scenery and wildlife; Piedra del Molino climb gives a panoramic view; the short Secret Trail is good for a quick walk.
When is the best time to visit Los Cardones National Park?
Spring (Sep–Nov) and autumn (Apr–May) provide mild weather, clear skies and good wildlife viewing.
Can I camp anywhere in the park?
Camping is allowed only in designated campgrounds; wild camping is prohibited.
Do I need a guide for the Enchanted Valley Trail?
A guide is not required for the Enchanted Valley Trail, but hiring one is recommended for safety and local insight.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Sources
Ask about Los Cardones National Park
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