National park · Argentina
El Impenetrable National ParkParque Nacional El Impenetrable
Visit El Impenetrable: drive 5 h from Corrientes or Resistencia, pay entry fee (check), hike the main trails early in the dry season, camp at designated sites.
- 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
1,280 km² (494 sq mi)494 sq mi (1,280 km²)
approximate
Established
2017
Best months
May–Sep
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 9Above 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.
- Patagonia (Argentina) ↗Wind is the main planning constraint: spring (Sep–Nov) is the windiest, and exposed trails, boats and flights can be delayed.
- Patagonia (Argentina) ↗Book long-distance buses several days ahead in summer; seats sell out around Christmas, New Year and mid-January.
At a glance
- Country
- Argentina
- Area
- 1,280 km² (494 sq mi)494 sq mi (1,280 km²)
- The park covers roughly 128,000 ha (1,280 km²) as decreed in 2017.
- Established
- 2017
- Best months
- May–Sep
- Permits
- For some areas
El Impenetrable National Park protects a vast stretch of the dry Chaco, featuring flat grasslands, thorn forests, seasonal wetlands and a rewilding programme that reintroduces jaguars, tapirs, anteaters and other large mammals. It is the largest Argentine national park and offers remote hiking, river kayaking and guided wildlife drives.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- Special national siteLargest Argentine national park, Chaco region.
Size and age
1,280 km² (494 sq mi)494 sq mi (1,280 km²) · national park since 2017
The park covers roughly 128,000 ha (1,280 km²) as decreed in 2017.
Why go
- Experience the dry Chaco landscape of grasslands, thorn forest and seasonal wetlands.
- Spot large mammals such as jaguars, tapirs and giant anteaters in a rewilding project.
When to go
- JanGo
- FebGo
- MarCaution
- AprCaution
- MayBest
- JunBest
- JulBest
- AugBest
- SepBest
- OctCaution
- NovCaution
- DecGo
- JanHot but dry; water essential.
- FebHot, occasional rain.
- MarWet season starts; heat extreme.
- AprRainy, very hot.
- MayMild, dry; ideal for trekking.
- JunCooler, dry; comfortable.
- JulCool, dry; best conditions.
- AugCool, dry; good wildlife viewing.
- SepTransition to dry; pleasant.
- OctWet season begins; heat returns.
- NovHot, humid, thunderstorms.
- DecHot, dry early season.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jaguar, South American tapir, giant anteaterAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Guanaco, giant river otter, marsh deer, pampas deer (reintroduced)All year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Raptors, giant rhea, red ovenbirdMar–May | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
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
From Corrientes airport
Rent 4WD and drive ~5 h (≈300 km (186 mi)) via RN16 and RN95 to park ranger station.Rent 4WD and drive ~5 h (≈186 mi (300 km)) via RN16 and RN95 to park ranger station.
5–6 h
From Resistencia airport
Same route as from Corrientes; 4WD recommended.
5–6 h
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Ranger station (Rio Bermejo) | Entry point, information desk, basic services. | Open with ticket. |
| Camping La Fidelidad | Established campsite with basic facilities. | Reservation required. |
| Glamping El Bermejito | Tented platform accommodation, guided treks, kayaking. | Book through operator. |
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 page; approximate for camp sites.
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 | Free | person | Check official site for current fee. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
Camping permit or guide
Park rules
- Pets
- Not allowed in the park.
- Camping
- Only in designated sites; backcountry camping prohibited.
- Fire
- Open fires not permitted; use provided stoves.
Where to stay
In the park
Camping La Fidelidad
Basic tent sites with latrines.
Near the park
Resistencia town
Hotels and hostels, 5 h drive to park.
Safety
Extreme heat high
Road washouts medium
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
- Ranger station reachable by vehicle; short walks on flat terrain.
- Trails are unpaved and can be muddy; not suitable for wheelchairs.
Visiting lightly
- Stay at designated campsites, pack out all waste.
- Support local guides and rewilding projects.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter El Impenetrable National Park?
Entry fee is set by the National Parks Administration; check the official site for the current ARS amount.
What are the best hikes in El Impenetrable National Park?
The main dry‑Chaco trail (3–5 h, moderate) and river‑bank walks are popular; guided wildlife drives are recommended for big‑cat sightings.
When is the best time to visit El Impenetrable National Park?
May through September offer mild, dry weather ideal for trekking and wildlife viewing.
Can I camp anywhere in the park?
Only in designated campsites such as Camping La Fidelidad; backcountry camping is prohibited.
How do I get to the park from the nearest airport?
Rent a 4WD and drive ~5 h from Corrientes or Resistencia, following RN16 and RN95 to the ranger station.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about El Impenetrable National Park
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