Calilegua National Park

Calilegua National Park is a protected area in Jujuy Province in northwestern Argentina established to conserve remnants of the Southern Andean Yungas montane forest. It protects steep forested valleys and river systems typical of the humid eastern slopes of the Andes.

Visitors come for guided walks, birdwatching and to see montane forest habitats with dense canopy, epiphytes and a diversity of subtropical species; trails and lookout points provide access into forested valleys and along rivers. The park is a regional conservation stronghold for plants and wildlife associated with the Yungas belt.

The park was created in the late 20th century to protect remaining Yungas forest in Jujuy Province and to limit agricultural conversion and logging in the steep valleys. Since its designation it has been managed for biodiversity conservation and regulated ecotourism.

Calilegua National Park sits on the eastern Andean slopes of Jujuy Province in northwest Argentina, occupying montane forested terrain and river valleys characteristic of the Yungas ecoregion.

• Ecosystem importance: The park protects a large tract of Southern Andean Yungas montane forest with a substantial altitudinal range and associated river valleys, making it important for conservation of subtropical montane biodiversity.

• Plan your visit in the dry season (roughly May-September) when trails are more passable and wildlife congregates by remaining water sources.
• Hire a local guide at the park entrance or through a reputable outfitter - guides greatly increase wildlife and birding sightings and know which trails are best for the current conditions.
• Arrange transport in advance: the park is remote, public transport options are limited, and some trails require a vehicle capable of unpaved rural roads.