Los Cardones National ParkAbout Los Cardones National Park
Los Cardones National Park is a protected area in Salta Province, Argentina, established to conserve high-altitude dryland ecosystems and extensive stands of columnar cacti known locally as cardones. The park showcases Andean foothill and puna landscapes.
The landscape features widespread columnar cacti set against open, arid valleys and rugged hills; roads and short trails allow scenic drives and viewpoints across cactus-studded slopes. The park is valued for its botanical interest and panoramic views of the surrounding high plains.
Created as a national park to protect native cactus formations and associated highland habitats, the area has been managed for conservation and low-intensity tourism since its establishment. Traditional rural land use and seasonal grazing occur in surrounding areas but core zones are protected.
Situated in the Calchaquí Valleys region of Salta Province in northwestern Argentina, the park lies at high elevations in the Andean foothills, within a rural landscape of valleys and ridgelines.
- Visiting conditions: Best visited in the dry season when mountain roads are generally passable; early morning and late afternoon provide lower temperatures for walking.
Best Time to Visit Los Cardones National Park
Best visited in spring and autumn for comfortable temperatures and good light.
Weather & Climate near Los Cardones National Park
Los Cardones National Park's climate is classified as Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) - Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) climate with mild summers (peaking in December) and cold winters (coldest in June). Temperatures range from 0°C to 26°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Excellent | 12° - 25° | 18° | 49 mm | some cloud | 68% | 2.8 m/s | 3.6 extreme | 13.4h |
| February | Excellent | 11° - 24° | 17° | 42 mm | some cloud | 71% | 2.6 m/s | 3.4 extreme | 12.8h |
| March | Ideal | 10° - 23° | 17° | 22 mm | mostly sunny | 66% | 2.7 m/s | 3.0 extreme | 12.1h |
| April | Excellent | 7° - 20° | 14° | 1 mm | clear | 54% | 2.6 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 11.4h |
| May | Excellent | 4° - 19° | 11° | 0 mm | mostly sunny | 45% | 2.8 m/s | 1.5 high | 10.8h |
| June | Excellent | 1° - 16° | 7° | 0 mm | mostly sunny | 36% | 2.9 m/s | 1.1 high | 10.4h |
| July | Excellent | 0° - 17° | 7° | 0 mm | mostly sunny | 31% | 3.2 m/s | 1.2 high | 10.6h |
| August | Excellent | 2° - 19° | 11° | 1 mm | mostly sunny | 27% | 3.2 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.1h |
| September | Excellent | 5° - 21° | 13° | 1 mm | clear | 28% | 3.4 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 11.8h |
| October | Excellent | 8° - 23° | 16° | 4 mm | mostly sunny | 33% | 3.4 m/s | 3.2 extreme | 12.6h |
| November | Ideal | 10° - 25° | 17° | 11 mm | mostly sunny | 41% | 3.2 m/s | 3.7 extreme | 13.2h |
| December | Ideal | 11° - 26° | 19° | 39 mm | mostly sunny | 55% | 3.1 m/s | 3.8 extreme | 13.6h |
How to Get to Los Cardones National Park
The park is in Salta Province and is commonly reached by road from the city of Salta or towns such as Cachi. Routes are along provincial roads-many are paved but some are gravel-so a good vehicle is useful. Check local park offices for the latest road conditions and any entrance fees.
Tips for Visiting Los Cardones National Park
- Drive slowly on unsealed roads to admire cardón cactus formations-many of the best views are roadside.
- Visit early morning or late afternoon for angled light on cactus columns; mid-day can be harsh and flat.
- Combine a trip through the park with nearby Salta province viewpoints for a longer scenic route.