San Guillermo National Park
National Park High-Andes reserve in Argentina protecting vicuñas and condors
High in Argentina’s central Andes, San Guillermo National Park protects puna grassland and is one of the best places to see vicuñas; visitors hike remote trails and scan for high-altitude wildlife.
San Guillermo National Park is a high-Andean protected area in San Juan Province that conserves puna grasslands, high plateaus and mountain ecosystems. The park is important for native high-altitude wildlife, including camelids such as vicuñas and other puna specialists.
The park provides opportunities for observing high Andean landscapes, wildlife viewing and high-altitude trekking; roads and access routes are seasonal and determined by weather. Glacially influenced landforms, volcanic cones and wide high plateaus are characteristic features of the area.
The protected area was established to conserve the fragile puna ecosystems and populations of wild camelids and other Andean species, and its management focuses on habitat protection and regulated tourism. Over time the park’s boundaries and regulations have been used to reduce hunting pressure and promote conservation-compatible use.
San Guillermo sits in the high Andes of western Argentina within San Juan Province, occupying remote mountainous terrain at high elevation.
Tips for Visiting San Guillermo National Park #
- Plan your trip in the austral spring/summer (roughly October-March) when high-altitude roads are likelier to be passable; winter often brings snow and closures.
- Arrange transport and a local guide in advance - the park is remote, roads are rough in places, and services are limited, so guided 4x4 transfers and local knowledge improve access and safety.
- Bring extra fuel and supplies and confirm road conditions with local authorities before setting out; there are long distances between settlements and little on-site infrastructure.
Best Time to Visit San Guillermo National Park #
Best visited in the austral spring and summer (October-March) when mountain access is generally easier and daytime conditions are milder.
Weather & Climate near San Guillermo National Park #
San Guillermo National Park's climate is classified as Cold Desert - Cold Desert climate with cold summers (peaking in January) and freezing winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from -7°C to 13°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall.
January
January is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 2°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 1°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of -1°C. Light rainfall and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -3°C. The driest month with just 3 mm and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -4°C. Almost no rain.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is freezing with highs of 5°C and lows of -6°C. Almost no rain, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is the coldest month with highs of 5°C and lows of -7°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is freezing with highs of 6°C and lows of -7°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -5°C. Almost no rain.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -5°C. Almost no rain.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of -2°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 0°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
