10 Amazing National Parks in Argentina

Chaco National Park

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Only 3.5 miles away from the town of Capitán Solari in the province of Chaco, Chaco National Park comprises part of the Argentine Gran Chaco, replete with warm lowlands and large red and white quebracho (axe-breaker) trees. The park contains savanna, swamps, and lakes, and several trails on which you might see capybaras, caimans, or armadillos. More than 340 species of bird call the park home, making bird-watching the other major activity besides hiking. One of the best spots to do both is on the trail to Panza de Cabra lake, a major water source for most of the wildlife in the area. Indigenous communities of the Mocoví and Toba also live within the park.

Sierra de las Quijadas National Park

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Red desert canyons give way to the Desaguadero River and tall sandstone pillars in this remote national park in San Luis province. Fossils and dinosaur tracks crisscross the landscape, and condors and black-chested buzzard-eagles fly above herds of prancing guanacos. Visitors come for hiking, serenity, and wildlife viewing. Booking a local hiking guide through the park's headquarters is recommended as flash flooding can occur, especially in the summer. The park and main road leading to it do not have stores. Visitors should bring whatever water and provisions they plan on using while in the park.