National parks of Argentina

One of the main attractions of Argentina is its nature, for her millions of travelers from all over the world come here. There are many primeval places in the country that were not touched by man's hand - forests and jungles, lakes and mountains, semi-deserts and deserts.

Major National Parks of Argentina

In this country a national park is a protected area located in different climatic zones (from subtropics to the tropics) and altitude (from 6.96 m above sea level and up to -48 m under water). The fauna of the state is very diverse, endemics and endangered species (Tuko-Tuko, Magellanic dogs, vicuña, etc.) live here, and the red-livered bird has become a true symbol of the country.

In Argentina , seven conservation sites were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List . There are 33 national parks in the country. Let's consider some of them in more detail:

1. Nahuel-Uapi (Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi). It is one of the first protected parks in the country and is located in the area of ​​the same lake. Its area is 7050 square meters. km, it is located in northern Patagonia , in the provinces of Rio Negre and Neuquén. An interesting object is the volcano of Tronador .
2. Iguazu (Parque Nacional Iguazú). This National Park in Argentina, famous for the Iguazu Falls. Located on the border with Brazil, near Paraguay.
3. Perfect (Parque Nacional Predelta). It is located in the delta of the Parana River and includes three islands, marshes, lagoons, has an interesting animal and plant world.
4. National Park Los Glaciares (Parque Nacional Los Glaciares) in Argentina. Located in the province of Santa Cruz, has an area of ​​4459 square meters. km and is famous for two large lakes: Viedma and Argentino , as well as its glaciers.
5. The Fiery Land (Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego). The park is located on the island of the same name and is the southernmost on the planet. Its area is 630 square meters. km. Here ends the Pan-American Highway.
6. Monte León (Parque Nacional Monte Leon). It is the youngest National Park in the country. It is located along the Atlantic Ocean and is famous for being home to the fourth largest colony of Magellanic penguins in South America.
7. Los Alairs (Parque Nacional Los Alerces). This is one of the most picturesque parks in the country. Its area is 193 thousand hectares and includes the river Arrananes and 5 reservoirs.
8. Sierra de las Cihadas (Parque Nacional Sierra de las Quijadas). The park is located in the paleontological zone in the province of San Luis. Its area is 73533 ha. Here you can see traces of dinosaurs and other ancient fossils.
9. Talampaya (Parque Nacional Talampaya). Officially, the status of the National Park was given to him in 1997. The park is located at an altitude of 1500 m above sea level. Here, the remains of lagozukh (ancestors of dinosaurs) were discovered.
10. Chaco (Parque Nacional Chaco). The main purpose of the park is to protect the pristine plains of the Eastern Chaco and the unique landscapes of the savannah. On its territory flows the Rio Negro , around which dense jungle grows.
11. Ibera (Parque Nacional Ibera). The territory of the park is a marshy area. This is the property of the whole of Latin America. Here there are several species of rare caimans, more than 300 species of birds, unique plants grow.
12. El Palmar (Parque Nacional El Palmar). The main goal is to preserve the local ecosystem and palm groves. The park is located on the bank of the Uruguay River and consists of marshy lands, rocky shores and water streams.
13. El-Leoncito (Parque Nacional El Leoncito). It has an area of ​​90 thousand hectares and is located on the slope of the Sierra del Tontal. For visitors it has been open since 2002, before this visit was banned.
14. Rio-Pilcomayo (Parque Nacional Rio Pilcomayo). In this territory grow moist forests, as well as whole fields of water hyacinth. The park is included in the list of international wetland areas.
15. Laguna Blanca (Parque Nacional Laguna Blanca). Here lives a huge number of species of birds. Also the park is famous for pre-Columbian sites of the Mapuche Indians and rock petroglyphs.
16. Los Cardones (Parque Nacional Los Cardones). Its main pride are the cactus fields. These plants have a height of up to 3 m and live for about 300 years.

What other nature protection institutions are available in the country?

In Argentina, in addition to the National Parks, there are also reserves. The most popular of them are:

1. Laguna de los Patos (Reserva Natural Urbana Laguna de los Patos). The reserve is located in the city ​​of Rio Grande and includes a steppe and a pond. This is a favorite habitat for birds.
2. Cape Virgenes (Reserva natural Cabo Virgenes). The reserve has an area of ​​1230 hectares and is located on the coast of the ocean. Here lives a colony of penguins, the number of which exceeds 250 thousand individuals.
3. Cabo dos Bahias (Reserva Cabo Dos Bahias). This is one of the most beautiful nature reserves of the country where you can meet representatives of the Patagonian fauna: guanaco, sea lions, penguins, etc.
4. Corazon de la Isla (Reserva Corazon de la Isla). The reserve is located in the province of Tierra del Fuego. There are special hiking routes for lovers of wildlife.
5. Laguna Oka del Rio-Paraguay (Laguna Oca del rio Paraguay). The Biosphere Reserve, which is perpendicular to the Paraguay River and encompasses its tributaries, swamps, canals, dams, old people and sleeves. Water spaces alternate with palm groves, forests and meadows.
6. Costa Atlantica (Reserva Costa Atlantica). It is located in the province of Tierra del Fuego. There are many migratory waterfowl and water birds, among which endemic species are found. The reserve area is 28500 hectares, it covers forest areas and steppes, overgrown with shrubs.
7. Punta Tombo . A popular place among tourists who want to get acquainted with the life of Magellanic penguins, who are used to people and boldly approach them. The reserve is located in the province of Chubut.
8. Punta del Marques (Reserva Natural Punta del Marques). The main goal of the reserve is to preserve the nature of Patagonia . Here lives a colony of sea lions, especially a lot from August to December. To monitor them, special platforms with powerful binoculars were built.
9. Punta Bermeja (Reserva Faunistica Punta Bermeja). It is 3 km from the beach of La Loberia. Numerous birds and sea lions live in the reserve, and dolphins, whales and killer whales live in the coastal waters. Here there is a scientific center where ornithologists and oceanologists conduct their research.
10. Ischigualasto (Parque provincial de Ischigualasto). Among the reserves, this provincial park, which is located in the San Juan area, can also be attributed. It is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and has a picturesque landscape.

In Argentina, reserves and national parks are a national pride. Going to the country, be sure to visit the nature protection zones, because here you will not only see pristine nature, wild animals and various plants, but also relax in the fresh air, get acquainted with the history of the country and just have a wonderful time.