Los Cardones National Park is a 65,000-hectare protected area in Salta province, Argentina (lat -25.15, lng -66.10), preserving the country's largest forest of cardon cacti (Echinopsis atacamensis). These cacti can reach 10 meters in height, grow just 1 cm per year and live over 300 years. The park is traversed by Provincial Route 33 between the Cuesta del Obispo and Cachi, at an average altitude of 3,000 meters. Highlights include the Valle Encantado (Enchanted Valley — volcanic rock formations with whimsical shapes), the Recta del Tin Tin (18 km of perfectly straight road that was part of the Qhapaq Nan or Inca road system) and views of the Nevado de Cachi to the west. The park is home to guanacos, foxes, condors, chinchillones and numerous highland birds. Entry is free. There is no visitor center with services: bring water, warm clothing and sunscreen.
Getting there — distances & times
| From | Distance | Flight | Bus | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buenos Aires (EZE) | 1500 km | 2 h 20 | 20–22 h | 15–17 h |
| New York (JFK) | 9400 km | 12 h + 2 h 20 layover | — | — |
| Madrid (MAD) | 11300 km | 14 h + 2 h 20 layover | — | — |
| São Paulo (GRU) | 2800 km | 4 h 30 | — | — |
| Córdoba | 890 km | 1 h 30 | 11–13 h | 9–10 h |
| Mendoza | 1200 km | 2 h | 17–19 h | 13–15 h |
Month-by-month climate
| Month | Temp. | Rain | Crowds | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 16° / 28°C | 180 mm | Rainy summer | |
| Feb | 15° / 27°C | 155 mm | ||
| Mar | 14° / 26°C | 110 mm | ||
| Apr | 11° / 24°C | 30 mm | Dry season starts | |
| May | 8° / 22°C | 8 mm | ||
| Jun | 5° / 20°C | 3 mm | ||
| Jul | 4° / 20°C | 3 mm | Winter break | |
| Aug | 6° / 22°C | 5 mm | ||
| Sep | 9° / 25°C | 10 mm | Clear skies | |
| Oct | 12° / 27°C | 25 mm | ||
| Nov | 14° / 28°C | 60 mm | ||
| Dec | 16° / 28°C | 140 mm | Holidays |
Typical prices by category
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel/night | USD 15–25 | USD 50–90 | USD 150–350 |
| Food/day | USD 12–18 | USD 25–40 | USD 60–120 |
| Day tour | USD 40–55 | USD 60–90 | USD 120–200 |
| Car rental/day | USD 30–45 | USD 50–70 | USD 90–150 |
Approximate ranges in USD as of April 2026. May vary with Argentine peso exchange rate.
How to Get There
The park lies on RP 33 between the Cuesta del Obispo and Cachi. Access is obligatory as part of the Salta-Cachi route.
From Salta
Take RP 33 (80 km to Piedra del Molino). After cresting the Cuesta del Obispo, you enter the park directly. The stretch inside the park is approximately 40 km of gravel. Total from Salta: 80-120 km, 2-3 hours to the park's main points.
From Cachi
Take RP 33 east. At 20 km from Cachi you pass through Payogasta and then enter the park via the Recta del Tin Tin. From Cachi to Valle Encantado: 40 km, 1 hour.
Access and Regulations
Free entry. No gate or checkpoint. Any vehicle that can travel RP 33 can enter. No public transport inside the park. Short trails are marked from the road. Extraction of cacti or any species is prohibited.
What to See and Do
Cardon Cactus Forest
Thousands of giant cardon cacti dot the arid highland landscape. The largest specimens exceed 10 meters and are over 300 years old. In November they bloom with white flowers at the tips. Cardon wood (lightweight and strong) was historically used for roofs, doors and furniture; today it is protected. Walking among the cardones at sunset, when shadows lengthen, is a unique experience.
Recta del Tin Tin
An 18-km straight line crossing the park east to west. Believed to have been a stretch of the Qhapaq Nan (Inca road). The straightness is astonishing and the landscape on both sides — cardones, mountains, blue sky — creates a hypnotic perspective. At the end, the Nevado de Cachi appears as the final destination. One of the most iconic images of the NOA.
Valle Encantado (Enchanted Valley)
A park section with volcanic rock formations eroded into whimsical shapes: mushrooms, towers, columns. A short trail (1 km, 30 minutes) winds through the main formations. The contrast between gray volcanic rock and surrounding red sandstone is striking. Parking and marked trail.
Highland Fauna
With patience you can spot guanacos (camelids), gray foxes, chinchillones (mountain rodents), condors soaring overhead, and many birds including canasteros, ibises and peregrine falcons. Guanacos are most visible at dawn and dusk.
When to Visit
- Fall (March-May): Excellent. Dry climate, moderate daytime temps (10-18°C), clear skies.
- Winter (June-August): Very cold (lows below 0°C), but sunny days with perfect visibility. Nevado de Cachi completely white.
- Spring (September-November): Cactus flowering in November. More active wildlife. Pleasant temperatures.
- Summer (December-February): Rains that can deteriorate gravel. Moderate daytime heat, afternoon storms. Cardones are green and turgid.
Practical Information
Services
The park has NO visitor center, restrooms, drinking water or any services. Bring everything you need: water (minimum 2 liters per person), food, warm clothing (it can be very cold and windy at 3,000 m), sunscreen, hat. Nearest town with services is Payogasta (20 km from the Recta del Tin Tin) or Cachi (40 km).
Trails
Trails are short and start from the road: Valle Encantado (1 km), Cardon trail (500 m), various viewpoints. No long-distance trekking is available. Comfortable shoes are sufficient.
Budget
Free entry. The cost is transport (included in Cachi tour: USD 40-60, or car rental). No expenses inside the park.
Regulations
No extraction of cacti, rocks, fossils or any natural element. Stay on marked trails. No fires. Respect wildlife. Pack out all trash.
