The Potrero de Yala Provincial Park is the oldest natural reserve in Jujuy province, created in 1952, located 27 kilometers northwest of San Salvador de Jujuy (45 minutes by car via fully paved RN 9 + RP 4) deep in the heart of the Yungas cloud forest (subtropical cloud forest of Argentina, the country's most biodiverse ecoregion alongside the Misiones rainforest). It covers 4,300 hectares and contains 6 glacial lagoons at 2,000-2,300 meters of altitude spread along the valley: Rodeo (the largest at 40 hectares, accessible by car to the parking area, ideal for a standard visit), Alisar (30 min trek from Rodeo, intermediate difficulty), Larga (1 hour walk, more solitary), Comedero (2 hours, spectacular landscape with multicolored hills behind), Noques and Desaguadero (the most remote, requiring a local guide). It is one of the most underrated eco-tourism destinations in northwestern Argentina: few crowds even in high season, spectacular landscapes, birdwatching with over 200 species recorded (including the iconic green-billed toucan, wood-quails, Andean hummingbirds, owls, condors in the upper zone), trekking of varying difficulty suitable for all ages on its accessible sections, mammal fauna with taruca (endangered Andean deer), red foxes, capuchin monkeys, viscachas and rare but present pumas. Completely free access with park rangers during the day (8 AM-6 PM in Rodeo zone). How to get there: rental car from Jujuy (USD 50-80/day, no regular public transport), private taxi (USD 35-55 round-trip), or organized tour (USD 45-95 per person typically combined with Reyes Hot Springs just 8 km from the park). From Salta city it is 130 km / 2h30 via RN 9. Best season: April-November (dry season with clear skies, lakes at good level, dry trails), with April-June (autumn, reddish alder foliage, mild 8-22°C) and September-November (spring with flowers) being optimal. Avoid summer (December-March) due to summer rains making trails slippery and producing morning fog in the upper zone — only go with a local guide then. Always bring layered warm clothing (altitude + cloud forest produce wide thermal swings), mandatory SPF 50+ sunscreen, minimum 2 liters of water per person, mosquito repellent (summer), hat and shoes with good grip. Walks to Rodeo and Alisar are safe without a guide (marked trails, high tourist traffic); for Larga, Comedero, Noques and Desaguadero we recommend hiring a local guide (USD 25-50 per group) due to less marked trails, fog in the upper zone, and the need to return before sunset. Combinable: with Reyes Hot Springs (8 km, full day USD 95-150) for nature + thermal relaxation, with Quebrada de Humahuaca in a 2-day plan (UNESCO + eco), or with San Salvador de Jujuy capital in half a day. For serious photographers and birders we recommend staying 1-2 nights in Yala rural inns (USD 35-65/night) or at the Termas de Reyes Hostería (USD 110-220, premium option with thermal baths) to access dawn (5-7 AM, best light + maximum wildlife activity) and sunset at the lakes.
Getting there — distances & times
| From | Distance | Drive |
|---|---|---|
| San Salvador de Jujuy | 27 km | 45 min |
| Reyes Hot Springs | 8 km | 15 min |
| Salta city | 130 km | 2 h 30 |
| Purmamarca | 100 km | 1 h 45 |
| Tilcara | 115 km | 2 h |
| Humahuaca | 155 km | 2 h 45 |
Typical prices by category
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Park entry | Free |
| Parking (Rodeo) | Free |
| Day tour from Jujuy | USD 45-95 |
| Yala + Reyes Hot Springs combo | USD 95-150 |
| Local guide (per group) | USD 25-50 |
| Guided birdwatching (half day) | USD 55-95 |
| Rental car (day) | USD 50-80 |
| Taxi Jujuy → Yala (round trip) | USD 35-55 |
| Permitted camping (per person) | USD 5-10 |
| Yala rural inn (night) | USD 35-65 |
| Termas de Reyes Hostería | USD 110-220 |
2026 USD prices, approximate. Park entry is free.
The 6 Lagoons — Visit Plan
Laguna Rodeo (the accessible one)
40 hectares, the largest in the system. Drive-up access to a parking area 100 m from the shore. Level pedestrian trail of 1 km along the lake. Lookout with interpretive signage. Suitable for all ages, partial wheelchair access. Ideal for a 1-2 hour standard visit. Best birdwatching at dawn.
Laguna del Alisar (intermediate)
30-minute walk from Rodeo on a marked trail. Alder forest (hence the name), the mountain alder is a Yungas tree. Smaller, mirror-like lake, ideal for photos. Difficulty: intermediate (moderate 80m climb). No services.
Laguna Larga (solitary)
1-hour trek from Rodeo. Elongated shape (hence the name). Deeper, colder waters. Few visitors, ideal for solitude. Difficulty: moderate (150m climb, less marked trail in last 200 m).
Laguna del Comedero (spectacular)
2-hour trek. Most spectacular landscape: multicolored hills behind, Andean meadows, possibility of spotting tarucas. Difficulty: high (300m climb, uneven terrain). Guide recommended. Round trip total 5 hours, leave early (8-9 AM).
Lagunas Noques and Desaguadero (remote)
The two most remote lakes in the system. Faintly marked trails, require a mandatory local guide. For experienced hikers. Full day dedicated. Wildlife sightings most likely (rare puma but present).
Book Your Yala Visit
Yala + Reyes Hot Springs Combo
Day trip from Jujuy combining Yungas nature (Yala Lagoons) + thermal relaxation (Reyes Hot Springs). 8-10 hours full day.
Guided Yungas Birdwatching
Half-day birdwatching with ornithologist guide in Yala + Yungas reserve. 200+ recorded species. Binoculars + bilingual guide + transfer.
Stay at Termas de Reyes
Boutique stay at historic 1938 inn with private thermal baths. 8 km from Yala. Ideal for nature + wellness 2-day combo.
Combine Yala with Other Jujuy Visits
- Reyes Hot Springs — 8 km, perfect eco + wellness combo in one day.
- San Salvador de Jujuy — provincial capital, 27 km, historic city.
- Quebrada de Humahuaca — UNESCO, 2-day plan with Yala.
- Purmamarca — Hill of 7 Colors, 100 km north.
- Tilcara — Pucará, 115 km.
- Hornocal — 14-color hill, full day.
Suggested itineraries: 5 and 7-day NOA plans.
