El Leoncito National Park

El Leoncito Overview

El Leoncito National Park, known locally as Parque Nacional El Leoncito, is a protected area in the San Juan Province of Argentina. Spanning approximately 347 square miles (899 square kilometers), the park is located in the foothills of the Andes Mountains, offering breathtaking scenery and a unique blend of desert and mountain landscapes.

The park sits within a high-altitude, arid environment where the terrain consists of rocky outcrops, vast steppe-like plains, and rugged mountain slopes. The presence of the Sierra del Tontal range adds to the dramatic landscape, with peaks rising over 9,800 feet (3,000 meters) above sea level. The region is known for its clear skies and dry climate, making it one of the best places in Argentina for astronomical observations.

The vegetation in El Leoncito National Park is adapted to the harsh, dry conditions, with species such as jarilla shrubs, cactus varieties, and other drought-resistant plants dominating the landscape.

Along the banks of seasonal streams, visitors may find small groves of trees like willows and poplars that provide rare patches of greenery in an otherwise semi-arid environment. The park is also home to the unique Monte Desert ecosystem, which features a mix of hardy shrubs and sparse grasses that thrive in sandy and rocky soils. This diverse yet fragile ecosystem is a prime example of how life adapts to extreme conditions.

Wildlife in the park is as diverse as its landscapes, offering visitors a chance to encounter species that are well-adapted to arid and mountainous environments. Among the most iconic mammals found here is the guanaco, a wild relative of the llama that roams the park in small herds. The elusive puma, or mountain lion, also inhabits these lands, though sightings are rare. Other mammals include the Andean fox, mara (a large rodent resembling a hare), and armadillos.

Birdwatchers will find El Leoncito a rewarding destination, as the park hosts species like the majestic Andean condor, the burrowing owl, and the colorful Andean flamingo. Raptors such as the black-chested buzzard-eagle soar through the skies, taking advantage of the strong Andean winds.

One of the park’s most popular features is its exceptional stargazing opportunities, thanks to the dry climate and minimal light pollution. The park is home to two major astronomical observatories—El Leoncito Astronomical Complex (CASLEO) and the Carlos U.

Cesco Observatory—where visitors can learn about the cosmos and view celestial objects through powerful telescopes. The park’s clear skies offer year-round opportunities to see constellations, planets, and meteor showers in stunning detail. Beyond astronomy, visitors can explore the park through hiking and horseback riding trails, which provide breathtaking views of the Andean foothills and the vast desert plains.

The trekking routes lead to natural landmarks like the cascading El Rincón Waterfall and the scenic Cerro El Leoncito viewpoint, both offering stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains.

Conservation efforts in El Leoncito National Park focus on protecting its delicate desert ecosystem and preserving its status as an internationally recognized site for astronomical research. Challenges include managing the impacts of climate change, which affects water availability and vegetation, and preventing habitat loss due to human activity.

The park’s designation as a protected area has helped safeguard native species and promote sustainable tourism, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy its natural wonders. Efforts to maintain dark sky preservation have been particularly successful, making the park a model for balancing conservation with scientific research and ecotourism.

Park Map

El Leoncito National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

El Leoncito National Park is a fantastic destination for birdwatchers, particularly because of its high-altitude steppe and dry mountain landscapes, which attract Andean and desert bird species. Here are some of the most remarkable bird species found in the park:

Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus)
One of the largest flying birds in the world, the Andean condor soars over the park’s mountains, using thermals to glide effortlessly while searching for carrion.

Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle (Geranoaetus melanoleucus)
This large raptor is often seen soaring over the valleys, hunting small mammals and birds. It has a distinctive black chest and powerful talons.

Burrowing Parrot (Cyanoliseus patagonus)
A social and noisy parrot species, the burrowing parrot nests in cliffs and is often seen flying in flocks over the open plains.

White-sided Hillstar (Oreotrochilus leucopleurus)
A hummingbird specially adapted to high altitudes, this species feeds on nectar from Andean flowers and is known for its striking white plumage.

Gray-hooded Sierra Finch (Phrygilus gayi)
This finch is commonly found hopping among the dry vegetation of the park, feeding on seeds and small insects.

Andean Tinamou (Nothoprocta pentlandii)
A ground-dwelling bird that blends in perfectly with the rocky terrain, the Andean tinamou is known for its whistling calls and fast-running abilities.

Spot-winged Pigeon (Patagioenas maculosa)
This large pigeon is often seen in small flocks near cliffs and rocky outcrops, where it feeds on seeds and fruits.

Mountain Caracara (Phalcoboenus megalopterus)
A scavenger and opportunistic predator, the mountain caracara is often seen near cliffs and open plains, searching for carrion and small prey.

Plain-mantled Tit-Spinetail (Leptasthenura aegithaloides)
A small, active bird, the tit-spinetail is often found foraging in shrubs and bushes for insects. It is recognized by its long tail and quick movements.

Rufous-banded Miner (Geositta rufipennis)
A bird adapted to open and dry landscapes, this species is often seen on the ground, where it searches for insects and small seeds.

El Leoncito National Park is a fascinating destination for nature lovers, offering a glimpse into the unique wildlife of Argentina’s high-altitude desert ecosystems.

El Leoncito National Park, located in the province of San Juan, Argentina, is a high-altitude desert and mountain ecosystem with stunning landscapes ranging from dry valleys to Andean foothills. Due to its arid conditions, the park is home to a unique selection of hardy wildlife that has adapted to extreme temperatures and limited water sources. Here are some of the most notable mammals and reptiles found in the park:

Puma (Puma concolor)
The top predator in El Leoncito, the puma is an elusive big cat that hunts guanacos, rodents, and birds. Its ability to adapt to rugged terrain makes it a dominant species in the park.

Guanaco (Lama guanicoe)
A wild relative of the domesticated llama, the guanaco is well-adapted to high-altitude environments. It roams the park’s open landscapes in small herds, feeding on tough desert vegetation.

Culpeo Fox (Lycalopex culpaeus)
Also known as the Andean fox, the culpeo is one of the largest fox species in South America. It preys on small mammals, birds, and insects and scavenges when necessary.

Andean Hog-nosed Skunk (Conepatus chinga)
This nocturnal mammal uses its strong claws to dig for insects, small reptiles, and roots. Like other skunks, it has a potent defense mechanism when threatened.

Big Hairy Armadillo (Chaetophractus villosus)
A burrowing mammal found in the park’s dry soils, this armadillo is an insectivore that also feeds on small vertebrates and plant roots.

Mountain Viscacha (Lagidium viscacia)
A rodent resembling a rabbit, the mountain viscacha is commonly seen on rocky slopes, where it feeds on grass and shrubs. It is an expert at leaping between cliffs.

Mendoza Tuco-tuco (Ctenomys mendocinus)
A burrowing rodent that thrives in the arid soils of El Leoncito, the tuco-tuco is rarely seen above ground but plays an important role in aerating the soil.

Andean Toad (Rhinella spinulosa)
One of the few amphibians that can survive the harsh conditions of the high Andes, this toad inhabits streams and rocky areas where it preys on insects.

Argentine Rainbow Boa (Epicrates alvarezii)
A non-venomous snake known for its iridescent scales, this boa is an effective nocturnal hunter that preys on small mammals and birds.

Patagonian Lizard (Liolaemus sp.)
A hardy reptile found throughout the rocky desert, this lizard is well-adapted to extreme temperatures and primarily feeds on insects and small plants.