El Rey National Park

El Rey Overview

El Rey National Park, known as Parque Nacional El Rey in Spanish, is located in the Salta Province of northwestern Argentina.

Covering approximately 172 square miles (444 square kilometers), the park is part of the Yungas ecoregion, a transitional zone where the humid subtropical forests of the eastern Andes meet the drier Chaco plains. This diverse landscape provides a habitat for a wide range of plant and animal species, making it a significant conservation area within Argentina’s national park system.

The terrain of El Rey National Park is characterized by rolling hills, deep valleys, and meandering rivers, creating a rich mosaic of environments. The Río Popayán, one of the main waterways in the park, winds through dense forests and grassy meadows, providing water for the diverse flora and fauna.

The vegetation varies with elevation, ranging from lowland forests dominated by towering cebil and tipa trees to cloud forests filled with moss-covered branches, orchids, and ferns. Higher up, the landscape transitions into dry woodlands and open grasslands, creating a striking contrast between the different ecological zones.

El Rey National Park is home to an impressive array of wildlife, making it a prime destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife observers. Some of the most iconic mammals found in the park include the jaguar, puma, and ocelot, all of which rely on the dense forests for cover and hunting. Other notable species include the tapir, capybara, and collared peccary, which are commonly seen near water sources.

The park also serves as a refuge for the endangered giant anteater, an important species in the region’s ecosystem. Birdwatchers can find more than 300 species of birds, including the striking toucan, the colorful king vulture, and the elusive torrent duck that thrives along fast-flowing rivers. The presence of the harpy eagle, one of the world’s most powerful birds of prey, further underscores the park’s rich biodiversity.

One of the most popular attractions of El Rey National Park is its pristine natural setting, offering visitors a chance to experience an untouched wilderness. The park’s rivers and lagoons provide excellent opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife photography, while the extensive network of trails allows hikers to explore different habitats and elevations.

Camping is permitted in designated areas, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of the forest at night. Fishing is also permitted in some areas, following conservation regulations. The park’s remoteness ensures that visitors can experience solitude and a deep connection with nature, far from the crowds found in more developed tourist destinations.

El Rey National Park faces several conservation challenges, including illegal hunting and deforestation in the surrounding areas. The park’s management works to mitigate these threats by implementing strict protection measures and collaborating with local communities to promote sustainable practices.

Successful conservation efforts include the monitoring of key species like the jaguar and the giant anteater, as well as habitat restoration programs that aim to maintain the park’s ecological integrity.

Despite these challenges, the park remains a vital sanctuary for Argentina’s wildlife and continues to provide a unique and immersive experience for visitors seeking an unspoiled natural environment.

Park Map

El Rey National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

El Rey National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers, with its combination of Andean foothills, cloud forests, and wetlands supporting a diverse avian population. Many of these birds are rare or endemic to the Yungas and Chaco regions. 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 is often seen soaring over the mountains, searching for carrion.

King Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa)
A strikingly colorful scavenger, the king vulture plays a crucial role in cleaning up carrion and maintaining the park’s ecological balance.

Toco Toucan (Ramphastos toco)
This unmistakable bird, with its large orange beak, is a key seed disperser in the park’s forests, helping maintain plant diversity.

Military Macaw (Ara militaris)
A beautiful green macaw with red and blue markings, this species nests in cliffs and is often seen flying in noisy flocks over the treetops.

Plush-crested Jay (Cyanocorax chrysops)
An intelligent and social bird, the plush-crested jay is often seen in groups, foraging for insects, seeds, and fruits.

Andean Cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola peruvianus)
One of the most visually striking birds in the park, the male Andean cock-of-the-rock is known for its bright orange plumage and elaborate courtship displays.

Rufous-throated Dipper (Cinclus schulzii)
An expert swimmer, this bird thrives in the fast-moving streams of the park, diving underwater to catch aquatic insects.

Blue-crowned Trogon (Trogon curucui)
A beautifully colored bird with a bright blue head and red belly, the blue-crowned trogon is a common sight in the dense forest canopy.

Great Black Hawk (Buteogallus urubitinga)
This powerful raptor patrols the park’s wetlands and riverbanks, hunting for fish, amphibians, and small mammals.

Gray-hooded Parakeet (Psilopsiagon aymara)
A small, energetic parakeet, this species is often seen in flocks, feeding on seeds and fruits in the park’s woodlands.

El Rey National Park is a crucial refuge for Argentina’s cloud forest and Chaco wildlife, preserving some of the country’s most unique and endangered species in a pristine natural environment.

El Rey National Park, located in the province of Salta, Argentina, is a diverse ecosystem where the eastern Andes meet the Yungas cloud forests and Chaco woodlands. This mix of environments creates a rich habitat for a wide range of wildlife, including rare and endangered species. Here are some of the most notable mammals and reptiles found in the park:

Jaguar (Panthera onca)
The largest predator in the park, the jaguar is an elusive big cat that thrives in the dense forests and riverbanks, hunting peccaries, deer, and smaller mammals.

Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)
A medium-sized wild cat with striking spotted fur, the ocelot is a nocturnal predator that preys on rodents, birds, and reptiles in the park’s dense vegetation.

Puma (Puma concolor)
This highly adaptable feline shares its territory with the jaguar, hunting guanacos, rodents, and birds across various landscapes in the park.

Lowland Tapir (Tapirus terrestris)
A key species in the ecosystem, the lowland tapir helps disperse seeds and maintain forest diversity. It prefers wet, forested areas near rivers and streams.

Collared Peccary (Pecari tajacu)
This pig-like mammal is often seen in small groups, foraging for fruits, roots, and insects in the dense undergrowth of the park.

Giant Anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)
A remarkable species with long claws and a specialized tongue, the giant anteater feeds primarily on ants and termites, playing a crucial role in pest control.

Neotropical River Otter (Lontra longicaudis)
An excellent swimmer, the Neotropical river otter inhabits the park’s rivers and wetlands, where it preys on fish, amphibians, and crustaceans.

Tayra (Eira barbara)
This agile member of the weasel family is an opportunistic predator that climbs trees and hunts small animals, birds, and insects while also consuming fruits.

Paraguayan Caiman (Caiman yacare)
A medium-sized caiman found in the park’s rivers and lagoons, this reptile plays a key role in controlling fish and amphibian populations.

South American Bushmaster (Lachesis muta)
One of the largest venomous snakes in South America, the bushmaster is an elusive predator that hunts small mammals and birds in the dense forest.