Sierra de las Quijadas National Park

Sierra de las Quijadas Overview

Sierra de las Quijadas National Park, known as Parque Nacional Sierra de las Quijadas in Spanish, is located in the San Luis Province of Argentina.

Covering approximately 580 square miles (1,500 square kilometers), the park is a stunning expanse of arid landscapes characterized by deep canyons, rugged cliffs, and red sandstone formations shaped by erosion over millions of years.

Its dramatic terrain includes the Potrero de la Aguada, a vast amphitheater-like valley surrounded by steep, stratified walls. The park’s desert-like environment is dotted with sparse vegetation, including algarrobo trees, cacti, and hardy shrubs that have adapted to the dry conditions. The reddish hues of the rocks, combined with the vast open skies, create an awe-inspiring setting that resembles otherworldly desert landscapes.

The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, with species adapted to the harsh, dry conditions. Visitors may spot guanacos, a wild relative of the llama, as they roam the terrain in small herds. The park also shelters the elusive puma, which preys on the region’s mammals. Other notable inhabitants include maras, a type of large rodent, and foxes that navigate the rocky terrain.

Birdwatchers are drawn to the park for its impressive variety of avian species, including the majestic Andean condor, which soars over the cliffs in search of carrion. Other birds such as falcons, hawks, and the striking burrowing parrot add to the park’s rich biodiversity.

One of the park’s most popular features is its incredible geological formations, which provide a glimpse into the region’s prehistoric past. Fossils of dinosaurs and other ancient creatures have been discovered within its rock layers, drawing interest from both researchers and visitors fascinated by paleontology.

The park’s trails lead to various viewpoints that showcase its vast canyons and cliffs, with hiking being the most popular activity for visitors. Several guided excursions allow travelers to explore deeper into the rugged landscapes while learning about the region’s history, flora, and fauna. The Mirador del Potrero de la Aguada offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of the park’s eroded rock formations.

For those seeking an immersive experience, camping under the stars provides a chance to witness the park’s vast night sky, free from light pollution. Photographers and nature lovers are drawn to Sierra de las Quijadas for its striking scenery, especially at sunrise and sunset when the red rocks glow under the changing light.

The remote nature of the park ensures a tranquil and almost mystical experience, allowing visitors to appreciate its raw beauty and silence.

Conservation efforts in the park have focused on protecting its fragile ecosystem from human impact and ensuring the preservation of its fossil-rich geological formations. While the dry climate limits agricultural threats, there have been ongoing challenges in maintaining biodiversity due to climate change and occasional illegal hunting.

However, the park remains a significant stronghold for native wildlife, and its management works closely with researchers and conservationists to ensure its continued protection. Through sustainable tourism practices, Sierra de las Quijadas National Park balances visitor access with environmental preservation, ensuring future generations can experience its unique landscapes and wildlife.

Park Map

Sierra de las Quijadas National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

Sierra de las Quijadas National Park is home to a rich variety of bird species, many of which are adapted to arid and semi-desert environments. Raptors, songbirds, and ground-dwelling birds thrive in the park’s rocky landscapes and dry scrublands. Here are some of the most remarkable birds found in the park:

Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus)
One of the park’s most famous residents, the Andean condor is often seen soaring over the canyons, using thermal currents to glide while searching for carrion.

Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle (Geranoaetus melanoleucus)
A powerful raptor, the black-chested buzzard-eagle hunts small mammals and birds in the open desert terrain.

Variable Hawk (Geranoaetus polyosoma)
A highly adaptable bird of prey, the variable hawk hunts rodents, reptiles, and small birds in the rocky and arid landscape.

Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia)
A small owl that nests in burrows, the burrowing owl is active during the day and preys on insects, small mammals, and reptiles.

Red-legged Seriema (Cariama cristata)
A unique ground-dwelling bird, the red-legged seriema is an agile predator that hunts lizards, snakes, and large insects.

Elegant Crested Tinamou (Eudromia elegans)
A well-camouflaged ground bird, the elegant crested tinamou is known for its distinctive calls and ability to run quickly across rocky terrain.

White-fronted Woodpecker (Melanerpes cactorum)
A specialist of arid environments, this woodpecker is often seen clinging to cacti and tree trunks in search of food.

Scimitar-billed Woodcreeper (Drymornis bridgesii)
A bird that uses its long, curved bill to extract insects from tree bark and rocky crevices.

Brown Cacholote (Pseudoseisura lophotes)
A social and noisy bird, the brown cacholote builds large stick nests and is commonly seen in small family groups.

Patagonian Mockingbird (Mimus patagonicus)
A highly adaptable songbird, the Patagonian mockingbird is known for its varied vocalizations and ability to mimic other bird calls.

Sierra de las Quijadas National Park is a vital refuge for Argentina’s arid-land wildlife, preserving a stunning desert ecosystem that supports a diverse array of uniquely adapted species.

Sierra de las Quijadas National Park, located in the province of San Luis, Argentina, is a dramatic desert landscape of red sandstone cliffs, deep canyons, and arid scrublands. This harsh yet beautiful environment supports a unique array of wildlife 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 apex predator of the region, the puma is a highly adaptable hunter that preys on guanacos, rodents, and birds across the rugged terrain.

Guanaco (Lama guanicoe)
A wild camelid, the guanaco is one of the most common large mammals in the park, grazing on sparse vegetation in the arid landscape.

Culpeo Fox (Lycalopex culpaeus)
Also known as the Andean fox, the culpeo is a key predator in the park, hunting small mammals, birds, and reptiles.

Lesser Grison (Galictis cuja)
A small but aggressive carnivore, the lesser grison is an efficient predator that preys on rodents, birds, and insects.

Patagonian Mara (Dolichotis patagonum)
A large, rabbit-like rodent, the Patagonian mara is a fast-running herbivore that thrives in open grasslands and rocky areas.

Plains Viscacha (Lagostomus maximus)
A nocturnal rodent that lives in underground burrows, the plains viscacha is highly social and emerges at dusk to forage.

Big Hairy Armadillo (Chaetophractus villosus)
A burrowing species, this armadillo is an important insectivore in the park, feeding on insects, small vertebrates, and plant material.

Argentine Black-and-White Tegu (Salvator merianae)
One of the largest lizards in South America, this species is an opportunistic feeder that consumes insects, small animals, and fruits.

Chaco Tortoise (Chelonoidis chilensis)
A slow-moving reptile adapted to the arid conditions, the Chaco tortoise feeds on grasses, cacti, and flowers.

South American Rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus)
One of the few venomous snakes in the region, the South American rattlesnake is an important predator of rodents and small animals.