Calilegua National Park

Calilegua Overview

Calilegua National Park, known as Parque Nacional Calilegua in Spanish, is a protected area in the Jujuy Province of northwestern Argentina. Covering approximately 283 square miles (730 square kilometers), it is the largest national park in the Argentine Yungas, a lush cloud forest ecosystem that stretches along the eastern slopes of the Andes.

The park was established in 1979 to preserve the region’s biodiversity and serves as a crucial conservation area for wildlife, native flora, and vital water sources. Located in the foothills of the Andes, it is easily accessible from nearby towns like Libertador General San Martín, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and adventurers.

The terrain of Calilegua National Park is characterized by steep mountain slopes, deep valleys, and dense subtropical forests. Elevations range from around 1,600 feet (500 meters) to over 9,800 feet (3,000 meters), creating a wide variety of ecosystems.

The park is part of the Yungas jungle, a humid and biodiverse ecoregion that contrasts sharply with the drier landscapes of Argentina’s lowlands. Dense vegetation covers much of the park, with towering cedars, alders, and laurels dominating the canopy, while an abundance of ferns, orchids, and bromeliads thrive in the understory. The higher elevations transition into montane forests and grasslands, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Andes.

Wildlife in Calilegua National Park is remarkably diverse, with over 120 species of mammals and 350 bird species recorded. Among the most notable residents are the jaguar, the largest predator in South America, and the elusive puma, both of which roam the dense forests. Other important mammal species include the endangered South American tapir, the agile collared peccary, and various species of monkeys such as the black howler monkey.

The park is also home to an astonishing variety of birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Highlights include the Andean condor soaring above the peaks, the vibrant toucans that inhabit the treetops, and the striking torrent duck, which can be found navigating the park’s fast-flowing rivers. Amphibians and reptiles also thrive in the park, with a range of frogs, lizards, and snakes adapted to the humid environment.

Among the park’s most popular features is the Sendero Tataupa, a well-marked hiking trail that offers visitors a chance to experience the rich biodiversity up close. The Arroyo Negrito, a clear-water stream that cuts through the forest, provides a refreshing stop for those trekking the park’s rugged terrain.

The high-altitude viewpoints, such as those near Mesada de las Colmenas, offer breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys. For those looking to explore deeper into the park, the Capilla del Diablo waterfall is a rewarding sight, cascading into a secluded pool within the jungle. The park’s extensive trail system allows visitors to hike, birdwatch, or simply immerse themselves in the serene natural surroundings.

Visitors can engage with the park through guided tours, self-guided hikes, and camping opportunities in designated areas. The park is particularly appealing to ecotourists, biologists, and birdwatchers due to its incredible biodiversity.

Photography enthusiasts will find countless opportunities to capture the vibrant landscapes and diverse wildlife. The park is accessible year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season from May to September, when trails are easier to navigate and wildlife sightings are more frequent.

Despite its protected status, Calilegua National Park faces conservation challenges, primarily due to deforestation, illegal hunting, and the encroachment of agricultural activities near its borders. The presence of oil exploration projects in the surrounding region has also raised concerns about potential environmental impacts.

However, conservation efforts by park authorities and local organizations have led to increased awareness and protection measures, including habitat restoration programs and stricter enforcement against poaching. The park remains a critical refuge for Argentina’s cloud forest species and a key area for ongoing scientific research and conservation initiatives.

Park Map

Calilegua National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

Calilegua National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with its lush cloud forests and river valleys providing a habitat for hundreds of bird species. Many of these birds are unique to the Yungas region. Here are some of the park’s most notable avian species:

Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus)
One of the largest flying birds in the world, the Andean condor soars over the mountains, scavenging for carrion. It is a symbol of the Andes’ wild beauty.

Toco Toucan (Ramphastos toco)
With its striking orange beak and black-and-white plumage, the toco toucan is an iconic bird of the park. It plays a crucial role in seed dispersal as it feeds on fruits.

Blue-crowned Trogon (Trogon curucui)
This colorful bird, with its vibrant blue head and red belly, is a common sight in the park’s forests. It feeds on insects and fruits.

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

Military Macaw (Ara militaris)
A striking green macaw with red and blue markings, this species is known for its loud calls and social behavior. It is often seen flying over the forest canopy.

Red-legged Seriema (Cariama cristata)
A ground-dwelling bird that hunts lizards, insects, and small mammals, the red-legged seriema is known for its loud, high-pitched calls.

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

Yungas Dove (Leptotila megalura)
A species endemic to the Yungas region, this dove is often found in dense forest undergrowth, where it feeds on seeds and fruits.

Crested Oropendola (Psarocolius decumanus)
This large black-and-yellow bird is known for its unique hanging nests and loud, gurgling calls. It lives in large colonies in the forest.

Golden-collared Tanager (Iridosornis jelskii)
A stunning tanager with bright blue and yellow plumage, this species is a highlight for birdwatchers exploring the cloud forests of Calilegua.

Calilegua National Park is a biodiversity treasure, offering a stunning array of wildlife in one of Argentina’s most unique ecosystems.

Calilegua National Park, located in the Yungas cloud forests of northwestern Argentina, is a biodiversity hotspot. Its dense jungles, mountain slopes, and river valleys provide a sanctuary for a remarkable variety of wildlife. Here are some of the most iconic mammal and reptile species found in the park:

Jaguar (Panthera onca)
The largest feline in the Americas, the jaguar is a top predator in Calilegua. It thrives in the park’s dense forest, preying on deer, peccaries, and smaller mammals.

Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)
This elusive wild cat is known for its beautiful spotted coat. It is a nocturnal hunter that preys on rodents, birds, and reptiles in the park’s dense vegetation.

Puma (Puma concolor)
The second-largest feline in South America, the puma is highly adaptable and hunts a wide range of prey, including deer, guanacos, and small mammals.

Lowland Tapir (Tapirus terrestris)
This large, herbivorous mammal is a key species in the park, helping to disperse seeds and maintain forest diversity. It is often found near rivers and wetlands.

Collared Peccary (Pecari tajacu)
A social mammal that travels in groups, the collared peccary feeds on fruits, roots, and small invertebrates in the dense forest.

Giant Anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)
With its long snout and powerful claws, the giant anteater is well adapted to feeding on ants and termites, playing a crucial role in pest control within the park.

Spectacled Bear (Tremarctos ornatus)
The only bear species in South America, the spectacled bear is primarily herbivorous, feeding on fruits, bromeliads, and tree bark in the cloud forest.

Tayra (Eira barbara)
A sleek and agile member of the weasel family, the tayra is a skilled climber and opportunistic predator, feeding on small mammals, birds, and fruits.

Argentine Black-and-White Tegu (Salvator merianae)
This large lizard is a powerful predator and scavenger, feeding on eggs, insects, small vertebrates, and fruits.

South American Bushmaster (Lachesis muta)
One of the largest venomous snakes in South America, the bushmaster is a rare but formidable predator in the park, preying on rodents and small mammals.