Quebrada del Condorito National Park

Quebrada del Condorito Overview

Quebrada del Condorito National Park, or Parque Nacional Quebrada del Condorito in Spanish, is located in the Sierras Grandes mountain range of Córdoba Province, Argentina. Established in 1996, the park covers an area of approximately 90 square miles (234 square kilometers).

It protects the deep canyon of Quebrada del Condorito, a dramatic geological formation shaped by erosion over millions of years. The park sits at an altitude ranging from 1,800 to 2,300 meters, creating a rugged landscape of rocky plateaus, steep cliffs, and deep gorges. The terrain is dominated by high-altitude grasslands known as Pampa de Achala, interspersed with patches of native shrubs and small forests along streams.

The park’s name, meaning “Little Condor Ravine,” reflects one of its most remarkable features: a thriving population of Andean condors. These magnificent birds, with wingspans exceeding three meters, soar above the canyon on thermal updrafts, offering visitors an unforgettable sight. Other notable bird species include peregrine falcons, burrowing owls, and black-chested buzzard-eagles.

The park is also home to unique mammalian species such as the puma, red fox, and the endemic Achala small-eared shrew. The Pampa de Achala grasslands support native amphibians and reptiles, including the endangered red-spotted toad.

One of the park’s most popular attractions is the Balcón Norte, a natural viewpoint on the canyon’s edge, where visitors can watch condors glide over the abyss. The Balcón Sur offers a similar experience, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

The Condorito River, which flows through the canyon, forms natural pools and waterfalls, enhancing the park’s scenic beauty. Visitors can explore a network of hiking trails that lead to key viewpoints and remote areas, providing opportunities for wildlife observation and photography. Camping is permitted in designated areas, and guided excursions offer deeper insight into the park’s ecosystems.

Hiking is the primary way to experience the park, with trails of varying difficulty levels leading to breathtaking landscapes. The most well-known route is the trek to Balcón Norte, a moderate hike of approximately six miles round-trip.

Birdwatching enthusiasts are drawn to the park for the chance to observe the Andean condor in its natural habitat. Night hikes reveal the nocturnal life of the park, including elusive mammals and the sounds of native owls. Due to its remote location and minimal light pollution, the park is also a great place for stargazing.

Quebrada del Condorito National Park faces conservation challenges, including habitat degradation due to cattle grazing on its borders and the impact of human activity on fragile ecosystems. However, conservation efforts have been successful in preserving the Andean condor population, with the park serving as a key refuge for this iconic species.

Ongoing research and environmental education programs aim to promote sustainable tourism and raise awareness about the importance of protecting the region’s biodiversity. Park management collaborates with local communities to ensure that economic benefits from ecotourism contribute to conservation and development efforts.

Park Map

Quebrada del Condorito National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

Quebrada del Condorito National Park is famous for its birdlife, particularly its population of Andean condors, which nest in the towering cliffs of the park’s deep canyons. The mix of high-altitude grasslands, rocky slopes, and river valleys provides habitat for a variety of bird species. Here are some of the most remarkable birds found in the park:

Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus)
The park’s most iconic species, the Andean condor is one of the largest flying birds in the world. It soars over the canyons, using thermals to glide effortlessly while searching for carrion.

Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle (Geranoaetus melanoleucus)
A powerful raptor, the black-chested buzzard-eagle is often seen soaring over the valleys, hunting small mammals and birds.

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

Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia)
Unlike most owls, the burrowing owl is active during the day and lives in underground burrows. It preys on insects, small mammals, and reptiles.

Andean Swift (Aeronautes andecolus)
A fast-flying bird that spends most of its time in the air, the Andean swift is often seen in flocks, darting through the sky in search of insects.

Plumbeous Rail (Pardirallus sanguinolentus)
A secretive marsh bird that inhabits the park’s wetland areas, feeding on small invertebrates and plant matter.

Rufous-collared Sparrow (Zonotrichia capensis)
A common sight in the high-altitude grasslands, this sparrow is known for its beautiful song and adaptability to human presence.

Black-and-chestnut Eagle (Spizaetus isidori)
A rare and powerful eagle that preys on birds and small mammals, usually seen soaring over the park’s rugged terrain.

White-browed Tapaculo (Scytalopus superciliaris)
A secretive bird that thrives in the undergrowth of cloud forests and rocky areas, often heard before being seen.

Crested Caracara (Caracara plancus)
A scavenger and opportunistic predator, the crested caracara is often seen patrolling open areas in search of carrion or hunting small prey.

Quebrada del Condorito National Park is a crucial refuge for Argentina’s high-altitude wildlife, providing a sanctuary for some of the country’s most iconic and threatened species.

Quebrada del Condorito National Park, located in the Sierras Grandes of Córdoba, Argentina, is a rugged high-altitude landscape characterized by deep canyons, rocky outcrops, grasslands, and montane forests. The park is best known for its population of Andean condors, but it also supports a diverse array of wildlife adapted to the harsh mountain environment. Here are some of the most notable mammals and reptiles found in the park:

Puma (Puma concolor)
The top predator of the park, the puma is a highly adaptable hunter that preys on guanacos, rodents, and birds in the rocky highlands.

Guanaco (Lama guanicoe)
A wild relative of the llama, the guanaco is well-adapted to the high-altitude grasslands, grazing on tough vegetation and playing a key role in the ecosystem.

Culpeo Fox (Lycalopex culpaeus)
Also known as the Andean fox, this carnivore is an important predator in the park, hunting small mammals, birds, and reptiles.

Southern Mountain Viscacha (Lagidium viscacia)
A rodent resembling a rabbit, the mountain viscacha is commonly seen perched on rocky cliffs, where it feeds on grasses and shrubs.

Andean Hog-nosed Skunk (Conepatus chinga)
A nocturnal mammal, the Andean hog-nosed skunk uses its strong claws to dig for insects, small rodents, and roots in the mountain soils.

Lesser Grison (Galictis cuja)
A small but fierce predator, the lesser grison is an agile hunter that preys on rodents, birds, and insects in the park’s rocky and grassy terrain.

Big Hairy Armadillo (Chaetophractus villosus)
An expert digger, this armadillo is a nocturnal species that feeds on insects, small vertebrates, and plant material, making it an important part of the park’s ecosystem.

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

Patagonian Lizard (Liolaemus fitzingerii)
A hardy reptile that thrives in the park’s rocky and arid terrain, feeding on insects and small plants.

Andean Toad (Rhinella spinulosa)
One of the few amphibians in the region, the Andean toad inhabits high-altitude streams and wetlands, preying on insects and small invertebrates.