San Guillermo National Park

San Guillermo Overview

San Guillermo National Park, or Parque Nacional San Guillermo, is a remote and rugged protected area located in the northwest of San Juan Province, Argentina. Covering approximately 3700 square miles (9600 square kilometers), the park is part of the high-altitude Andes and is known for its stark yet stunning landscapes.

Situated within the dry Puna ecoregion, it features vast plateaus, deep ravines, and towering peaks, with elevations ranging from 8200 to over 19,000 feet (2500 to 5800 meters) above sea level. The park’s arid terrain is dotted with sparse vegetation, primarily consisting of low shrubs, cushion plants, and tough grasses that have adapted to the harsh climate.

Water sources are scarce, but some rivers and streams, such as the San Guillermo River, provide life to the otherwise dry surroundings. The extreme conditions contribute to the park’s dramatic scenery, making it a unique and striking landscape to explore.

Despite its harsh environment, San Guillermo National Park is home to an impressive variety of wildlife, many of which have adapted to the region’s high altitudes. One of the most iconic species found here is the vicuña, a wild relative of the llama, which roams the park in large numbers.

The guanaco, another member of the camelid family, can also be seen grazing on the sparse vegetation. Predators such as the elusive Andean mountain cat and the puma silently stalk the park’s rugged terrain.

Among the bird species that thrive in the park, the Andean condor is perhaps the most spectacular, soaring above the cliffs and valleys with its enormous wingspan. Other notable bird species include the Puna tinamou, the rufous-bellied seedsnipe, and various species of eagles and hawks that patrol the skies in search of prey.

One of the main draws of San Guillermo National Park is its pristine wilderness, offering visitors a chance to experience a remote and untouched environment. The park is part of the larger San Guillermo Biosphere Reserve, which helps protect the area’s fragile ecosystems and wildlife.

Visitors can explore its landscapes through limited trekking opportunities, though the high altitude and harsh conditions make it a destination suited for experienced adventurers. Wildlife observation is a key activity, with the park providing an unparalleled opportunity to witness large groups of vicuñas in their natural habitat. Given its isolation, the park does not have extensive tourist infrastructure, making it an ideal place for those seeking solitude and a deep connection with nature.

San Guillermo National Park faces conservation challenges due to climate change and human activities in surrounding areas. Historically, mining and livestock grazing have impacted the environment, though conservation efforts have helped reduce these threats.

The creation of the biosphere reserve has strengthened protection measures, ensuring that the park’s unique flora and fauna remain preserved. Ongoing research and monitoring programs help track the health of the ecosystem and the status of endangered species. Conservationists continue to work towards balancing human impact with the need to protect the park’s fragile environment.

Park Map

San Guillermo National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

San Guillermo National Park is home to a diverse range of high-altitude bird species, many of which are adapted to the harsh Andean environment. Raptors, waterfowl, and songbirds can all be found in the park’s valleys, grasslands, and wetlands. Here are some of the most remarkable birds 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)
A powerful raptor, the black-chested buzzard-eagle hunts small mammals and birds in the park’s open landscapes.

Variable Hawk (Geranoaetus polyosoma)
A common sight in the Andean steppe, the variable hawk preys on rodents, reptiles, and small birds.

Andean Goose (Chloephaga melanoptera)
A striking white goose with black wing markings, the Andean goose is commonly found near high-altitude wetlands and rivers.

Puna Tinamou (Tinamotis pentlandii)
A well-camouflaged ground bird, the Puna tinamou is an expert at blending into the rocky terrain, foraging for seeds and insects.

Gray-breasted Seedsnipe (Thinocorus orbignyianus)
A small, cryptic bird that thrives in the high-altitude grasslands, feeding on seeds and small invertebrates.

Mountain Caracara (Phalcoboenus megalopterus)
A scavenger and opportunistic predator, the mountain caracara is often seen foraging in open areas or near cliffs.

Rufous-banded Miner (Geositta rufipennis)
An arid-adapted bird that searches for insects and seeds on rocky slopes and dry grasslands.

Cordilleran Canastero (Asthenes modesta)
A small, insectivorous bird that thrives in the scrubby vegetation of the Andean foothills.

Andean Lapwing (Vanellus resplendens)
A striking wading bird commonly found near rivers and high-altitude marshes, where it hunts for small invertebrates.

San Guillermo National Park is a critical refuge for Argentina’s high-altitude wildlife, preserving a pristine Andean ecosystem that supports some of the country’s most iconic and endangered species.

San Guillermo National Park, located in the province of San Juan, Argentina, is a remote and rugged landscape dominated by high-altitude Andean plateaus, deep valleys, and sparse vegetation. This extreme environment provides refuge for species adapted to arid conditions, including some of the most iconic wildlife of the Andes. Here are some of the most notable mammals and reptiles found in the park:

Vicuña (Vicugna vicugna)
A close relative of the alpaca, the vicuña is a highly valued Andean species known for its fine wool. It thrives in the cold, high-altitude grasslands of the park.

Puma (Puma concolor)
The apex predator of the region, the puma is an elusive hunter that preys on vicuñas, rodents, and birds in the park’s rocky terrain.

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

Guanaco (Lama guanicoe)
A wild camelid that grazes on the sparse vegetation of the Andean steppe, the guanaco is a crucial prey species for pumas.

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

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

Big Hairy Armadillo (Chaetophractus villosus)
A burrowing species, this armadillo is an insectivore that also feeds on small vertebrates and plant matter, helping aerate the soil.

Patagonian Lizard (Liolaemus magellanicus)
A small, cold-resistant reptile that thrives in the high-altitude desert, feeding on insects and small plants.

Andean Toad (Rhinella spinulosa)
One of the few amphibians in the region, the Andean toad inhabits wetland areas and preys on insects and small invertebrates.

Argentine Black-and-White Tegu (Salvator merianae)
A hardy and opportunistic reptile, the black-and-white tegu is a predator of insects, small animals, and eggs.