East of Salta, this national park is at the southern end of the Yungas subtropical corridor and protects a gloriously biologically diverse habitat. It's a beautiful, varied landscape ranging from meadowlands and low scrub forest to subtropical cloud forest. There are various well-marked trails, some accessible by vehicle. You'll see lots of birdlife, and mammals such as peccaries and brown brocket deer are often spotted.
Laguna Los Patitos, 2km from park headquarters, offers opportunities to observe waterbirds. Longer trails lead to moss-covered Pozo Verde, a three- to four-hour climb to an area teeming with birdlife. Other trails are of similar day-trip length and involve multiple river crossings. Shorter 2km Sendero La Chuña heads out from the campsite and is a good introduction to this ecosystem.
There is free camping at the park’s headquarters, with a huge grassy area for tents, toilets, drinkable water, cold showers and evening power but no shop. Contact the APN office in Salta for up-to-date info. The closest noncamping accommodation is at a curious ecological community 4km down the park road from the turnoff.
