Baritú National Park

Baritú protects a stretch of yungas cloud forest in the far north of Salta, pressed against the Bolivian border, and it is the only national park in Argentina that lies within the tropics. The forest is dense and steep, climbing from around 800 to over 2,000 metres, with tree ferns, lianas and giant cedars, and it shelters jaguar, tapir, spectacled bear at its southern limit and an exceptional variety of birds. Its remoteness is legendary: the usual approach from Aguas Blancas crosses into Bolivia, runs along the border and re-enters Argentina at Los Toldos, a detour that makes Baritú one of the least-visited parks in the country. Trails from the ranger area lead to thermal springs, waterfalls and viewpoints over an unbroken green horizon.

What you actually see

• The tropical cloud forest - tree ferns, lianas and giant cedars on steep slopes.
• The thermal springs - natural hot water in the forest near the ranger area.
• The waterfalls and river pools - clear streams cutting through the forest.
• The birdlife - toucans, trogons and hundreds of species in dense canopy.

When to go

May to October, the dry season; summer rain makes the tracks impassable and can strand vehicles for days. Even in the dry months, sudden storms occur. Trips need several days to be worthwhile given how long access takes.

Honest expectations

The standard route passes through Bolivian territory, so passports and border formalities matter and the situation can change; check current conditions before setting out. Roads are rough, services non-existent and mosquitoes relentless. Large mammals are almost never seen. This is a park for the committed.

Nearby

Los Toldos is the gateway village; Calilegua and El Rey protect the same forest belt to the south.