Lagunas de Yala

The Lagunas de Yala lie in a provincial park in the hills above San Salvador de Jujuy, a string of small lakes cupped in cloud forest at between 2,000 and 2,500 metres, reached by a winding road that climbs through the yungas from the valley below. The largest, Laguna Rodeo, is fringed with reeds and reflects the forested slopes and, on clear days, the peaks behind; smaller lakes lie further up the track, quieter and often empty. The forest around them is thick with alder, walnut and myrtle, and the birdlife is excellent, with waterfowl on the lakes and hummingbirds and tanagers in the canopy. For people in Jujuy city this is the classic escape from the summer heat, a place for a picnic, a walk between the lakes and a cool afternoon.

What you actually see

• Laguna Rodeo - the largest lake, reed-fringed and backed by forested slopes.
• The upper lakes - smaller, quieter waters further along the track.
• The yungas forest - alder, walnut and myrtle with hummingbirds and tanagers.
• The waterfowl - grebes, coots and ducks on the open water.

When to go

April to November is drier and better for the road and trails, though the forest is greenest right after the summer rains. Weekends bring families from Jujuy city; weekdays are peaceful. Mornings are the best time for birds and still reflections.

Honest expectations

This is a modest local park rather than a headline sight, and visitors expecting Patagonian drama will be underwhelmed. The access road is gravel and can be poor after rain. Facilities are basic, cloud often sits low over the lakes, and mosquitoes can be persistent near the water.

Nearby

San Salvador de Jujuy is half an hour below; Termas de Reyes lies in the next valley.