Quebrada del Condorito National Park

Quebrada del Condorito protects a canyon cut into the Pampa de Achala plateau where the Río de los Condoritos drops away, and its walls are one of the most important breeding and training grounds for Andean condors in central Argentina, far from the species' Andean strongholds. From the Balcón Norte on the rim, birds pass at eye level or below, riding thermals along the cliff, and young condors practise flying in the updraughts, which is where the canyon gets its name. Getting there is a walk: from the visitor centre on the Altas Cumbres road a trail crosses about nine kilometres of open plateau, grass, granite and streams, with no shade, taking three to four hours each way. Shorter routes reach other viewpoints.

History

Thousands of years ago people of the Ayampitín culture came up to these highlands and set up temporary camps to hunt guanaco, pampas deer and the large mammals once common here, and when the Spaniards arrived in the 16th century the region was home to the Comechingones. The national park was established on 28 November 1996 (Wikipedia, Quebrada del Condorito National Park).

What's there

• The Balcón Norte - the rim viewpoint over the canyon with condors passing.
• The condors - adults and young birds riding thermals along the cliffs.
• The plateau crossing - open granite grassland on the walk in.
• The streams and pools - clear water crossing the trail on the high plain.

When to go

Year-round, though weather on the plateau is unpredictable in any season and the trail closes in storms. Condors are most active mid-morning to afternoon on sunny days with rising air. Start early; the walk is long and the plateau is exposed.

Good to know

The main viewpoint is a serious day hike of around eighteen kilometres return with no shade or shelter, and many visitors underestimate it. Weather can turn violently, with hail and cold even in summer. Condor sightings are likely but not guaranteed.

Nearby

The Altas Cumbres road passes the entrance; Mina Clavero and Villa Carlos Paz are at either end.

Key facts