- Address: San Luis, Argentina
- Area: 735.3 sq. M. km
- Working hours: daily 08: 00-20: 00
- Province: San Luis
- Phone: +54 266 444-5141
- Year of foundation: 1991
- Website: www.parquesnacionales.gob.ar
- Visit fee: $ 80, children and pensioners - free of charge
In the Argentine province of San Luis there is a national park , famous for its delightful landscapes, natural beauties and interesting fauna. The name of this park is the Sierra de las Kijhadas. It is worth a visit not only to admire the Argentine nature, but also to see the numerous archaeological excavations.
General information of the Sierra de las Kijhadas
The official opening of the national park took place on December 10, 1991. Then under the Sierra de las Kijhadas was allocated a territory of 73,530 hectares. In the west of the protected area, the Desaguadero River flows, which is the only source of water.
The Sierra de las Kihaadas Park is a paradise for paleontologists. According to scientists, approximately 120 million years ago in this area lived pterozavtry (Pterodaustro). It is their fossils and traces that are found here in large numbers. Also here could inhabit dinosaurs from the Aptian stage.
Weather in Sierra de las Kijhadas
This national park is characterized by an arid climate. The weather in the Sierra de las Kijadas varies not only by season, but also by the day. In winter, the air temperature is approximately 12 ° C, and in summer 23 ° C. In a year, approximately 300 mm of precipitation falls here, but it is impossible to distinguish a strictly dry or wet season.
The ideal time to visit this area in Argentina is from April to October, when the park has a relatively moderate temperature. If the air temperature rises above 37 ° C, all walks and excursions in the park are suspended.
Flora of the Sierra de las Kıhadas
The territory of the national park extends to the plains and plateaus. Here the carob tree grows, Ramorinoa girolae shrubs and sometimes there are hardwood trees.
The fauna of the Sierra de las Kijhadas
From the outside it may seem that because of the arid climate the park is unsuitable for habitation. Although in fact the Sierra de las Kijadas is a native environment for such species of animals as:
- Patagonian Mara;
- gray fox;
- puma;
- guanaco;
- collar baker;
- leopard Geoffrey.
Here also lives a small population of a paid battleship, which is on the verge of extinction. From birds it is worth noting condors, eagles, crowned and yellow cardinal, which is also a rare species of birds.
Sights of the Sierra de las Kijhadas
This protected area is interesting for its paleontological past, which can be found in the area of fossil fossils of dinosaurs Loma del Pterodaustro. It is an hour's walk from the main entrance to the Sierra de las Ciçadas. In addition, visit the park in order to:
- Potrero de la Aguada maze , located 7 km from the central entrance;
- Explore the canyons of the Farallones , which can only be reached with a guide;
- go on a hiking tour of the surrounding area .
In the Sierra de las Kijhadas, you must wait until sunset, when the setting sun stains the canyons in a fiery red color. Not far from the park are the Hornillos Huarpes stoves, which served in ancient times for the burning of ceramic products.
Infrastructure of the Sierra de las Kijhadas
There is an observation deck on the territory of the park, a camping area and a tourist area. At 500 m from the entrance to the Sierra de las Ciçadas there is a dining room and a grocery store, and at 24 km there is a tire shop and a gas station.
The nearest hotel, restaurant and service station are in the cities of San Luis and Quin-Luhan. They are located to the south and north of the park, respectively.
How to get to Sierra de las Ciçadas?
The national park is located in the central part of Argentina, about 900 km from Buenos Aires . From the capital to the Sierra de las Kıhadas can be reached only by car. To do this, follow the motorways RN7, RN8 or RN9. It should be noted that on the route RN7 there are toll routes. The whole road takes a bit more than 10 hours.The easiest way to get to the Sierra de las Ciçadas via Cordoba , which is located 400 km from it. They are connected by routes RN8, RN20 and RN36. On the way from the city to the park takes 5-6 hours.