Parque Nacional Los Cardones
Parque Nacional Los Cardones
Parque Nacional Los Cardones
4.5
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
About
These ruins are relatively unknown and are very well preserved and set in beautiful surrounds. The site is a small pukara similar to the Quilmes ruins and was an important strategic point for protecting the mountain pass from Tafi del Valle before entering the Valle Calchaqui. The site's name comes from the "cardones" or thistles (Trichocereus pasacana) that make up the abundant vegetation that grows there. Some of these are as tall if not taller than those at the Los Cardones National Park in Salta.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
1,000 reviews
Excellent
598
Very good
344
Average
58
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Maureen S
Darwin, Australia734 contributions
Mar 2020
We were on a tour from Salta to Cachi with a small group of travellers with a very informative guide who told us that the height of the cactus above the ground is the same height under the ground. Never knew much about the cactus except they are very prickly. Some of the cacti were so tall that I felt very small beside them.
Well worth a visit with 2 notice boards providing a little information.
Well worth a visit with 2 notice boards providing a little information.
Written April 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carol S
Auckland Central, New Zealand21 contributions
Nov 2019 • Couples
This is spectacular scenery - high desert landscape with dramatic mountain cliffs, rock formations and catcus groves. We definitely recommend turning off the main road to drive the 4km through the Valle Encantando. We only had a 2 wheel drive sedan and managed ok, although if there has been rain I suspect you would want a 4wd and proceed with caution.
Written November 23, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cordula1
Sydney, Australia28 contributions
Jan 2017
We travelled with Peregrino tours - organised by our hotel. Pickup was around 7.30 and we got back to the hotel around 6.
Travelled from Salta to Cachi - over The Andes and through the Nacional Parque. It was all absolutely stunning. This was the absolute highlight of our trip so far.
Once in Cachi, we are a huge meal with real salad (after days of nothing but breads and cheeses) and a refreshing ale.
Just fantastic.
Travelled from Salta to Cachi - over The Andes and through the Nacional Parque. It was all absolutely stunning. This was the absolute highlight of our trip so far.
Once in Cachi, we are a huge meal with real salad (after days of nothing but breads and cheeses) and a refreshing ale.
Just fantastic.
Written January 3, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PCHasselgreen
Bergen, Norway60 contributions
Dec 2016 • Couples
It is a very varied scenery, and you will be surprized by the ever changing shapes and colours displayed. There is nothing else than the scenery though, so you would do well to bring with you what you need to eat or drink. Toilets are nonexistent.
Written December 24, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mei L
Singapore, Singapore503 contributions
Aug 2013 • Solo
Perched 3,400 meters above the sea, Parque Nacional de Los Cardones is a kaleidoscope of intense hues of reds, oranges, yellows, browns, blues and greens. The Cardon sentinel cactuses scattered throughout the park stand tall and proud, making for extremely compelling photo opportunities.
To get to the park, one first crosses through the ruggedly attractive Valley Calchaquies, one of the best drives I've done in Argentina, before climbing high up into the mountains through a maze of roads snaking through highland plains and meadows.
To get to the national park, either rent a car or take a tour. I did a tour with Turismo La Posadas, which was great. I didn't feel rushed and yet got to stop at many miradors along the way for really awesome photos. Our guide, Pablo, was funny and very entertaining and even sang and danced for us on the bus.
Admission to the park is free.
To get to the park, one first crosses through the ruggedly attractive Valley Calchaquies, one of the best drives I've done in Argentina, before climbing high up into the mountains through a maze of roads snaking through highland plains and meadows.
To get to the national park, either rent a car or take a tour. I did a tour with Turismo La Posadas, which was great. I didn't feel rushed and yet got to stop at many miradors along the way for really awesome photos. Our guide, Pablo, was funny and very entertaining and even sang and danced for us on the bus.
Admission to the park is free.
Written July 1, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Markus S
Mettmenstetten, Switzerland147 contributions
Mar 2014 • Couples
This is a nice park with three lookout points and a lot of the huge cactus trees. But you can see these plants all over in this area of Argentina. If your way doesn't necessarily get you up into this park - you don't have to do the extra miles. Otherwise, it's a nice drive with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Written March 17, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Colesterol
Tigre, Argentina402 contributions
Dec 2013 • Family
Located at about a 3 hour drive from Salta City, this National Park is quite unique in that it not only has spectacular views, but also a huge extension of land with large cacti.
To reach this park from Salta City, you need to drive up the "Cuesta del Obispo", a windy mountain road with spectacular views. I strongly recommend it.
Beware that before reaching Parque Nacional Los Cardones you will go as high as 3360 m (11,000 ft). The park is at about 2800 m altitude.
To reach this park from Salta City, you need to drive up the "Cuesta del Obispo", a windy mountain road with spectacular views. I strongly recommend it.
Beware that before reaching Parque Nacional Los Cardones you will go as high as 3360 m (11,000 ft). The park is at about 2800 m altitude.
Written January 8, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HappyShake
El Calafate, Argentina117 contributions
Apr 2013 • Solo
i booked a full-day trip from Salta to Cachi and I must say it was one of the better trips in the last 2 months here in Argentina. The highlight for me were the stops with the cacti. Snow capped mountains in the back and those humongous cacti in the foreground - green velvet hills and blue sky - a fotografers dream. Best thing - this Nactional Park is free - a rarity in Argentina!
Written April 5, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GabiGonzo
London35 contributions
Mar 2012 • Solo
Coming out of the lush vegetation surrounding Salta and suddenly coming across this magnificent pre-puna landscape with the hundreds of cardones was like floating into a dream. I applaud the Argentine government for protecting this space. The cardones are badly exploited for their "wood" elsewhere. I would recommend avoiding any tourist trinkets which contain this cactii wood that can live up to 300 years!
Written March 21, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jupiter81
Rome, Italy510 contributions
Apr 2019 • Family
A bib bib cactus national park surrounded by beautiful scenery. There are few places where you can stop but it's well worth to visit it.
Written May 10, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Moira R
Hurlingham, Argentina
Hola! Una pregunta. Se puede ir en transporte público al parque nacional los Cardones desde Cachi? Se puede recorrer el parque a pie o de alguna otra forma que no sea en auto? Gracias!
Written February 12, 2020
En Cachi seguramente hay remises que te pueden llevar hasta el parque ; lo único que si te aclaro es una gran planicie , si te gusta el senderismo y las caminatas esta bueno, asà podes llegar hasta las montañas y apreciar mejor las vistas
Written February 13, 2020
Hola voy a Salta en eneroz quisiera saber si el parque se puede visitar en mismos horarios mencionados ,pero en esa fecha, y si se puede llegar al lugar con algún colectivo desde Cachi o Salta, muchas gracias
Written November 3, 2019
El parque se puede visitar durante todo el año, y queda al costado de la recta de tin tin. La única parte del camino que no tiene pavimento es la cuesta del obispo, donde podrÃa ser complicado transitar si hay mucha lluvia.
Desde Salta salen tours todos los dÃas a Cachi, que incluyen varias atracciones durante el trayecto, siendo una de ellas el parque. El tour dura todo el dÃa, y se almuerza en Cachi.
Written November 4, 2019
El parque abre los sabados y domingo?gracias
Written May 22, 2019
ParquesNacionalesARG
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos dÃas, MarÃa
Como está...
El PN LOS CARDONES, es de Entrada gratuita, y se puede acceder todo el año, pero preferentemente de abril a noviembre, el horario de ingreso se mantiene de 09:30 a 18 horas.
Si necesita más información,estamos para atenderla.
Saluda a usted.
Rita Jara
Atención al Visitante
Parques Nacionales de la Argentina
Written May 23, 2019
Hi Can anyone tell me if the RP42 is drivable at the moment in a DUSTER, we are leaving tomorrow am and Evernote talks about using the R33 but the RP42 looks more direct thanks
Written February 1, 2019
Hola! estoy pensando ir a Salta en febrero, y querÃa saber como puedo llegar desde Cachi hasta el Parque Nacional Los Cardones. Teniendo en cuenta que no vamos a tener un auto, hay algún colectivo que nos pueda llevar? se contrata un remis?
Muchas gracias!
Written January 13, 2019
Si vas a ir a Cachi desde la ciudad de Salta inevitablemente vas a hacer la cuesta del obispo y la recta de tin tin, donde hay un par de senderos interpretativos y atravesaras el parque nacional los cardones. Transporte publico no me parece que haya...solo he visto autos particulares y combis de excursiones.
Written January 14, 2019
Hola, cuanto tiempo demanda la visita al parque? Cuál es el costo de la entrada? Gracias
Written April 11, 2018
HOLA GUSTAVO B. ....La recta del TIN TIN, ruta diseñada por los INCAS atraviesa todo el parque y tiene 20km. de largo. Piensa que tiempo te insumirÃa pero no es sólo eso; seguro te detendrás a admirar el paisaje uno de los más bellos de Argentina, u observar la fauna propia de allà como guanacos, o contactarte con los cactus o encontrarte con la flor amarilla del amancay. De dinero no hay nada que pagar...solo que si te dan los tiempos visita CACHI ES MAGICO!!
Written April 12, 2018
Hola. Estoy planeando ir hacia Cachi desde Salta, manejando. QuerÃa saber qué tan complicada es la ruta. Desde arriba se ven varias curvas y contra curvas, pero preferirÃa saber la opinión de alguien que la haya recorrido antes de sacar mis conclusiones. GRACIAS!
Written October 10, 2017
Hola, Ernesto. Acabo de hacer este trayecto en un auto de alquiler anteayer. Tomás hacia Cerrillos por Ruta 68 y hasta El Carril. AhÃ, cambiás a Ruta 33, pavimentada hasta la base de la Cuesta del Obispo. Tenés aproximadamente 16 / 18 kms. de ripio, que debido a la sequÃa, está con un poco de " serrucho ", pero es altamente transitable. Luego, vuelve a aparecer el pavimento ( muy bueno en todo el trayecto ) y en Payogasta cambiás a Ruta 40, donde enseguida te encontrás con Cachi.
No dejes de hacerlo, con precaución y respeto, pero sin miedo. Yo lo sentà muy seguro en todo momento. Tené en cuenta que, si pensás ir en Verano, posiblemente la parte de ripio puede complicarse, por las crecidas y/o lluvias.
Written November 1, 2017
hola con quien contrataste el recorrido a Cachi? te parece que da para pernoctar en cachi?
gracias por tu comentario
Written May 21, 2017
Yo fui X mi cuenta en mi camioneta...me quede una noche en cachi y es muy tranqui. ..lindo.
Written May 24, 2017
partendo la mattina alle 8.00 da Salta con tutte le fermate per visitare i centri di interesse a che ora si arriva a Cachi?
In serata si riesce a essere a Cafayate?
Written March 7, 2017
Scusa il ritardo ma ho visto solo ora il messaggio. Io ho fatto il giro inverso, da Cachi a Salta (aeroporto) e con calma ci ho messo circa 5/6 ore con una veloce pausa pranzo. Da Cachi a Cafayate invece ti consiglio di dedicare se puoi la giornata perché sono oltre 100 km. di ruta 40 sterrata e vale la pena di farla con calma e con il sole. C'è anche una scorciatoia che dai Cardones ti porta a Molinos che io non ho fatto e ti potrebbe far risparmiare tempo. Cachi non mi ha entusiasmato e la parte più bella della strada per Cafayate è quella dopo Molinos. Se hai solo un giorno potrebbe essere un compromesso ma non devi perdere la retta del Tin Tin. Ciao
Written March 16, 2017
Hola. Estoy planeando ir de Salta a Cachi. El parque los Cardones lo veo en el trayecto o vale la pena ingresar a el y recorrerlo en auto o a pie?
Written February 2, 2017
Hola. La ruta aparece en lÃnea recta en una meseta, ya te vas a dar cuenta. Ahi comienza el parque, y tiene una entrada hacia la derecha, que se ve perfectamente, no hay que hacer ningún desvÃo, ni meterse en ningún lugar. Es una belleza
Written February 3, 2017
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