Calilegua National Park
The Calilegua National Park () is a federal protected area in Jujuy Province, Argentina. Established on 19 July 1979, it houses a representative sample of the Southern Andean Yungas biodiversity in good state of conservation. Located at the Ledesma Department on the eastern slopes of the Calilegua hills. and with an area of , it is the largest national park in the Argentine Northwest. History. Historically, this area was occupied by native groups whose settlements were located in the lower knoll, near farming grasslands. The archaeological pieces and sites found in the park, such as pieces of pottery and  polished stone axes, are related to the communities that inhabited the Yungas region. From the 15th century on, this territory was occupied by the Incas. At present, this region is inhabited by Kolla communities. The park's landscape can be seen when transiting the Provincial Route 83 that runs through it. Along the route, you can see three different landcapes: the jungle foothills, the mountain forest and the mountain woods, each with their own characteristic vegetation. It is also possible to see certain species of birds and mammals in particular, which makes this site an ideal place to observe wildlife , especially birds, about 270 species were identified and its estimated that 230 more could inhabit the area, which makes Calilegua the home of 50% of all bird species in the country and a paradise for birdwatching. The park is home to the jaguar, the largest South American predator, along with other cats like the jaguarundi, the ocelot, the puma and the pampas cat. The largest mammal in the Yungas, the tapir, also inhabits the reserve. Calilegua National Park and nearby towns offer a wide range of activities, with varying degrees of difficulty. The tours relate to ecotourism and active tourism , but the area offers a strong cultural imprint and you may visit several towns where the local contact is a highly valued experience for those interested in ethnic diversity and the discovery of local cultures. Climate. The park has a subtropical climate with a dry winter season. Mean temperatures fluctuate between in winter to in summer. Summers are hot with temperatures reaching up to . In contrast, occasional frosts can occur at the high altitudes. The park receives of precipitation per year with most of it falling between November to April. During these months, rainfall is often intense. Calilegua National Park