Protected Areas

San Javier Mountain Chain Park

Located 25 kilometers west of San Miguel de Tucumán, it is accessed by Provincial Route No. 340. Over 14,000 hectares, the park covers 74% of the Sierra San Javier and includes the Botanical Garden and the Horco Molle Experimental Reserve, which have the objective of conserving natural environments and resources.

Aconquija National Park

With an area of 74,000 hectares, this Park covers the departments of Alberdi, Chicligasta, Monteros, Río Chico and Tafí del Valle. It houses treasures that are testimony of the original peoples who inhabited the region and that visitors can discover through its trails, such as “Pueblo Viejo del Aconquija”, “Aconquija’s Old Town” and “La Ciudacita” “Little City”. The main activity carried out in the Park is hiking. It has many proposals of different levels of difficulty. Visitors must register in advance at the Santa Rosa Information Center.

Calchaqui Summits Provincial Park

It is located in Tafí del Valle and covers peaks over 3,000 meters high. It is the largest protected area in the province and comprises 8,000 hectares. The different excursions start from their operational bases in Tafí and Amaicha del Valle. In this park, you can see fossil remains of mammals and the site of petrified carob forests.

Percy Hill Park

It is located at 1,100 Perú Street in Yerba Buena and allows you to enjoy a jungle that serves as a refuge for more than 80 species of birds and more than 20 forest species. The Park was preserved thanks to the vision and commitment of the Englishman Percy Hill.

Aconquija Provincial Park

It is located in the mountains of San Javier and has 500 hectares. It can be visited by crossing Provincial Route No. 340, 12 kilometers far from downtown Tucuman. It allows you to discover natural forests and do different activities such as sport fishing, hiking, canoeing, cycling and mountaineering. 

La Florida Provincial Park

In its 10,000 hectares, you can see 39 species of mammals and 58 species of birds. In the nursery area, you can take self-guided trails, ideal for getting to know the flora and fauna of the place. Among its walks are La Mesada and Campo de las Azucenas, where you can see a carpet covered with red and orange flowers during the second half of October.

The Ñuñorcos Provincial Park and the Portuguese Ravine Natural Reserve

They are located in the Tafí del Valle department and cover 9,600 hectares. The Big Ñuñorco and Little Ñuñorco hills were part of the ancient Inca trail, which is why they preserve sites of great archaeological importance. In 1996, the Portuguese Ravine Natural Reserve was created to preserve the natural and cultural heritage of the area.

Ibatín Provincial Park and Open Air Archaeological Museum

It was created in 1965 to protect the place of the first foundation of San Miguel de Tucumán. Diego de Villarroel founded the city on May 31, 1565, in a place called Ibatín and it operated there until 1685. The first archaeological excavations discovered the foundations of the main square, the old town hall and churches.

In the Interpretation Center, you can appreciate the archaeological heritage recovered on the ground and learn in-depth about the history of the Founding City. You can then visit the property accompanied by specialized guides.

UNT (National University of Tucumán) Horco Molle Experimental Reserve

The reserve is located 15 kilometers far from San Miguel de Tucumán and stands out for the semi-captive management of various native species for their rescue and rehabilitation and the presence of animals in semi-freedom. Among its species are toads, frogs, turtles, alligators, llamas, corzuelas and capybaras.

Walks through the reserve must be carried out in the company of a wildlife ranger. The space has picnic areas, barbecue areas, grills, toilets and games for children. It can be visited every day from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Los Sosa Provincial Reserve

It is located within the Monteros department, between kilometers 20 and 38 of Provincial Route No. 307, and it is an important area for the preservation of fauna, with more than 60 species of mammals and more than 100 species of birds. Among its main tourist attractions is the Mirador del Indio (the Aboriginal Viewpoint) with its imposing sculpture, from where you can admire the entire landscape.

La Angostura Provincial Reserve

It is an imposing framework of mountains and valleys surrounding the La Angostura dam, with access via Provincial Route No. 307. In its 1,400 hectares, a great biodiversity of species of aquatic and migratory birds is protected, many of them threatened with extinction.

Santa Ana Natural Reserve

Located in Río Chico Department, it is one of the largest reserves in Tucumán. It is the southernmost tropical protected area in the country. Its territory belonged to the most important agro-industrial complex in the country towards the end of 1800, the Santa Ana Mill. Currently, the reserve has a degree of strict preservation, so it does not allow visits.