San Guillermo National Park Voyage Tips and guide

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San Guillermo National Park is a protected natural area in the Andean highlands of San Juan Province in western Argentina. The park was established to provide habitat for the vicuña and other mountain-dwelling animals. The area is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

The park covers an area of over 166,000 hectares.

The park was originally established as a provincial wildlife refuge in 1972. It was designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1980. In 1999, it was incorporated into the Argentina national parks system.

Craggy mountain peaks capped in snow and ice dominate the background of the park's landscape, which also includes relatively flat, grassy steppe. Vegetation in the steppe is mostly scattered small forbs which are more plentiful during warm weather months. Elevations in the park range from a low of 2,000 meters to over 6,000 meters at the top of the park's tallest mountain peaks.

The park was created to provide habitat for the vicuña, a type of llama that is common in the Andes of Argentina, Chile and other South American countries. Other types of llama, particularly the guanaco, also live in the park. The mountainous areas are home to pumas (mountain lions) who prey on the vicuña and guanaco. Biologists studying the park's ecosystem have fitted tracking collars on a number of vicuña as well as on pumas. They are monitoring the animals' movement patterns and number of kills. Recognizing that the Andean condor is also dependent on vicuña carcasses for part of its diet, the biologists have also begun tracking condors as they study the interdependencies of the three animals.

A number of other animals are common in the park, including the brockett, the culpeo fox, the southern viscacha, the short-tailed chinchilla, the rhea, and various ducks and geese.

It's cold and dry in San Guillermo National Park. On a warm day, temperatures can get as high as 20° Celsius, but during winter, it can drop to -15° Celsius (so dress for the weather). Winds are common with strong gusts that can approach hurricane strength.

The park entrance is in the town of Rodeo. There is a park ranger office in town where park visitors must register and present health certificates showing they are in good physical shape with appropriate vaccinations.

The nearest town with good transporation infrastructure (i.e., an airport and a bus station) is San Juan. From San Juan, it is a 200 km drive north on Ruta Nacional 40 until you reach either provincial route 149 or 150 (your choice, head west on one or the other to Rodea).

No admission fee, but all visitors are required to register at the park office. Hiring a certified park guide is required. The park office can provide information about hiring guides.

• -30.2139-69.15961 San Guillermo National Park office, Calle la Colonia, Rodeo, ☏ +54 9 2647 40 6307. (updated May 2025)

4WD truck is the only practical choice. A guide with an appropriate vehicle can be hired in Rodeo.

There are no businesses in the park. The closest town with hotels, restaurants, or gas stations is Rodeo. You can get whatever you need there. Carry water and pack emergency supplies because it is remote territory where you are unlikely to find help if you need it.

• -29.24298-69.3540081 Agua del Godo Centro Operativo. Basic shelter in the park, has electricity and water. Requires prior reservations. Bring your own sleeping bag, food, and anything else you need. 

Camping in the park is not permitted.

• San Juan (city, Argentina)