El Impenetrable National Park

Chaco

It is one of the newest and largest national parks in northern Argentina, a still wild destination that protects the largest remnant of the mythical Impenetrable Chaco, between the Teuco-Bermejo and Bermejito rivers. Little by little it is emerging as one of the best destinations to observe large animals, such as tapirs, peccaries and anteaters. In addition, it invites you to learn about the cultural richness of the native and neighboring Creole communities.

It is advisable to visit it between April and October, avoiding the hottest months, mosquitoes and summer rains that can prevent traffic on the access roads. It can be explored on excursions with a guide or independently. Always consult the park rangers for recommendations. There are camping areas. Free admission.

What to see

Access to the park and excursions

The main access portal to the park is through the La Armonía area, where there is a glamping-type accommodation, one of the main places to base yourself.

Both the glamping coordinators and the Neighborhood Association of La Armonía organize activities in the area, including kayaking on the Bermejito river, bicycle excursions with local guides (or rental only), hiking and bird watching (it is important to check availability by email or phone in advance). You can also try regional foods and buy handicrafts.

Inside the park: viewpoints and trails

From La Armonía, you enter the heart of the national park following a dirt road that runs 22 km to the Bermejo River. Along the way you can make a few stops to observe the Chaco forest: the most famous is the huge drunk stick, with which everyone wants to take a picture.

At the end of the path, you reach the area for public use, where there is a dining tent (during visiting times, it offers meals), a series of camping platforms (it is recommended to bring your own tents or check in advance for availability for rent) and bathrooms with showers.

Although the range of activities is still developing, there is a viewpoint over the Bermejo River and various pedestrian paths that run through different environments and are ideal for bird watching lovers (there are 350 species to discover, including Black legged Seriema, Chaco Chachalaca and Turquoise-fronted Amazon). Also, with a bit of luck, you can see tapirs, anteaters, peccaries, armadillos and other typical animals of the region.

Surroundings

In the Paraje Nueva Población, 40 km from La Armonía, you can go rowing in a kayak in the company of local guides.

In Misión Nueva Pompeya, 60 km from La Armonía, there are communities of the Wichi ethnic group that offer craft workshops.

In Juan José Castelli and Miraflores, the native communities (mainly QOM), Creoles and descendants of German and Russian immigrants, invite to share local traditions and food. There are several groups of QOM artisans who work with palm, chaguar and wood. You can also enjoy the local gastronomy in the patios of the houses of the hosts.

How to get there and move around

From the city of Resistencia to the national park there are 390 kilometers in total. You must take National Route 16 until you reach the town of Roque Sáenz Peña. Then, you have to continue along National Route 95 to the town of Castelli and then continue along Provincial Route 9 until you reach Miraflores (last town with services).

The main access portal to the park is in the area of La Armonía, 60 km from Miraflores, along a local dirt road (it is recommended to travel in 4x4 vehicles). Check the state of the roads inside the park.

Where to stay

In the La Armonía area there is a glamping on the Bermejito river, which is part of a project to strengthen local communities. Inside the park, on the Bermejo River, there is a campsite run by the La Armonía Neighborhood Association, where you can rent tents and camping equipment, and a dining room to enjoy typical meals.

You can also base yourself in the towns of Juan José Castelli and Miraflores. Both have hotels, grocery stores, service station and ATM.