Villavicencio Natural Reserve, Nature reserve in Mendoza Province, Argentina.
Villavicencio Natural Reserve is a protected area in Mendoza Province with mountain forests, grasslands, and wetlands spread across the Andean foothills. The terrain sits at about 1,200 meters elevation with many water sources fed by mountain springs.
The area served as a key passage in 1817 when General San Martín's troops crossed the Andes during their military campaign. The Canota monument marks where the army divided into separate routes.
The site retains names from indigenous communities that farmed these lands long ago. Visitors can observe ancient rock art that reveals how these early societies organized their daily lives.
The reserve is divided into different zones to balance visitor access with environmental protection. Some areas welcome general exploration, while others remain restricted to preserve sensitive habitats.
Researchers documented in 2020 the return of endangered Andean mountain cats after more than a decade without sightings. These rare predators rank among the most threatened feline species in South America.
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