El Rey National Park

El Rey National Park is a protected area in Salta Province covering 44,162 hectares where different ecological zones meet. Dense forests of Yungas cloud forest and Chaco mountain woodland grow throughout the landscape.

The land originally belonged to Colonel Juan Adrian Cornejo, who received it from Spanish authorities in 1767. His grant followed his leadership in expelling Jesuit missionaries from the region.

The region preserves structures from traditional cattle ranching activities that shaped the agricultural development of northwestern Argentina during colonial times.

The park entrance is located roughly 203 kilometers from Salta city and requires careful advance planning. Due to its remote location, visitors should arrange transportation and lodging beforehand.

The park is the only known home of Aphelandra lilacina, a plant species found nowhere else in the world. This rare species grows exclusively within the protected forest.

Location: Salta Province

Inception: 1948

Elevation above the sea: 902 m

Operator: Administración Parques Nacionales

Website: https://argentina.gob.ar/interior/ambiente/parquesnacionales/elrey

GPS coordinates: -24.70000,-64.63333

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:05