Parque Nacional Lihué Calel

Introducing Parque Nacional Lihué Calel

In the local indigenous language of Pehuenche, Lihué Calel means Sierra de la Vida or Range of Life, and describes the series of small, isolated mountain ranges and valleys that mark this nearly featureless pampean landscape.

While agriculture has driven native wildlife out of much of the pampas, this desert-like park is a haven for native cats like puma and yagouaroundi, which are still persecuted by local cattle farmers. You can easily spot armadillo, guanaco, mara (Patagonian hare) and vizcacha, while birdlife includes the rhea-like ñandú and many birds of prey such as the carancho (crested caracara). Though you’re unlikely to encounter them unless you overturn rocks, be aware of the highly poisonous pit vipers commonly known as yarará.

Though Lihué Calel receives only about 400mm of rainfall per year, water is an important factor in the landscape. Sudden storms can bring flash floods and create brief but impressive waterfalls over granite boulders near the visitors center. Even when the sky is cloudless, the subterranean streams in the valleys nourish the monte (a scrub forest with a surprising variety of plant species). Within the park’s 10 sq km exist 345 species of plants, nearly half the total found in the entire province.

Until General Roca’s Conquest of the Desert, Araucanian Indians successfully defended the area against European invasion. Archaeological evidence, including petroglyphs, recalls their presence and that of their ancestors. Lihué Calel was the last refuge of the Araucanian leader Namuncurá, who eluded Argentine forces for several years before finally surrendering.

Located 226km southwest of Santa Rosa, the salmon-colored granite peaks do not exceed 600m, but still offer enjoyable hiking, and a variety of subtle environments that change with the seasons.

More information is available at the tiny visitors center (436595).

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009