Parque Lihué Calel

Location:
240k west of Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa, Argentina

National Park

By Elizabeth Sutcliffe

Parque Lihué Calel is the only national park in La Pampa. It’s easy to see why these 10,000 hectares of low lush hills, an oasis in the center of an semi-arid area, were named after the Mapuche. The aboriginal tribe's name means "place of life."  A wide variety of bird and small mammal species flourish in the microclimate of Lihué Calel, 240 km. west of Santa Rosa.

Among the first inhabitants were the aborigines of La Pampa, who left their mark in cave wall paintings, which can be seen on various self-guided walking trails. Among the trails, a climb to the highest peak (590m) makes the contrast between dry and lush land much more apparent. Toilets and camping can be found close to the administration center. The ACA Hosteria (Route 152) offers rooms 2 km. south of the park entrance.

There is no direct route to Lihué Calel from Santa Rosa. The nearest center of population is Puelches, though it is still 35k away. Once in Puelches, ask around for local transport. Alternatively, you can arrange private transportation from Santa Rosa.

Days Closed:Open daily 24hrs

Travel Skills: None

Contact Information:
Phone: (02952) 436 595 for camping, (02954) 436 101 for ACA Hosteria rooms
E-mail: lihuecalel(at)remove-this.apn.gov.ar
URL: www.parquesnacionales.gov.ar