SIERRA
DE LAS QUIJADAS NATIONAL PARK
Province of San Luis
Created in 1991, this park contains
samples of the dry chaco and monte biomes. It also preserves important
archaeological and paleontological sites and remains. It is in the NE
of the province of San Luis and covers an area of some 150,000 ha.
ITS NATURAL
ASPECTS
Tne of the main features of the park is a huge depression of strage geological
formation in the heart of the sierras known as Potrero de la Aguada..
It consists of an enormous natural amphitheatre completely surrounded
by steep cliffs of sedimentary and conglomerate rock on which erosion
has worked strange formations. Here one can clearly see the adaptations
of plant life to the harsh conditions imposed by aridity and erosion.
One example of this is the chica which can be seen growing on the very
edge of the cliffs, an ancient plant with extremely hard wood twisted
into gnarled shapes as if in agony.
The vegetation of the area is dominated by bushes such as creosote bush,
a "wattle", and garabato, and cactuses of various species and
bromeliads. There are also elements of chaco vegetation such as the "white"
quebracho, Prosopis, and acacias. To the west of the Quijadas range flows
the Desaguadero river which has created a large flood-plain of its own
where chañar (Geoffroea) thickets grow with other salt-resistant
species. There are guanacos, pumas, collared peccaries, maras (patagonian
cavies), and species requiring strict protection such as tortoises, the
peregrine falcon, the crowned eagle, a fairy armadillo, the yellow cardinal
and the ultramarine grossbeak. The fossil remains of two Pterosaurs -
those flying reptiles of bygone eras - have been found in the park, one
with peculiar dentition on the lower mandible which formed a sort of basket
for filter-scooping organisms from surface water.
CULTURAL ASPECTS
The park contains numerous
testimonies of primitive occupation especially in the area at the foot
of the hills. A few kilometres from the entrance to the park there is
a large archaeological site with over twenty "ovens" in a large
area of previous habitation. Research is tending to the conclusion that
they were used to fire pottery, shards of which found in the area show
that it was of a high technical achievement. It was grey in colour, thin
and evenly fired, decorated on the outside with incised parallel lines
all round. One of these ovens has been prepared for visitors to see when
accompanied by a local guide.
HOW TO GET
THERE
From the city of San Luis
along route 147 bordering the park. At Hualtarán (120 km north)
a left turn along a dirt road reaches Potrero de la Aguada after 8 km.
From San Juan or from the north route 20 meets 147 north of the park.
OF INTEREST
As many recently created parks
this park lacks facilities and services. One must take water and protection
against the sun.
On the edge of the overlook start trails to viewpoints. To descend into
the Potrero de la Aguada permission must be obtained from the ranger in
charge. Camping is permitted in certain areas and there is a basic store
in the vicinity.
Thanks to APN - Administración
de Parques Nacionales
|
