Ledesma Department: Yungas, Trails and Culture

Calilegua National Park is at the heart of Ledesma Department’s natural landscape. Its elevational range extends from the Selva Pedemontana at 500 meters above sea level to the Pastizales de Neblina at 3,600 meters, with Selva Montana and Bosque Montano in between. This sequence shows how vegetation zones change with elevation within the park. Calilegua National Park is also part of the UNESCO-recognized Yungas Biosphere Reserve.

Route 83 and changing landscapes

Provincial Route No. 83 runs for 23 kilometers through Calilegua National Park, making the transition from Selva Pedemontana forest to mountain forest visible. It is a paved gravel mountain road and can be traveled through the park by bicycle or motorcycle. Check road conditions before setting out. It is also useful to distinguish between the connections when planning your trip: the regions can be linked via Provincial Routes 73 and 83; this is different from a five-day trekking route between Tilcara and Calilegua National Park.

Trails with different highlights

The trails in the park lead to different landscape experiences. The accessible Somos Selva trail has a cement surface that makes it easier for people with reduced mobility to get around. The Bosque del Cielo trail passes through mountain forest and ends at a rest area with a viewpoint overlooking the Calilegua ranges. The La Lagunita trail, by contrast, leads to a small lagoon that offers an example of the Yungas aquatic ecosystem. The destinations therefore differ: a trail with a surface that makes getting around easier, a viewpoint over the mountain ranges, and a glimpse of an aquatic ecosystem.

Cultural stops and historical traces

The Guaraní symbolic interpretation trail, Nuestra Selva, presents the worldview of the Guaraní people at seven stops. Information is available in Spanish and Guaraní. The Sendero Seres Fantásticos features eleven sculptures made from scrap metal by artists from northwestern Argentina. They depict mythological beings connected with nature. Las Pircas is also one of the park’s historical sites: it is considered a former transhumance outpost.

Picnicking and camping at Aguas Negras

The day-use and picnic area at Camping Aguas Negras has fire pits, tables, barbecue grills, covered seating areas and camping pitches. Facilities include restrooms with water exclusively for hygiene. Keep this restriction in mind when planning. The combination of a picnic area and camping pitches makes Aguas Negras another park highlight alongside its trails and cultural sites.

Libertador General San Martín as a point of reference

In the municipality associated with the park, Libertador General San Martín is considered a gateway to Calilegua National Park and lies within the Yungas Biosphere Reserve. The city is on paved National Route No. 34, near Provincial Route No. 83. It can be reached from San Salvador de Jujuy by private car or bus; check road and traffic conditions before traveling.

The City Museum in Libertador General San Martín displays artifacts related to the city’s history and customs. The Ingenio Ledesma complex is located in Libertador General San Martín; the Ledesma neighborhood has a visitor center that tells the company’s history and offers insight into its production processes. Check visitor information before your visit. Every year, Libertador General San Martín hosts Semana San Martiniana. Its program includes official, civil-military and cultural events; program details may vary.

When comparing hotels for your trip, start by deciding whether you want to devote most of your time to the park trails and Route 83, or to the cultural and historical offerings in Libertador General San Martín.

Discover more destinations: Libertador Gral. San Martín, Tumbaya Department, Doctor Manuel Belgrano Department, Palpalá, Susques Department, San Antonio, Palpalá, Santa Bárbara Department.

For the broader travel overview: Jujuy.