The El Palmar National Park lies in the east of the argentinian province Entre Ríos at the Uruguay River. It protects one of the few palm forests in the region that could withstand deforestation by agriculture.
The park is particularly popular with residents of Buenos Aires as a weekend destination because of the relatively short distance from the capital (by Argentine standards). It is also a good stopover on the way to the falls of Iguazú or after Brazil.
background
Not only the natural beauty, but also the sandy beaches on the Río Uruguay and the good camping opportunities contribute to the popularity of the park with the Argentines.
history
The park was established in 1966 and covers 8,500 hectares. At least in this region it was supposed to put a stop to the strong decimation of the palm groves - before the agricultural exploitation of the region, the forests reached about up to the height of La Plata.
landscape
The area is hilly and characterized by various forest areas, some of which are very dense (gallery forest) and some of which are very loosely overgrown in the pure palm groves. During the gallery forest (selva marginal) characterizes the area directly on the river, the palm groves are further inland.
Flora and fauna
The main exponent of the park is the YatayPalm, a particularly slender representative of its kind. Furthermore, due to the alluviation of seeds from the subtropical primeval forests in Brazil, native species have actually settled in the jelly forests there. Tree and bush species such as Tala, Cina-cina, Congorosa, northern Arrayanes, Ñandubay, Molle as well as Algarrobos and white Quebrachos can be found.
Numerous reptiles (especially large types of lizards) and the Vizcachas, rabbit-sized rodents. The number of larger mammals such as wild boar, black antelope and deer is lower. The variety of bird species is very high, including the Ñandú, an ostrich, is at home here.
climate
The climate is subtropical and summery almost all year round, only in the three winter months between June and August the temperatures sometimes fall to significantly lower values than usual. In the summer half-year, daytime temperatures of 26 ° C to 40 ° C are expected, in winter between 15 ° C and 30 ° C.
getting there
The Ruta Nacional 14 is the main route from Buenos Aires as well as from Misiones out. Of Cordoba, Paraná and Santa Fe lead the Rutas relatively directly 18 and 19 to Concordia, a major city 45 km north of El Palmar and the best starting point for the park as it also has an airport. Another starting point is the city Colón, 40 km. south of the park.
Fees / permits
mobility
You can move around the park on foot or in your own car. There are paths that are also suitable for mountain bikers, but these are in competition with hikers, which is why it is not recommended in the season. There are four paths that can also be used by cars and motorcycles.
Tourist Attractions
- Ruins of the village of Barquín. The ruins of the town of Barquín, which existed in the park in the colonial period (from 1650) and in the early 19th century, can be visited. They are not particularly worth seeing, but the approx. 3 km long path is very attractive and can also be mastered well with children, especially since it also leads past the river beach.
activities
Hiking, horse riding and swimming in the river. Guides can be hired from the National Park Administration for observing nature and visiting the ruins.
shop
There is a small market in the campsite, but it is better to get supplies in Colón or Concordia.
kitchen
A restaurant / café is available for park visitors.
accommodation
- campsite. The only accommodation is the campsite. This contributes to the naturalness of the park. There are hotels in Concordia and Colón.
security
The only danger is poisonous snakes, which is why you should wear good shoes when hiking on narrow paths. Wild boar and deer are rare.
trips
- Salto Grande reservoir. The Salto Grande reservoir, the second largest hydropower plant in Argentina, is 60 kilometers north. The lake also offers good bathing opportunities if the river is too narrow for you, despite its width of approx. 1 km.
literature
Web links
- official page, with map
- Description on the Colón website (Spanish)
