Los Cardones National Park is a protected area located in the province of Salta, Argentina, near the town of Cachi. Established on November 19, 1996, the park encompasses an area of approximately 65,000 hectares. It is situated in a high-altitude region within the Andes mountain range, with elevations ranging from around 2,600 to over 5,000 meters above sea level. The park's landscape is characterized by mountainous terrain, deep valleys, and high plains. A defining feature of the park is the presence of vast forests of the cardón grande cactus, a large columnar cactus species scientifically known as Trichocereus pasacana. This cactus can live for hundreds of years and is a key component of the high-altitude desert ecosystem. The park's geology is notable for its sedimentary rock formations and the presence of paleontological sites containing fossilized remains, including dinosaur footprints. The area's climate is arid, with significant temperature variations between day and night. Historically, the region was part of the Inca Empire's southern expansion, and ancient paths such as a segment of the Inca Road System traverse the park. The area is also part of the cultural landscape of pre-Hispanic indigenous communities. The park's fauna includes species such as the Andean condor, vicuña, guanaco, and the endangered taruca, or North Andean deer.