Established
in 1974 to protect the Yungas cloud forests, Baritú is one of the two
national parks in Argentina’s tropics. It is located in Northeast of Salta
Province and is the country's Northern most protected area. The 178,000-acre
park is part of the Yungas eco-region; there are many rivers in the
park, the most important ones are the Lipeo in the North and the Bermejo, which
runs at the border between Argentina and Bolivia.
The park's
inaccessibility provides an essential habitat for the near-extinct jaguar and
the onza, a puma-like cat species, making it a unique stop on Argentinean
tours. Smaller cats such as ocelots also roam the park as do the endangered
tapir, giant anteater, speckled bear, the capuchin and howler monkey species.
Baritú is also home to the raccoon-like coati, the neo-tropical otter and such
bird species as toucans and the world's largest eagle, harpy eagle.
The closest
towns are Los Toldos and Aguas Blancas. Getting to the park by car requires
passing into Bolivia across an international bridge at Aguas Blancas outside
Bermejo, Bolivia's Southernmost town, so it is necessary to carry a passport.
The park may also be reached by river boat.
Lodge and
Spa Los Toldos, a very peaceful place with friendly owners. Over 1600 m. from
sea level.
My friend
Emiliano Basalo, together with his cousin Facundo, invited me to be part of
this trip so as to set up a multiday trip to offer next year for customers from
all over the world. Alejandro is a river guide from Salta Rafting that comes to
paddle in the raft and was also his first experience in this river. Diego
Budeguer is a very old friend that was kayaking with me all over for more than
12 years.
The Lipeo River’s
section is 49 KM-long, the first half has a lot of rapids class III and IV at
low water and when the water is big, they can easily be class IV and V
especially at the gorge.
The second
half of the river is a great opportunity to enjoy bird watching, animal
wildlife and fly-fishing.
This region
is a great place to explore new runs, but there is an awesome run side route
called Bermejo River. It is a deep gorge with continuous rapids, class IV at
low water, and class V at big volume.
As you may
see on the pic, Bermejo River has this characteristic colour all year long.
Cheers!
GO Paddle!
