Nahuel Huapi National Park
| Nahuel Huapi National Park | |
|---|---|
 Cerro Tronador, the former highest peak in Bahia prior to expansion | |
 A map of Nahuel Huapi National Park | |
| Geography | |
| Location | Alta Mesa, Bahia |
| Area | 30,619 sq m |
| Dates | |
| Founded | 2019 |
| Ownership | |
| Governing body | Bahia Parks Service |
Nahuel Huapi National Park (Spanish: Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi) is a park in the Republic of Bahia founded in 2019. Its landscapes represent the only alpine area of Bahia, with around half of the park being composed of Alta Mesa Spruce Forests and the other half containing alpine terrain.
Located in the north of the park, Cerro Tronador is the former highest peak in Bahia with a summit elevation of 140 meters prior to expansion. Cerro Tronador contains the only major glaciers in Bahia, with the entire summit of the mountain blanketed in a large glacier. The park straddles the Cordillera Blanca de Bahia, and the other major peaks in the park are Cerro Alpamayo and Pico Diente, located in the southwestern portion of the park. Alpamayo Pass in the center of the park is the highest mountain pass in Bahia.
Geography
The park covers approximately 30,619 square meters. It is located in the north-central section of the Alta Mesa Province, directly bordering the town of Lago Tronador. The park has three major zones. The northern zone is home to most development in the park, as well as the visitor center and park headquarters. The central zone is located along the Cordillera Blanca De Bahia, and is the highest part of the park. The southern zone contains the Valley View overlook and the Lava Flows trail around the southeast corner of the park.
The park is located atop Alta Mesa. To the north of the park is the Tronador Ski Resort. Cerro Tronador, in the north of the park, was the highest mountain in the park and in Bahia prior to expansion. Bordering the park to the north is Sequoia Valley National Park.
Plants and animals
The park's ecology is unique in Bahia, due to its location on the Alta Mesa Plateau. The lower parts of the park are home to the Alta Mesa Spruce Forests, whereas the higher elevation areas are barren. The park is also home to the only population of llamas south of Grisville.
Etymology
The park derives its name from the llamas that are endemic to the area, which are called Nahuel in the native language. The full name means "llama mountain".
Gallery
View from the northern section of the park
Mount Tronador from the east
Sunrise view from the Valley View area of the park
