A village crossed by a forest and nature tourism: a wild gem in the heart of northern Santiago del Estero.

In the north of Santiago del Estero province, about 250 kilometers from the provincial capital, lies Icaño, a town of just 3,500 inhabitants that guards one of Argentina’s best-kept secrets in nature tourism: the Copo National Park.

This territory, immersed in the Semi-arid Chaco, presents itself as a sanctuary for explorers, biodiversity lovers, and seekers of intense experiences in pristine environments.

A park without water, but full of life

Copo is the only Argentine national park without natural watercourses, but with exceptional biological richness.

The Copo National Park protects one of the last stands of Chaco quebracho forest, with emblematic species such as the red quebracho and the white quebracho. Its landscape is composed of dry forests, grasslands, and ancient riverbeds, and it is home to a unique fauna:

• Jaguar: critically endangered
• Giant armadillo and Chacoan peccary: threatened species
• Giant anteater, crowned eagle, and vizcacha boa: native inhabitants of the forest

The Chacoan peccary is one of the threatened species

Activities for adventurers and nature tourism

Hiking, wildlife watching, and biking in a wild habitat.

The park offers a 1.5 km interpretive trail that crosses the quebracho forest, ideal for hiking and wildlife observation.

The best time to visit is between April and November, as summer rains can make access difficult. It is recommended to contact specialized guides and notify the local park ranger before entering.

Icaño: Creole culture and Chaco hospitality

Gastronomic tradition, arid landscapes, and a community that preserves its connection with nature.

The town of Icaño captivates with its Creole cuisine, highlighting dishes like roast kid and local herb mate. The route to the park crosses plains dotted with quebracho and palm trees, offering a symphony of greens and ochres that fascinates visitors.

Icaño offers nature tourism in the north of Santiago del Estero

An alternative to mass tourism

Copo offers an experience of deep reconnection with nature, far from traditional circuits.

In a country where domestic tourism tends to concentrate on iconic destinations, Icaño and the Copo National Park propose a different experience: exploring a dry and thorny forest, with physical and emotional challenges that stimulate introspection and respect for the wild.

This enclave evokes the mystique of legendary ecosystems, like the African dry forests, but with Chaco identity and endemic biodiversity.