National network of biological stations

Vilama Lagoon

Chinchilla High Andean Reserve

To visit and/or use it for research or conservation purposes write to José Manuel Segovia: jomse@yahoo.com.ar | 0388-1544885692

Vilama Lagoon

Chinchilla High Andean Reserve

The Laguna de Vilama BS is located within the Chinchilla High Andean Reserve, which protects high Andean environments of conservation importance and promotes the recovery of the Chinchilla(Chinchilla chinchilla) and Vicuña (Vicugna vicugna) populations. The reserve’s wetlands are sites of global importance (RAMSAR site). The area has extreme altitude and temperature conditions, so there are some recommendations to keep in mind.

Target

The Lagunas de Vilama Biological Station was created in 2021, when Dr. Alejandro Pietrek, CONICET-UNSa researcher, donated a housing module. This station is located in the Chinchilla High Andean Reserve and the Lagunas de Vilama RAMSAR site. The implementation is coordinated by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change of the Province of Jujuy. Its objective is to support research and biodiversity conservation in the Lagunas de Vilama complex, a high Andean environment inhabited by several endangered species. In addition, it offers logistical resources to carry out conservation and research actions that require a stay of several days. Currently, the station serves as a base for several research projects of different universities.

Facilities

Capacity: 5 beds
Camping allowed: Yes
Drinking water: No
Electricity: Yes (solar and gasoline generator)
Internet: No
Cellular signal: No
Bathrooms: 1 external bathroom, 1 solar shower
Kitchen: Equipped, with gas cooktop
Workspace: Office
Staff: No
Recommendations: Due to the low temperatures in winter, the water freezes, so you should take some water with you. It is recommended to carry an oxygen tube if possible, especially for people who have never been at 4500 meters above sea level. An alternative is to spend a few days of acclimatization in Abra Pampa and then go up. The track starts from the village of Lagunillas del Farallón, the last place to buy some basic things and where there is free Internet in the square. Getting there is easy, although you have to be careful in winter because of the ice on the road, and during the summer it is difficult to access due to the flooding of the rivers (it is recommended to travel during the day).

Reservations

Availability: All year round, reservation and confirmation required.
Maximum length of stay: To be defined according to space availability
Cost of stay: Free for Argentine researchers.
Important: Please note that if your research project requires it, you must also submit a research permit form to the Ministry of Environment (valid for one year).

Contact

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Contact

Complete this form to contact the person responsible for this biological station. Your message will be sent to his email address.