Cosmic Chaco: Campo del Cielo

There are places in the world that connect you with the vastness of the planet, but only a few allow you to connect so directly with the immensity of the universe. Today we travel to the south-west of Chaco Province to discover Campo del Cielo, the scene of a cosmic catastrophe that took place around 4,000 years ago and which today is one of the most fascinating and underrated astronomical parks on Earth.

Imagine this: a space rock weighing around 840 tonnes entered the Earth’s atmosphere and exploded, creating a shower of metallic meteorites that struck a stretch of land between Chaco and Santiago del Estero. The result is the largest meteorite field in the world and the home of some of the largest meteorites ever discovered.

A face-to-face encounter with outer space

Visiting the Campo del Cielo Scientific and Educational Park (near the town of Gancedo) is an unforgettable adventure. The site is extremely well prepared and combines the natural landscape of the Chaco woodland with the mystery of the cosmos:

The Iron Giants: Walking along the trails allows you to come face to face with these enormous dark masses made of iron and nickel. The main attraction is “El Chaco”, a colossal meteorite weighing no less than 37 tonnes, considered the second largest meteorite in the world. You will also be able to see “Gancedo”, another giant weighing more than 30 tonnes, discovered recently in 2016. Touching a rock that travelled through outer space for billions of years is an experience that gives you goosebumps!
The Interpretation Centre: This is a state-of-the-art underground museum that looks like a space station. Inside, there are spectacular interactive rooms explaining how the Solar System was formed, the journey of these asteroids, and how native communities (such as the Mocoví people) incorporated this phenomenon into their mythology and worldview.
The Craters: Although the vegetation of the woodland has gradually covered many of them, you can still appreciate the depressions in the ground created by the impacts of the fragments.

Campo del Cielo is not just another tourist stop; it is an experience that makes you feel small in front of the universe — a journey into the heart of deep Chaco, where the stars literally fell to Earth.

Geographical location: South-west of Chaco Province, Argentina. The Scientific and Educational Park is located around 12 kilometres from the town of Gancedo (near the border with Santiago del Estero).

How to get there: From Resistencia (the provincial capital), take National Route 16 west towards Gancedo (around 340 km). From there, access is via a signposted rural gravel/dirt road. If travelling from Santiago del Estero or Córdoba, National Route 16 is also the main access route.

Opening hours: The park and Interpretation Centre generally open from Wednesday to Sunday (and public holidays) from 10:00 to 18:00. Tip: It is advisable to check Chaco Tourism’s official channels before travelling, as opening hours may vary depending on the season.

Climate: Subtropical with a dry season. Summers in Chaco are extremely hot and humid (temperatures can easily exceed 42°C). Winter and spring are dry, with mild days and cool nights.

Price: General entry to the park and outdoor trails is usually free or available for a very small symbolic fee. Access to the underground museum (Interpretation Centre) has a very affordable admission fee to help maintain the site.

Recommended duration: Half a day (3 to 4 hours) is enough to visit the museum, walk the main meteorite trails and enjoy a picnic in the grounds.

Type of activity: Scientific, astronomical, educational, archaeological and adventure tourism. Ideal for curious minds, families and photography enthusiasts.

Best time to visit: From May to September. Winter and the surrounding months are the best time to avoid the intense Chaco summer heat and mosquitoes, making walks through the woodland much more enjoyable.

Requirements: No prior booking is required. It is recommended to travel by private vehicle or join an excursion from Charata, Villa Ángela or Resistencia, as there is no regular public transport that takes you directly to the park entrance.

Tips: Always bring strong insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat and plenty of water to stay hydrated, as the Chaco sun can be intense. If it has rained the previous day or on the same day, check road conditions in Gancedo before entering, as the dirt road can become difficult or impossible to drive on.