Chile’s Parks Southern Zone

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Servicio Nacional de TurismoAv. Providencia 1550, Santiago de Chile

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I N T R O D U C T I O N

Chile has 100 state-designated Protected Wilderness Areas, which include 35 Parks, 49 Reserves and 16 Monuments. Together, they cover almost 20 percent of the nation’s territory.The National Parks differ from the National Reserves and National Monuments because the natural resources in the parks may not be used for economic purposes and must be protected.

The country also has ecological reserves promoted by the private sector, all with a strong emphasis on sustainable tourism and all contributing to the conservation of our ecosystems.

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SERNATURMinistry of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism Government of Chile

National Tourism Service | Chile

S O U T h e R N Z O N e P a R k S W H A T Y O U N E E D T O K N O W A B O U T C H I L E ’ S P A R K S

Southern Zone Parks

The climate and vegetation start changing in Chile as you travel to more southern latitudes, giving way to dozens of lakes, rivers, snow-capped volcanoes and forests. The continent ends with glaciers and a complex system of fjords in Patagonia.

Chile’s southern zone has the greatest number of Protected Wilderness Areas and many places that are untouched by humans. Chilean Patagonia, for example, has more than 240,000 km² and a population density of less than one person per km². Nearly 50 percent of the territory is Protected Wilderness Area.

Important destinations include the Conguillío National Park and the Alerce Andino National Park, protecting thousand-year-old forests of araucaría and alerce trees. There are also private parks that have contributed greatly to safeguarding our biodiversity and which boast excellent infrastructure. And there’s the Torres del Paine National Park, one of the country’s most emblematic natural icons.

U S e F U L I N F O R M a T I O N

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ARICA Y PARINACOTA

REGIONES:

TARAPACÁ

ANTOFAGASTA

ATACAMA

COQUIMBO

VALPARAÍSO

METROPOLITANA

O´HIGGINS

DEL MAULE

BIOBÍO

ARAUCANÍA

LOS RÍOS

LOS LAGOS

AYSÉN

MAGALLANES

P.N. Laguna del Laja

P.N. TolhuacaP.N. NahuelbutaP.N. ConguillíoP.N. HuerquehueP.N. Villarrica

Huilo Huilo

P. N. Puyehue

P. N. Vicente Pérez RosalesP. N. Alerce AndinoPumalínP. N. ChiloéTantaucoP. N. QueulatR. N. Cerro CastilloP. N. Laguna Sn. Rafael

P. N. Bernardo O´Higgins

P. N. Torres del Paine

P. N. Pali-Aike

P. N. Alberto de Agostini

P. N. Cabo de Hornos

Marino Francisco Coloane

Symbols /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Natural Monuments and Protected Natural Areas (SNASPE)

Marine Park / Marine Reserve / Protected Marine Coastal Area Nature Park

B I O B I O R E G I O N

Dry and rocky, this park is bounded by the Laguna del Laja, the nation’s largest natural reservoir with a surface area of 125 km². The Antuco volcano sits on its banks. Must-See Attractions: The Sierra Velluda trail begins at the Chacay guard station. Although the trek is a bit technical due to rocky terrain, it is worth the effort because of the terrific views of the glaciers on the north face of Sierra Velluda and the south face of Antuco. It is a 9-hour trek in the summer months, or can be done more easily in two days.

Other activities: Two kilometers from the entrance, in the Lagunillas area, there are 20 camping sites with electricity and drinkable water, bathroom and sink. The park also features cabins and a refugio that is open during the ski season.

How to get there: The road connecting Los Angeles-Antuco-Laguna del Laja is 93 km long, one third in gravel. In winter, chains are needed for cars to handle the snow and ice.

CONAF Los Ángeles.Phone: (56-43) 321 086, jorge.quappe@conaf.clSERNATUR Bío-Bío.Phone: (56-41) 2741337, infobiobio@sernatur.cl

L A G U N A D E L L A J A N A T I O N A L P A R K

A R A U C A N Í A R E G I O N

The towering Llaima volcano, one of the most active in South America, dominates and shapes the landscape in this park. With its thousand-year-old araucaria trees, lakes and lagoons, Conguillío is one of Chile’s most photogenic parks in both winter and summer.

Must-See Attractions: On the Los Carpinteros trail, accessed from CONAF’s Captrén guard station, you can hike to the Araucaria Madre, an araucaria tree believed to be 1,800 years old.

Other Activities: Camping, trekking, kayaking, nature walks and skiing (at the Las Araucarias ski center) are all possible inside the park. There are 12 different trails of varying degrees of difficulty, the most outstanding being the Sierra Nevada trail.

How to get there: From Temuco, take the Lonquimay International Road to Curacautín. From there, proceed to the entrances at the Captrén lagoon, the Truful Truful station or CONAF’s Center for Environmental Information. If you leave Temuco heading towards Cunco, you can enter the park from Melipeuco.

CONAF Curacautín.Phone: (56-45) 881184, jorge.vera@conaf.clSERNATUR Araucanía.Phone: (56-45) 211969 - 312859 - 312857 infoaraucania@sernatur.cl

C O N G U I L L Í O N A T I O N A L P A R K

A R A U C A N Í A R E G I O N

Best known for being one of the few places where araucaria forests grow near the coast and far from the precordillera slopes, this park features araucaria trees that are more than 2,000 years old. It is also known for the habitat it provides to the Darwin fox, also found on the island of Chiloé.

Must-See Attractions: From the Piedra del Águila, which is accessed by way of a trail with the same name, there’s a panoramic view of Chile from the coast to the Andes mountains.

Other activities: In summer months, there are nature walks and nature education classes. In the forest undergrowth, there is a great variety of orchids, as well as two of Chile’s three insect eating plants: the flycatcher and the swamp violet.

How to get there: The principal access is by way of Angol, on the road towards Vegas Blancas. The road is 35 km long, beginning with gravel, and the final third dirt. Snow chains are required in winter months.

CONAF Angol.Phone: (56-45) 711870, oscar.pontigo@conaf.clSERNATUR Araucanía.Phone: (56-45) 211969 - 312859 - 312857infoaraucania@sernatur.cl

N A H U E L B U T A N A T I O N A L P A R K

A R A U C A N Í A R E G I O N

This park’s geography is dramatic - full of rolling mountains, deep ravines, forests and lagoons. Puma live here, as well as trout, which were introduced into the park’s innumerable streams and lagoons for sporting purposes.

Must-See Attractions: At Lake Tinquilco offers horseback riding, trekking, and guides for fly fishing. You may also rent kayaks and boats.

Other activities: The Tres Lagos educational trail is 8 km long and begins at the park’s office. The guided excursion takes you to lakes Toro, Verde and Chico to see the native flora and fauna. While this is an easy trail, the park is characterized by sharp changes in landscape. Walking sticks and good hiking shoes are needed to continue on trails like the Pampas de Quinchol.

How to get there: Leaving from Pucón, travel the paved road to Caburgua, but before getting there, follow the road to Paillaco and then the gravel road that takes you to the park.

CONAF Huerquehue.Phone: (56-2) 21960242, parque.huerquehue@conaf.clSERNATUR Araucanía.Phone: (56-45) 211969 - 312859 - 312857 infoaraucania@sernatur.cl

H U E R Q U E H U E N A T I O N A L P A R K

R E G I O N O F A R A U C A N Í A

Dominated by the cone of its great volcano (2,847 meters high), the park is covered in lenga and araucaria forests. There is abundant wildlife in the forests, including the pudú (the world’s smallest deer) and the coipo (a large, aquatic rodent). You can also spot the tiny monito del monte, one of the three marsupials found in Chile.

Must-See Attractions: The Las Pocitas trail is 15 km long and takes a full day to walk. It is accessed by way of Puesco Alto, heading towards the Quetrupillán volcano. You pass by the Blancas and Azul lagoons with a terrific view of the Lanin volcano and the Devil’s Fang (Colmillo del Diablo), a rocky peak 2,050 meters high, as well as a series of small lagoons.

Other activities: At the base of the Villarrica volcano are seven ski runs operating during winter months. There are also volcanic caves that help scientists understand geological processes and how to anticipate an eruption.

How to get there: There are different accesses to the park’s three different sectors, but the principal access is from Pucón, 112 km from Temuco. From there, head eight km to Rucapillán, 26 km to the Quetrupillán sector and 56 km to the Puesco sector.

CONAF Villarrica.Phone: (56-45) 412379, ignacio.espina@conaf.clSERNATUR Araucanía.Phone: (56-45) 211969 - 312859 - 312857 infoaraucania@sernatur.cl

V I L L A R R I C A N A T I O N A L P A R K

A R A U C A N Í A R E G I O N

This small park (only 6,474 hectares) in the Andes of the Araucanía is best known for the Malleco waterfall, 49 meters high. It is also known for its lush vegetation and its great number of water fowl, like the Red-gartered Coot.

Must-See Attractions: You can walk unguided along the 2 km trail to the Malleco waterfall, which drops 49 meters. The trail isn’t steep and has two lookout points.

Other activities: In summer months, Park rangers give talks at one side of the park administration office. The Malleco lagoon is full of rainbow trout and fishing is permitted if properly licensed.

How to get there: Just 5 km north of Victoria, take the side road that intersects with Camino del Inspector Fernández towards Malleco lake. There is also a road from Curacautín to Termas de Tolhuaca (34 km), and from there you can proceed to the park.

CONAF Curacautín.Phone: (56-45) 881184, jorge.vera@conaf.clSERNATUR Araucanía.Phone: (56-45) 211969 - 312859 - 312857 infoaraucania@sernatur.cl

T O L H U A C A N A T I O N A L P A R K

L O S R Í O S R E G I O N

The private foundation that controls this reserve seeks to protect, preserve and restore the area’s temperate rainforest. In addition to tourism and adventure activities, Huilo Huilo works to integrate local communities into its activities, with scientific, artistic and entrepreneurial projects.

Must-See Attractions: You can rest in the forest, literally, in CanopyVillage, where houses are built 5 meters above ground in the treetops. Horseback rides leave from the village and pass through native forests before arriving at the gondola route. As you ascend, native lenga forests dominate the landscape. The first viewpoint provides a panoramic view of Puerto Fuy, while the second a panoramic view of the town of Neltume.

Other activities: The park has hiking trails, horseback riding, a ski center open all-year round, canopy and boat excursions on Pirihueico lake.The Neltume Cultural route brings you closer to the work of local artisans, famed for their carved wood pieces.

How to get there: The principal access is from Route 5, exiting at the Lanco turnoff and then heading towards Lanco until you reach Panguipulli. Then take the Panguipulli-Puerto Fuy international road until you reach the reserve. From Temuco, it is best to take the route going through Villarrica - Lican Ray – Coñaripe – Lago Neltume – Neltume.

Phone: (56-63) 1970122, www.huilohuilo.comSERNATUR Los Ríos.Phone: (56-63) 239060, infolosrios@sernatur.cl

H U I L O H U I L O B I O L O G I C A L R E S E R V E

L O S L A G O S R E G I O N

This park’s principal aim is to protect its nearly 20,000 hectares of alerce forest. Alerces are among the oldest living trees in the world, with some trees more than 3,000 years old. The Alerce Andino National Park is part of the Biosphere Reserve of the Temperate Rainforests of the Southern Andes.

Must-See Activities: You can walk to the heart of the forest after entering the park by way of the town of Lenca. Passing by trees that are thousands of years old, the walk takes you to the Río Chaicas waterfall and to the Chaiquenes lake. The road is accessible only by four-wheel drive vehicles, although you can also try on bicycle.

Other activities: With a proper fishing license, you are allowed to fish between November and March in the Chamiza area where 10-kg trout have been caught. Boat rides are also available. The park’s network of trails has two shelters (refugios), a very rustic shelter at Fria lagoon and a better-outfitted shelter in the Sargazo sector.

Access: Take public road V-65 that links Puerto Montt to Correntoso and Chapo lake, a 46-km trip. Another 2.5km from Correntoso takes you to the ranger station. To access the park from the south, take the Carretera Austral road to Lenca, 36 km of gravel road.

CONAF Los Lagos.Phone: (56-65) 486102, loslagos.oirs@conaf.clSERNATUR Los Lagos.Phone: (56-65) 288087, infoloslagos@sernatur.cl

A L E R C E A N D I N O N A T I O N A L P A R K

L O S L A G O S R E G I O N

This conservation project led by Fundación Futuro is located on the extreme southwest part of the island of Chiloé. The park’s trails and shelters are well-built, and there is an abundance of native wildlife, including the Chucao Tapaculo, a forest bird, and the huillín (southern river otter), found in various waterways in the park.

Must-See Attractions: The trails have shelters spaced for every six hours of trekking. They are well made with top-quality insulation and rain-proofing technology, with space for 8 to 11 people. The shelters preserve traditional construction values, recycling old ciprés wood.

Other activities: Leaving from the pier at the town of Inío, you can travel up the river of the same name to its origins, about 14 km through swamps and flooded native forests. The return can be over land, taking a trail that crosses the Tantauco park through evergreen forests.

How to get there: The northern access is through the Yaldad sector, which you get to by taking a road from Colonia Yungay, 14 km before arriving to Quellón on Route 5. You can also reach the Inío part of the park by sea, leaving from Quellón.

Parque Tantauco.Phone: (56-65) 773100, info@parquetantauco.clSERNATUR Chiloé.Phone: (56-65) 622800 - 622665, infochiloe@sernatur.cl

T A N T A U C O P A R K

L O S L A G O S R E G I O N

This is thought to be the largest privately-held nature reserve in the world. It has more than 300,000 hectares of temperate rainforest, which was declared a Nature Sanctuary in 2005, when the Pumalín Foundation took over the park’s administration. In the center of the park is Caleta Gonzalo, accessible by ferry from Hornopirén.

Must-See Attractions: The Tronador trail begins 48 km north of Chaitén and 10 km south of Caleta Gonzalo. It starts in a burned alerce forest, before crossing a wooden footbridge and reaching a waterfall, where you can over a spectacular hanging bridge to continue the ascent.

Other activities: There are six campsites at the Cahuelmó campground, where you can pitch your tent in the middle of the temperate rainforest. The campsite offers a covered shelter with a fireplace (fogón), bathrooms and thermal baths. Reservations much be made to stay here.

How to get there: Planes land at the Chaitén airstrip from Puerto Montt. By land, take the Carretera Austral from Chaitén to the Pumalín Park entrance. You can reach Chaitén by boat all year round.

Parque Pumalín, Puerto Varas Office:Phone: (56-65) 255145, info@parquepumalin.clSERNATUR Los Lagos.Phone: (56-65) 288087, infoloslagos@sernatur.cl

P U M A L Í N P A R K

L O S L A G O S R E G I O N

The park’s landscape is the result of glaciers and the volcanic activity that helped shape the massive Andes. More than 20 different water formations dot Puyehue’s grounds, as well as the Princesa and the Salto del Indio waterfalls. The park is also known for its thermal baths and the Antillanca ski center.

Must-See Attractions: For trekking aficionados, the Pampa Frutilla sector offers a variety of adventures: camping, climbing peaks, crossing streams and walking through native forests full of coihues, mañíos and canelos in this Valdivian Rainforest. Treks can be from 2 to 8 days long.

Other activities: There are hotels, thermal baths, a ski center and camping sites. Aguas Calientes has 26 cabins with electricity, fully-equipped kitchens and hot water. The cabins are in great demand, so reservations are a must. www.termasaguascalientes.cl

How to get there: From Osorno, take Route 215 towards the Cardenal Samoré international pass (to Argentina). At km 76, highway U-485 takes you to Aguas Calientes, and at km 89 the road enters the Park.

CONAF Osorno.Phone: (56-64) 221 304, francisco.ibarra@conaf.clSERNATUR Osorno.Phone: (56-64) 237575 - 234104, infosorno@sernatur.cl

P U Y E H U E N A T I O N A L P A R K

L O S L A G O S R E G I O N

This is Chile’s oldest park, home to three important volcanoes: Tronador, Osorno and Puntiagudo. Its main attractions are the Todos Los Santos lake and the Río Petrohué waterfall. The ecosystem is part of the Temperate Rainforest Biosphere of the Southern Andes.

Must-See Attractions: The Desolación trail is on the north face of the Osorno volcano. It is 12 km long and can be walked in half a day. From its highest point, at 1,100 meters, you can see the Tronador volcano and the Todos Los Santos lake.

Other activities: The Playa Petrohué campground has 24 campsites with tables and also a covered area with a fireplace. There is parking, garbage disposal, potable water and bathrooms with hot water in the Petrohué sector. In the Laguna Verde sector, a special path for the handicapped was inaugurated in 2010.

How to get there: Take international route 225 from Puerto Varas, through Ensenada to Petrohué. From here, you can follow the route across the Andes mountains by taking a boat across the Todos Los Santos lake towards Bariloche, Argentina.

CONAF Los Lagos.Phone: (56-65) 486 102, loslagos.oirs@conaf.clSERNATUR Los Lagos.Phone: (56-65) 288087, infoloslagos@sernatur.cl

V I C E N T E P É R E Z R O S A L E S N AT I O N A L PA R K

L O S L A G O S R E G I O N

This park combines temperate rainforest areas, coastal lagoons, beaches and rocky areas.The most typical tree species are the arrayán, tepa, alerce, ciprés de las Guaitecas and the tepual. These trees often grow so closely together that mossy thickets are formed, creating a false kind of floor that is suspended several meters above where the ground really is.

Must-See Attractions: For those who really enjoy walking, an 18 km trail joins Chanquín to the Río Cole Cole. It can be walked in 7 hours, crossing beaches, rivers and coastal forests, and ending at a rustic shelter that can handle up to 15 people. The shelter has a fireplace and bathrooms.

Other activities: If you enter by way of Cucao, you will see a visitors center with educational displays of the flora and fauna of the area and of the Huilliche indigenous culture. Just outside the park, there are several old communities of this indigenous group.

Access: To get to the Cucao sector, take Route 5 from Castro south on 24 km of paved road until you reach the Notuco crossing. Then, 34.5 km of gravel road takes you to Cucao. The Chepu sector of the park can be reached from Ancud by way of Route 5 south, turning off at the Chepu river crossing, a 25 km trip.

CONAF Chiloé.Phone: (56-65) 970724, alejandro.diaz@conaf.clSERNATUR Chiloé.Phone: (56-65) 622665 - 622800, infochiloe@sernatur.cl

C H I L O É N A T I O N A L P A R K

A Y S É N R E G I O N

The fjords, valleys lakes and glaciers of Queulat are found in the Patagonian Andes mountain range with peaks over 2,000 meters high. The first explorations in the area where the park is now located were undertaken by the Jesuit priest José García Alsué, who was looking for the mythical Ciudad de los Césares.

Must-See Attractions: The Ventisquero Colgante trail, 3.5 km long, begins at the campground parking area and continues on a footbridge over the Río Ventisquero. The trail then goes past the residue of a retreating glacier, arriving at a panoramic lookout overshadowed by the Colgante and Ventisquero glaciers.

Other activities: The Salto del Padre García trail is located at the beginning of the curvy road leading to the Queulat pass. The trailhead is located just before the intersection with the road to Puerto Cisnes. The trail is named in honor of the priest who first traveled this area in 1766.

How to get there: The Park is accessed directly from the Carretera Austral (Route 7), a rural highway that crosses a good part of the park. Queulat is 180 km south of Chaitén and 165 km north of Coyhaique.

CONAF Coyhaique.Phone: (56-67) 212225, aisen.oirs@conaf.clSERNATUR Coyhaique.Phone: (56-67) 240290, infoaisen@sernatur.clParque Nacional QueulatPhone: (56-67) 314128

Q U E U L A T N A T I O N A L P A R K

A Y S É N R E G I O N

This park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and includes the entirety of the Campos de Hielo Norte glacier and the San Valentín mountain, which is the highest peak in Patagonia. Of all the South American glaciers that flow to the sea, the San Rafael is the closest to the equator.

Must-See Attractions: Boats take visitors from Puerto Chacabuco along Río Témpanos to the San Rafael lagoon. It is a 200-km trip.

Other activities: The Leones Valley is accessible by land from Coyhaique and is in the park premises. The Leones glacier descends from San Valentín mountain (4,058 meters high). This is the highest mountain in the Southern Andes mountain range. Walks over the Valentín’s icy slopes are available, using proper gear - crampons - supplied by guides or tour operators.

How to get there: By sea, it takes 16 hours from Puerto Chacabuco. Flights from Coyhaique are also possible.

SERNATUR Aysén.Phone (56-67) 240290, infoaisen@sernatur.clCONAF Coyhaique.Phone: (56-67) 212225, aisen.oirs@conaf.cl

L A G U N A S A N R A F A E L N A T I O N A L P A R K

A Y S É N R E G I O N

Cerro Castillo is indisputably one of Patagonia’s famous icons, thanks to the strange rock formations that resemble a natural castle. Both day excursions or trekking circuits are available.

Must-See Attractions: There is a five-day, 45-km trekking circuit that stays mostly within the reserve and which is also part of the Sendero de Chile. Guided trekking is advised due to lack of signage and footbridges in some parts of the reserve. Heavy rainfall can make some streams too high to cross by foot.

Other activities: One day-trip option is to hike to the lagoon where the glacier first begins, at the base of this imposing mountain. The hike provides a spectacular view of the mountain, its hanging glacier and the Río Ibáñez valley. From Villa Cerro Castillo (100 km from Coyhaique) the ascent takes four hours: the first two hours on horseback, the final two walking on loose rock.

How to get there: Access is easy. The entrance to the reserve is 64 km south of Coyhaique, along the Carretera Austral.

CONAF Coyhaique.Phone: (56-67) 212225, aisen.oirs@conaf.clSERNATUR Aysén.Phone: (56-67) 240290, infoaisen@sernatur.cl

C E R R O C A S T I L L O N A T I O N A L R E S E R V E

M A G A L L A N E S R E G I O N

This park is shared between the Aysén Region, the Magallanes Region and Chile’s Antarctic territory. It covers 3,524,648 hectares, making it Chile’s largest national park.In the eastern sector of the park is Campo Patagónico, part of the Hielo Sur ice fields and the source of many glaciers.

Must-See Attractions: The Pío XI glacier is the largest in South America and the only one advancing almost one meter each year. Its walls are 80 meters high and extend for six kilometers. It can be seen from sea as far away as Puerto Edén.

Other activities: You can cross the Última Esperanza bay to see the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers. Boats leave from Puerto Natales for the day trip.

How to get there: There are regularly scheduled boat trips leaving from Puerto Natales and Puerto Montt.

CONAF Magallanes.Phone: (56-61) 238581, juan.ivanovich@conaf.clSERNATUR Puerto Natales.Phone (56-61) 412125 infonatales@sernatur.cl

B E R N A R D O O ’ H I G G I N S N A T I O N A L P A R K

M A G A L L A N E S R E G I O N

Adventurers, scientists and nature lovers are all excited to see humpback whales in the setting of fjords, canals, evergreen forests and glaciers, especially in this protected area that is accessed by way of the Strait of Magellan. This park is the only place in the Southern Hemisphere where humpback whales feed outside of Antarctic waters and meet with other marine animals and marine birds.

Must-See Attractions: While the humpback whale is the acknowledged icon of this park, don’t miss the opportunity to see the colonies of the South American sea lion and fur seal, as well as the Magellanic penguin, Black-browed Albatross, Giant Petrel and Cormorant colonies. A visit to the snowfields that descend into the Ballena and Helado bays will always remind you of your visit to the region’s glaciers.

Other activities: Practiced kayakers can navigate the different fjords, canals, rivers and lakes in this protected area in search of wildlife, snowfields, and hot springs. This can be combined with treks along historic indigenous routes. Especially attractive are Río Batchelor and the sounds of Cóndor and Núñez.

How to get there: From Punta Arenas, you can go by land to Faro San Isidro and from there embark on a small boat to follow the Strait of Magellan by way of Cape Froward. You can also reach the park through the town of Río Verde, and then embark on a larger vessel that passes through the Otway Sound and the Jerónimo channel to the Strait of Magellan.

SERNATUR Magallanes.Phone: (56-61) 241330-225385-248790, infomagallanes@sernatur.cl

F R A N C I S C O C O L O A N E M A R I N E P A R K

M A G A L L A N E S R E G I O N

This is the volcanic area of Patagonia, also known as the Escorial del Diablo (“scum of the devil”). Much of the surface here is covered by extensive fields of lava, and there are many caves. Some of the oldest archaeological remains in Patagonia have been found here, dating back 11,000 years.

Must-See Attractions: One of the best-known destinations in the park is the Pali Aike cave, where human remains have been found dating back 11,000 years. It is one of the most important archaeological sites in all of Patagonia and is a mandatory point of reference for all scientific explanations concerning the settling of the American continent.

Other activities: The park has camping sites and trekking trails along which the abundant local fauna of the Patagonian steppe can be observed, including guanacos and foxes.

How to get there: The park is located 196 km northeast of Punta Arenas. It is accessible year round by international Route 255, 28 km beyond Villa Punta Delgada.

CONAF Magallanes.Phone: (56-61) 238554, magallanes.oirs@conaf.clSERNATUR Punta Arenas.Phone (56-61) 248790 - 225385 - 241330 infomagallanes@sernatur.cl

PA L I A I K E N AT I O N A L PA R K

M A G A L L A N E S R E G I O N

This indisputable icon of Patagonia is considered one of the best places for trekking. The best known trails are the “W” (4 or 5 days) and the “0” (8 or 9 days). This Biosphere Reserve features pampas, forests, glaciers, mountains, lakes, rivers and a large quantity of fauna that is unafraid of human presence.

Must-See Attractions: An interesting way to get to the park is by boat. First, you have to take a boat from Puerto Natales to cross the Última Esperanza fjord. Then, you can visit the Serrano glacier and take a zodiac up the Río Serrano for an excellent view of the Campo Patagónico de Hielo Sur ice field.

Other activities: While certainly the best landscapes can be seen on the different trekking trails, it is also possible to visit most of the park by car, since there are 97 km of roads linking the park that provide breathtaking landscapes, from the steppes to the forests.

How to get there: From Puerto Natales, two roads go to the park: the old road (passing through Cerro Castillo) is 154 km long (60 km paved) and takes you to the Laguna Amarga and Sarmiento entrances. The second, newer road is 80 km long (passing by the Milodón cave) and is all gravel, taking you to the Serrano entrance. In high season, there are regular buses from Puerto Natales.

CONAF Puerto Natales.Phone: (56-61) 691 931contacto@pntp.cl, www.parquetorresdelpaine.clSERNATUR Puerto Natales.Phone (56-61) 412125, infonatales@sernatur.cl

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Much of this park is completely untouched by man due to its far-flung location. It is made up of all the islands south of the Straight of Magellan and west of Isla Navarino. It also includes part of Tierra del Fuego and the Darwin Cordillera. The park was named in honor of a Salesian missionary and explorer, Alberto Maria de Agostini.

Must-See Attractions: Sail by way of the Beagle Canal to see the impressive mountains of the Darwin Cordillera and an infinity of glaciers, especially the so-called “avenue of glaciers” (avenida de los glaciares).

How to get there: By sea from Punta Arenas.

CONAF Magallanes.Phone: (56-61) 238554, magallanes.oirs@conaf.clSERNATUR Punta Arenas.Phone (56-61) 248790 - 225385 - 241330 infomagallanes@sernatur.cl

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The Cabo de Hornos park covers the southernmost part of the South American continent and marks the northern boundary of the Drake Sea. There is a naval base here, a lighthouse, a small chapel and a post office. There is also a sculpture of an albatross in flight, to honor all the sailors who have lost their lives trying to cross these tormented waters.

Must-See Attractions: Isla Hornos has a small post office where visitors can send postcards stamped from the most southern point on the continent.

How to get there: By sea from Punta Arenas or by air to Puerto Williams and then continuing by sea to the park. There are small cruise ships leaving from Punta Arenas that visit Isla Hornos. Charters are also available.

CONAF Magallanes.Phone: (56-61) 238554, magallanes.oirs@conaf.clSERNATUR Punta Arenas.Phone: (56-61) 248790 - 225385 - 241330 infomagallanes@sernatur.cl

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