Chilean National Parks on 19/09/08

Chilean National Parks

 

 

A slue of tourists come to the Southern Cone searching for great hiking and backpacking opportunities. Not only is Patagonia the best place to find hiking trails, but visitors are consistently surprised by the breathtaking views of the Andean Mountains and the stunning beauty of the natural wildlife. Most of these natural sights are located within Chile’s National Parks.

Bernardo O’Higgins National Park was named after the first head of state of the Republic of Chile and today represents a large chunk of the natural preserves in Chile. The Pío XI Glacier is one of the largest in South America that periodically advances as the climate in the Southern Hemisphere changes. This glacier is one of the most frequented by tourists. O’Higgins remains undeveloped and tourism is low however, guests coming from Puerto Natales, Villa O’Higgins, and Coleta Tortel can visit the Última Esperanza sound by boat or by helicopter. While in the park, tourists should take the opportunity to sea kayak.

Torres del Paine National Park is perhaps the most visited Park in Chile. Tourists, hardcore hikers and even beginner trekkers flock to this resource rich and easily accessible park to witness some of Patagonia’s finest displays of beauty. Wild flora like the rare Yellow Lady’s Slipper, the Zapatito de la Virgen, the Firebush, and an array of beautiful orchids spot the otherwise barren landscape. The black- faced Guanaco hops along the smaller hills at the base of the Andes while the mysterious and endangered Chilean Huemul keeps hidden. Visitors may, however, catch a glimpse of the wide- winged Andean Condor. Most visitors will enter the park directly from Puerto Natales and immediately begin trekking along either the “W”, a five day journey to some of the Park’s scenic highlights, or will enter the “Paine Full Circuit”, about an 8 day trek to get up close and personal with the park.

Chiloé National Park in the Lake Region is known for its Valdivian forest. Buses from Castro make at least two trips a day into this Chilean park. Its spectacular forest is marked by dense perennial trees, climbing plants and small shrubs. The southern beach composes most of Chiloe’s rainforest. The most popular trek in this area is the Cole Cole. However, many hikers complain about the overall lack of “senderos” or walking trails. To begin the Cole Cole, start at the bus drop off near the beach. The Conaf (Corporaión Nacional Forestal, Chile) trail begins right after the administration building. Following the beach for about seven kilometers is a sign towards Refugio Cole Cole. Most hikers just follow the shore. To camp costs about $1000 to $1500 pesos per person. However Hostal la Pincoya offers lodging to visitors.

Northern Chile offers great National Parks as well, though not as many hiking opportunities. Still, amazing flora and fauna are ever present in this lean country.

Lauca National Park is a large park known for its volcanoes. Guallatiri and the Acotango are two of the most famous volcanoes in the area. Access to the park is provided via the Pan- American Highway around Arica. Guanacos and Alpacas are present in this area of Chile as well. The cougar, or puma, has also been spotted in this area. Lakes and hot springs are popular tourist sites within the parks altiplano and Lago Chungara is at the top of the list for highest altitude lakes in the world. Visitors should keep in mind that the altitude is pretty high around this area and must take care not to exert too much energy without acclimating first.

Conguillío National Park. Because of its crazy tree shapes, called the Monkey Puzzle tree, the Park is covered by forests. Lagoons and volcanoes also characterize this park. The Llaima volcano is the most frequented of these Chilean wonders. In fact, most of the natural sites in Conguillio were formed by past volcanic eruptions. The most recent eruption occurred in 1957. Visitors can reach the park though Temuco via Curacautin. While yet another park entrance can be reached through Melipeuco.