National Parks of Chile

Founded in 1969, Bernardo O’Higgins is a national park that is located in Chilean Patagonia, specifically in the Aysén and Magallanes regions. With an extension of approximately 3,525,901 hectaresthis park is not only one of the largest in Chile, but also one of the most vast worldwide. One of its most outstanding areas is the eastern sector, famous for housing the South Patagonian Ice Fieldwhere is the XI Pius glacier, the largest in the southern hemisphere.

In 2014, the National Forest Corporation of Chile expanded the protection of the area with the Creation of the Natural Site Cordillera del Chalténwhich includes the Chilean side of Mount Chaltén or Fitz Roy and its adjacent mountains, as well as the natural glacier site Pius XI. It also retains the habitat of an endangered species, endemic to the Andean-Patagonic forests: the huemul (hippocamelus bisulcus).

Located in the commune of Torres del Paine, province of last hope, the Torres del Paine National Park is one of the most important protected natural areas in Chile. It was created in 1959 and its name was granted due to its Massifs that rise majestically in the form of towers.

In 1978, he was declared a Biosphere Reserve by the Men and Biosphere (MAB) program of UNESCO. Due to the beauty that their Landscapes formed by numerous water and waterfall courses that have their origin in the South Patagonian ice field and that cross the imposing mountain range, attracts thousands of visitors every year. Did you know that he was selected as the eighth wonder of the world in 2013?

The Chiloé National Park was created in 1983 on the Grande Island of Chiloé, Los Lagos Region. It has 43,057 hectares divided into two regions: Chepu and abtao. Located in the western sector of the Cordillera de la Costa and dominated by Valdivian jungle, bosks and tapuals, the park is managed by local huilliches residents who keep their traditions alive.

Within the Fauna species The Monte de Monte stands out (GLIROID DROMICIOPS) A small endemic marsupial of the Andean-Patagonic forests, the Chilote fox (Lycalopex Fulvipes) Endemic from southern Chile, Huillin (LONTRA CAUSAX) native to southern Argentina and Chile and one of the smallest deer that exist in the South American continent, the Pudú (Pudu Pudu).

Alberto de Agostini National Park, declared in 1965, is located at the southern end of Chile, specifically in the Magellan and Chilean Antarctic regions. This park, one of the largest in the country, It covers an area of ​​1,460,000 hectaresincluding part of the archipelago of Tierra del Fuego.

Its landscape combines glaciers, such as Marinelli glacier and serrano glacier, with deep fjords and steep mountains, such as Mount Sarmiento. Its flora is represented by subantartic forests, with species of the genus Nothofagus and various mosses and lichens. The species of animals are adapted to extreme climatic conditions And among them, marine mammals such as sea lions, southern dolphins and whales stand out. In addition, it is an important area for bird conservation.

Rapa Nui National Park, located in the Easter Islandis one of the most prominent cultural and natural treasures in Chile. Established in 1935 and expanded in 1966, this park covers much of the island, protecting its unique archaeological heritage and its ecosystems. He was declared a World Heritage by UNESCO in 1995, in recognition of the iconic Moái statues and the rich cultural heritage of the Rapa Nui civilization.

The island is of volcanic originpresents craters and its vegetation is scarce. The Rapa Nui National Park attracts visitors from all over the world, fascinated by both its archaeological mysteries and its natural environment.

Established in 1945, the Cabo de Hornos National Park is located at the southern end of Chile, in the Magallanes region and Chilean Antarctica. This park, which It covers 63,093 hectaresincludes the mythical corporal, the southernmost point in South America.

Its landscape is characterized by stepped coasts and a vegetation dominated by bosks and magallán forests. Park fauna is notable for its sea birds, such as wandering albatros (Diomedea exulans), the largest of the albatros and the silver petrel (Fulmarus glacialoides), in addition to different marine mammals.

The San Rafael National Park, created in 1959, is located in the Aysén region, in southern Chile. This park, which It covers 1,742,000 hectaresis famous for housing the North Ice Field and the San Rafael Lagoon, where the impressive San Rafael glacier stands out.

The landscape is dominated by imposing ice masses, fjords and mountains. Its flora includes forests of coigües, cypresses and lengas, while its fauna is rich in species such as the huemul, the condor and numerous seabirds. This park is a crucial destination for ecotourism and research.

Nahuelbuta National Park (in Mapuche, “Great Puma”) It occupies 6,832 hectares And it is located in the largest area of ​​the Nahuelbuta mountain range, in the province of Malleco. A smaller portion, belongs to the province of Arauco, Bío-Bío.

The park was created with the Objective of protecting and conserving Araucarias forests that grow in the Cordillera de la Costa and together with them various species of animals and plants. Some of these specimens reach the 2,000 years oldbeing living witnesses of the natural history of the region. Visitors can take advantage of various paths that offer panoramic points.

The Andino National Park, established in 1982, is located in the province of Llanquihue, in the Los Lagos region, covering the communes of Puerto Montt and Cochamó. This park, which occupies about 39,225 hectareshe is famous for house 20,000 hectares of allerces forests And in addition, it is an integral part of the Biosphere Reserve Rainless Forests of the Austral Andes.

With its dense forests with crystalline mountain waters, it offers an lush landscape and among its main attractions are The Chapo Lake, the Sargazo Lagoon and the Triangle Lagoonas well as the Cathedral forest, a place of special interest in its dense concentration of ancient allerces.

Created in 1958 and with a extension of 11,600 hectaresthe Laguna del Laja National Park is located in the Andean pre -border in the Bio Bio region. Within this Arid landscapethree attractions stand out: the Laja River, the Antuco volcano (one of the most active volcanoes in Chile) and La Laguna del Laja.

The flora is represented by small forests of Ciprés de la Cordillera (Austroedrus chilensis), an endemic species. Yes ok Fauna is not abundant Due to adverse climatic conditions and the shortage of vegetation, pumas can be observed (Puma concolor), Vizcachas (Lagidium viscacia) and various birds, highlighting the raptors such as the condor (Vultur Gryphus).

Here are other 10 Chilean national parks:

• Juan Fernández National Archipelago Park
• Tolhuaca National Park
• Huerquehue National Park
• ISLUGA NATIONAL PARK
• Las Palmas de Cocalán National Park
• Corcovado National Park
• Pumalín National Park
• Santiago Glacier National Park
• Salar de Huasco National Park
• Kawésqar National Park

Now that you know some of Chile’s national parks, discover these articles on animals in danger of extinction in Chile and the natural resources of Chile.

If you want to read more articles similar to National Parks of Chilewe recommend that you enter our category of ecosystems.