A Tapestry of Wild Beauty

Chile is a land of breathtaking natural wonders, stretching from the arid Atacama Desert to the icy fjords of Patagonia. Its vast network of national parks showcases some of the most diverse and pristine ecosystems on the planet.

The Legacy of Douglas Tompkins and Pumalín National Park

One of the most inspiring conservation stories in Chile is that of Douglas Tompkins, the American philanthropist and co-founder of The North Face. Tompkins dedicated much of his life to protecting Chilean wilderness, acquiring vast tracts of land to preserve them from development. His efforts culminated in the creation of Pumalín National Park, a lush temperate rainforest teeming with towering alerces, volcanic landscapes, and cascading waterfalls. After his passing in 2015, his land donations helped form the Route of Parks, a 2,800-kilometer conservation corridor spanning 17 national parks in Patagonia.

Highlights of Chile’s National Parks

• Torres del Paine National Park – Perhaps Chile’s most famous park, this Patagonian wonderland is home to the iconic granite towers, turquoise glacial lakes, and sprawling pampas where guanacos roam freely. It’s a paradise for trekkers, offering the renowned W and O circuits.

• Lauca National Park – Located in the far north, this high-altitude Andean park is known for its stunning vistas of snow-capped volcanoes, vast altiplano plains, and the shimmering Chungará Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world. It’s also a great place to spot vicuñas and Andean flamingos.

• Conguillío National Park – A hidden gem in central Chile, this park is a prehistoric landscape of ancient araucaria (monkey puzzle) forests, lava fields, and the imposing Llaima Volcano. It inspired Charles Darwin during his voyage on the HMS Beagle.

• Bernardo O’Higgins National Park – Chile’s largest national park, it is a remote and glacial paradise that includes sections of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. It is best explored by boat, offering close-up views of massive tidewater glaciers like Pío XI, the largest glacier in the Southern Hemisphere outside Antarctica.

Hidden Natural Reserves: Beyond the National Parks

While Chile’s national parks are managed by CONAF (National Forest Corporation), there are remarkable private and regional reserves that also protect unique landscapes and biodiversity.

• Tagua Tagua Park – A lesser-known but stunning private reserve in the Andes, it offers dramatic granite peaks, deep fjords, and lush forests filled with native species. It’s a haven for adventure seekers who enjoy trekking, climbing, and wildlife watching.

• Alerce Andino National Park – Though part of CONAF, this park deserves mention for its spectacular thousand-year-old alerce trees, which are among the oldest living organisms on Earth.

• Patagonia Park – Another conservation success story, this park was originally a private reserve created by Tompkins Conservation before being incorporated into Chile’s national park system. It features rolling grasslands, jagged mountains, and an abundance of wildlife, including pumas and Andean condors.

A Land Worth Protecting

Chile’s national parks and private reserves form an unparalleled mosaic of natural beauty, conservation efforts, and adventure. Whether trekking through Patagonia, exploring ancient forests, or marveling at glacial landscapes, the country offers an unrivaled experience for nature lovers. Thanks to pioneers like Douglas Tompkins and ongoing conservation efforts, Chile remains one of the world’s most remarkable outdoor destinations.

The Threat of Wildfires: Protecting Chile’s Natural Heritage

One of the greatest threats to Chile’s national parks and reserves is the increasing frequency of wildfires, often exacerbated by climate change and human activity. These fires devastate fragile ecosystems, destroy ancient forests, and endanger wildlife. Firefighters, known as “Bomberos” in Chile, work tirelessly to combat these blazes and protect the country’s natural heritage. If you wish to support their efforts, you can donate to the Bomberos de Chile via their official account: BancoEstado, Cuenta Corriente 90222, Bomberos de Chile. Every contribution helps in the fight to preserve Chile’s wild beauty for future generations.

Safety and Travel Advice for Chile

We have made a specific web page on the safety of Chile and our travel advice. Click here to visite the page.