Parque Nacional Isla Magdalena, Carretera Austral, Patagonia, Chile

Parque Nacional Isla Magdalena, Carretera Austral, Patagonia, Chile

Introduction

Access: From Puerto Cisnes (by boat only)

Isla Magdalena’s rugged landscapes, deep ravines, and coastal bluffs make it an ideal environment for species such as Penguins, Cormorants, Sea Lions, and Huillines (Southern River Otters).

Situated between the Chilean continent and the Guaitecas Archipelago, in Río Cisnes, Isla Magdalena is one of the largest islands to the south of Chiloé. 80% of its surface is protected land. At the center of the island, the peak of Mentolat Volcano stretches 5,446 feet above sea level amongst the exuberant flora of the northern Patagonia cordillera.

Brief details
  • Open: Only sea access
  • Area: 617,052 acres
  • Climate: Rainy and mild
  • Rainfall: 157 inches annually
  • Ecosystem: Evergreen Chono Forest
  • Founded: July 11, 1983
Suggested Places of Interest and / or Activities
  • Schedule a trip in boat with local guides to spot and learn about a huge diversity of marine life.
  • Circumnavigate the island in sea kayak.
  • View Mentolat Volcano (5446 feet above sea level) and, for more seasoned hikers, plan an ascent to its peak.
  • Visit Puerto Gaviota, a fisherman’s cove at the southern edge of the island.
  • Visit the Santa Isabel and San Andrés islets to get a closer look at the sea lions.

Note: ExperienceChile.Org will create a custom-made travel itinerary to your specifications. Just let us know.

Parque Nacional Melimoyu, Carretera Austral, Patagonia, Chile

Parque Nacional Melimoyu, Carretera Austral, Patagonia, Chile

Introduction

Access: From Puerto Raul Marin Balmaceda (sea navigation required)

Along Melimoyu’s coasts, the Blue Whales are the protagonists. It’s estimated that 10% of the world’s population of cetaceans migrate to the Corcovado Gulf during the Southern Hemisphere summer to feed on Krill.

Dozens of rivers flow from the area’s glaciers into its channels and fjords, bringing organic material from the forests and bogs and giving life to an aquatic ecosystem rich with biodiversity where an abundance of wildlife makes its home.

This pristine habitat in Cisnes features incredible landscapes dominated by the imposing Melimoyu Volcano (which means “four pieces” in Mapudungún). It was once considered to be a possible entry point to the mythical, and perhaps enchanted, City of the Caesars.

Brief details
  • Open: Not currently open to the public
  • Area: 258,223 acres
  • Climate: Rainy and Temperate
  • Rainfall: 113 inches annually
  • Ecosystem: Evergreen Forest and Patagonian Subantarctic Forest
  • Founded: In process
Suggested Places of Interest and / or Activities
  • See the Melimoyu Volcano (7,874 feet above sea level).
  • Explore the channels and fjords in February and March, looking out for Blue Whales and other species such as Orcas, Humpback Whales, Chilean Dolphins, and Peale’s Dolphins.
  • Spend time in the forest trying to spot endangered species such as the Pudú Deer and Darwin’s Frog.
  • Visit the town of Melimoyu to learn first-hand about the last wave of settlers in Chile.

Note: ExperienceChile.Org will create a custom-made travel itinerary to your specifications. Just let us know.

Parque Nacional Queulat, Carretera Austral, Patagonia, Chile

Parque Nacional Queulat, Carretera Austral, Patagonia, Chile

Introduction

Access: Queulat (south of Puyuhuapi)

Queulat means “Sound of Waterfalls” in the Chono people’s language. This park was first seen in the eighteenth century by Jesuits searching for the mythical City of the Caesars. Today, Queulat National Park, near Puyuhuapi, is admired by thousands of visitors each year, who are attracted by its beautiful evergreen and Andean Patagonian forests, its waterfalls, fjords, jagged rock walls, abundant rivers, and famous hanging glacier or “Ventisquero Colgante”, which can be spotted from the Carretera Austral.

Brief details
  • Open: Year-Round
  • Area: 380,772 acres
  • Climate: Cold temperate climate, with no dry season
  • Rainfall: 135–160 inches annually
  • Ecosystem: Temperate Rainforest and High-Mountain Deciduous Shrubland
  • Founded: October 13, 1983
Suggested Places of Interest and / or Activities
  • The hanging glacier, is the most emblematic feature of the park.
  • Cross the Ventisquero River footbridge.
  • Visit the Los Témpanos and Los Pumas Lagoons. In the summer, you can also explore Los Témpanos in boat.
  • Visit the Padre García Waterfall, which is around 100 feet tall.
  • Explore Lake Risopatrón, located near Puyuhuapi, along the route.
  • Enjoy the 33 curves of the Queulat slope, winding up to the pass.

Note: ExperienceChile.Org will create a custom-made travel itinerary to your specifications. Just let us know.