Puyehue NP: Nature

Natural Heritage

Geomorphology
The geography of the park is a result of intense glaciation and volcanic processes, factors which molded the Andean massif. It presents typical glacial valleys like those of the river Gol-Gol and Chanleufú, and numerous gorgeous lakes throughout the Andean peaks.

The park's volcanic formations are divided into two main chains. The first one starts in Nevados de Payachatas, a range made up by the volcanoes of Pomerape (6.252 msl), Parinacota (6.342 msl), and the cones of Ajata. The second formation crosses Guacollo with the volcanos of Quisiquisine, and the chain of Quimsachata. Quimsachata is in turn made up by Humarata (5.730 msl), Acotango (6.050 msl), and Guallatire. Its inner chain starts in Nevados de Putre, which are made up by Tarapacá hill (5.815 msl) and Putre (5.500 msl) Massif.

The volcanic activity manifests itself in the Antillanca area, where Casablanca volcano lies, rising to an altitude of 1,990 m (6,527ft) above sea level. There are also some nearby craters and the volcanoes of Fiucha and Sarnoso. Heading north is the Puyehue volcano at 2,236 m (7,334 ft) msl, and the volcanic chain of Caulle, which has recorded recent lava flows, thermal activity and geysers.


Hydrography
Most of the hydrographic systems in the Park are endorheic, the main stream being Lauca river, which is born in Parinacota meadow. Lake Chungará is a water mirror located at 4.517 mts, and its main tributary is Chungará river. Another lake system corresponds to Cotacotani lagoon, located 4 km away from lake Chungará.

The main drainage lake in the zone is lake Puyehue, situated outside the park. Also, another highlight is Gol-Gol river, which drains into lake Constancia (1,290 m or 4,231 ft. above sea level) along with its streams, Anticura and Pajaritos. Other important lakes are Gris and Paraíso.


Flora
The Humid Evergreen forest, which originated because of the high rainfall in the zone, is the predominant forest in the park.

Its most common species are the ulmo and coigüe, which abound in the lower areas of the park. Some coihues can reach up to 45 mt (147 ft.) high. Nevertheless, these heterogenous forests feature not only coihues, but also olivillos and tineos. The forest floor is abundant in shrubs, moss, ferns and lichen, which add to the great floral richness.

At higher altitudes there are coigüe forests with tepa and mañío. Close to the peaks there are pure, developed forests of Magellanic coigües, with a dense forest floor. The lenga is also present at this level, and exhibits spectacular beauty when its leaves change and take on the warm autumn colors of the season.

You can also find marsh communities called “maullines”, coverings of thick layers of moss and rushes, low thickets of ñirre and Guaitecas cypresses.


Fauna
The most common mammals in the park are the puma, grey fox, lesser grison, coypu,  kodkod, and the molina's hog-nosed skunk.

Regarding avifauna you can find species like correntino duck, black woodpecker, woodpigeon, black throated huet-huet, condor, huala, chercán duck and stork.