To appreciate pristine nature, and to value and protect biodiversity while acquiring a greater consciousness of the magic and beauty of the natural world is part of the purpose of Pumalín Park.  Open year-round, those who visit must comply with certain environmental standards in order to keep this natural paradise intact for future generations.

To appreciate pristine nature, and to value and protect biodiversity while acquiring a greater consciousness of the magic and beauty of the natural world is part of the purpose of Pumalín Park.  Open year-round, those who visit must comply with certain environmental standards in order to keep this natural paradise intact for future generations.

Located in the tenth region in the province of Palena between Hornopirén and Chaitén, the park consists of approximately 300,000 hectares set aside to be converted into a nature sanctuary and subsequently transferred to a Chilean organization, the Fundación Pumalín, to make up the world's largest private park.  

Larch tree

The idea for the creation of this model project of conservation was born in 1991 by the iniciative of North American environmentalist Douglas Tompkin, a regular visitor to Chile in the 1970's.  Gradually, through the environmental foundation Conservation Land Trust, he acquired lands of an environmental value unique in the world with the idea of protecting it from eventual exploitation.  Later, he donated this land to the Pumalín Foundation and was later given charge of its administration and development.  

How to get there

The park has entrances to the north and south with Caleta Gonzalo being in the center, the place where the infrastructure of public access is found as well as trails for hikes and access to the sea lion colony.

The method of transportation used to get to Caleta Gonzalo depends on the time of year:  in January and February it's by water-route on the ferry which leaves from Hornopirén every day in direction of Caleta Gonzalo.  For the rest of the year it is necessary to arrive first in the city of Chaitén (60 kilometers south of Caleta Gonzalo) and from there travel by ground transportation to the park.  There are two alternatives to get to Chaitén:  there is a ferry from Puerto Montt or from the island of Chiloé, or it is possible to fly from Puerto Montt.  

Marine wolves

In Chaitén the project Pumalín is centered in an information center where it is possible to learn about the project history; in addition, top-notch accommodation is offered in the Puma Verde guest house.  

What to visit?

Leaving from Chaitén by the main road Austral, innumerable natural attractions appear, the majority of which are possible to visit.

The first of these deserving attention is the Sendero de los Alerces, an easy-level hike, across an ancient larch tree grove which deserves proper appreciation at close range, millenarian trees which populated much of our country before the arrival of the conquistadors.  The path has special signs informing of the biology and history of the place set aside to create a consciousness about the importance of conservation of this unique place on the planet.

Hanging bridge over the Gonzalo river

At 12 kilometers outside of Caleta Gonzalo is the Sendero Tronador consisting of a one and a half hour ascent including crossing a spectacular hanging bridge to arrive at the base of a lake amphitheatre.   

At only 5 minutes from the trail, nature lovers can appreciate a scenic view characterized by a series of waterfalls creating a simply spectacular scene.  

Caleta Gonzalo

Numerous installations making up the coordinating center of the park can be found such as:  camping areas, information center, cafeteria and cabins constructed under strict rules of conservation.   

From here water excursions are organized along the fiord where it is possible in a short trip to visit the sea lion colony.  

Park installations in the Caleta Gonzalo sector

Another excursion possible from Caleta Gonzalo is the Cascada path, a 3-hour hike through the leafy rainforest to arrive at a beautiful waterfall in truly amazing natural surroundings.  

For eco-tourism lovers, Pumalín is without a doubt one of the greatest places in Chile to practice this form of tourism with such high calibar regardless of age and physical ability.

For this, the construction of 22 camping areas and 12 guided paths within the park are projected.  To date, half of the camps have been authorized, 7 paths in between Caleta Gonzalo and Chaitén, and one in Termas de Cahuelmó (Cahuelmó Thermal Baths).

LOGISTICS

Access

By land and sea: If the point of departure is Puerto Montt and you wish to arrive at the park through Caleta Gonzalo, you have to make the trip with two ferries.  The first crosses the Estuario de Reloncaví and the trip lasts a half hour.  There are nine daily departures and reservations are not necessary, tickets are sold first come, first serve.  The second ferry has to be taken in Hornopirén to Caleta Gonzalo and operates in the summer (January and February), leaves once a day, the trip lasts five hours.

Sea: Another way to get to the park is by taking a direct ferry in Puerto Montt.  
Air: The third and final alternative is to travel in a plane to Puerto Montt. To go to Puerto Montt from Santiago, see our section on flights.

Accommodations
Alternatives for places to stay in Chaitén are at Hotel Mi Casa and Yelcho Lodge.

Packages
To see more alternatives of packages for visiting the area, see our section on packages.

Text: Freddy Neira