Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Patagonia National Park is located in the Aysén region of southern Chile and encompasses approximately 282,000 acres of stunning Patagonian landscapes. The park lies within the historic San Rafael Valley and features a diverse mosaic of ecosystems including lenga and coihue forests, steppe grasslands, and glacially-carved valleys. Established in 2018 through a public-private partnership led by the Tompkins Conservation Foundation and the Chilean government, the park aims to conserve one of the last large intact wild areas in southern Patagonia. The terrain ranges from dense forested slopes to open grasslands and granite peaks, offering habitat to iconic species such as the endangered huemul deer, puma, guanaco, Andean condor, and the elusive kodkod wildcat.
Outdoor recreation opportunities abound, including a network of hiking trails suitable for all skill levels that traverse scenic watersheds, old growth forests, and ancient archaeological sites. The park’s clean rivers and lakes provide excellent fishing and paddling, while backcountry camping allows visitors to immerse themselves in unparalleled solitude. Key landmarks include the Granizo Mountain massif, the Las Horquetas Falls, and the Historic Santiago Barn. Patagonia National Park's combination of ecological diversity, cultural history, and gorgeous, remote wilderness makes it a magnet for hikers, bird watchers, photographers, and conservation enthusiasts. The park serves as a critical corridor connecting other protected areas in Patagonia, ensuring long-term landscape connectivity and species preservation.
