National Parks in Chile Patagonia are amazing places to go on solo, family, couple, or any vacation really! They combine marvelous nature, active exploration, and history. Some of them are near the lake district, but others go up to the Antarctic region, near the White Continent. In this article, we tell you about 5 incredible National Parks in Chile Patagonia, where to go to visit each, and what to do.
- 1. National Parks in Chile Patagonia
1. National Parks in Chile Patagonia
Where to go: Puerto Natales, Province of Última Esperanza
Parque Nacional Torres del Paine
Located in the region of Magallanes and Antártica Chilena, Torres del Paine is one of the most famous natural reserves in the world for hikers. Inside Torres del Paine you can sail through lakes to meet glaciers, enjoy hiking trails of all kinds and even multi-day hiking and camping experiences. This is the place of the mighty puma, but also the Andena condors and other amazing wildlife.
There is only one hotel inside the park which often run out of capacity, that is why you should always plan your trip to Torres del Paine in advance. You can also enjoy a sustainable experience lodging in the ecocamp, and go glamping. Or venture into a 5-day hiking experience and stay in refuges through the park while you complete the W Circuit, one of the most popular hiking trails in the park. In this trip you will meet famous peaks like the Paine Towers, and the French Valley, deep inside the heart of the park. Torres del Paine National Park is a fabulous choice for family trips.
Book the W Circuit 5-day Hiking Experience today – This is a 100% tailored trip!
Where to go: El Chaltén, Province of Santa Cruz (Argentina)
Parque Nacional Bernardo O’Higgins
Located in the región of Aysén in Chile, this park is easily accessible from Patagonia Argentina, departing from the hiking village of El Chaltén. This is also a destination every hiker has to visit once in his life!
But, let’s go back to Chile…
This national park is ideal for family trips, especially if you choose to go on the Balmaceda and Serrano Navigation to meet these two glaciers. The region is known for its incredible glaciers, snow-capped mountains and fjords. In fact, there is also a Navigation through the Chilean fjords you can take if you would like to explore the area. And if you’re planning to visit Chile and the Argentine Patagonia you can go on a 10-day organized journey from Villa O’Higgins to El Chaltén. In this trip you will sail and travel by land to cross the border with Argentina.
Step into the land of Chilean Fjords with our Argentine & Chilean Patagonia Journey – This is a 100% tailored trip!
Where to go: Punta Arenas, Province of Magallanes
Parque Nacional Pali Aike
Our second national park in Chile Patagonia located in the Magallanes and Antartica region is the Pali Aike, a natural reserve full of volcanoes, caves and hiking trails. From Punta Arenas you have to travel 125 miles to the park.
This place is the favorite of geologists and archeologist since the soil is greatly covered by basaltic lava. The great natural attraction is the Cave of Pali Aike, declared a National Monument, and where important fossils of the first human populating the region have been found. Plus, you can enjoy active exploration like navigation to the glaciers and kayaking while enjoying the moon-type landscape which characterizes the park.
Where to go: Balmaceda, Province of Coyhaique
Parque Nacional Laguna San Rafael
This national park in Chile Patagonia is one of the biggest in the region of Aysen. It features the enormous North Ice Fields! The main attraction is the Laguna San Rafael where you can enjoy navigations through floating icebergs. Plus, this national park is a perfect place to go wildlife spotting. However, it is also the most rainy region in Chilean Patagonia and even in the whole country, so you need to pick your travel dates wisely. You can travel from September to April.
Where to go: Punta Arenas, Puerto Montt or Ushuaia (Argentina)
Parque Nacional Alberto de Agostini
This national park is located in the southernmost part of Chile Patagonia, in the region of Magallanes. All the islands south to the famous Magellan Strait and some parts of Tierra del Fuego belong to this park. The main natural attractions are the Darwin Mountain Range, Mount Sarmiento (celebrated by the writer Julio Verne in his “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea”), and the Beagle Channel which waters also flows inside the park. You can reach the park by either flying to Punta Arenas, Puerto Montt or Ushuaia airport in Argentina.
Travel from El Chaltén to Punta Arenas and Ushuaia in a self-drive experience with 24/7 local assistance – This is a 100% tailored trip!
Are you ready to start planning your trip to any of these national parks in Chile Patagonia? Contact one of our local travel agents and get first-handed information and advice. Or visit our home page to learn about our experience and sustainable commitment to changing our way of traveling and preserving nature, wildlife, and local communities.
