In this blog, you’ll find useful information about Patagonia National Park, including tips for first-time visitors, recommended trails, viewpoints, and the types of wildlife you might spot. Take note!

A Place Full of Biodiversity

Patagonia National Park is located in the Province of Capitán Prat, in the Aysén Region, and is part of the Parks Route network that spans across Chilean Patagonia.

The park was officially established in 2018, following the merger of the Jeinimeni and Cochrane National Reserves, along with the former Patagonia National Park (Valle Chacabuco sector), donated by Tompkins Conservation.

This protected area covers more than 304,000 hectares, where Patagonian nature is preserved in its purest form. Thanks to these conservation efforts, many species of valuable native flora and fauna have been protected—details you’ll read more about below.

Now that you know this, let’s take a look at the spots you must explore.

Which Trails and Viewpoints to Visit

One of the main attractions of Patagonia National Park is its wide variety of hiking trails. There are routes for all difficulty levels—from easy walks to more demanding treks. If you’re visiting for the first time, we recommend enjoying the park’s viewpoints and easier trails, especially if you’re traveling with family or children.

Recommended trails and their difficulty level:

1. La Vega Trail: A short and accessible walk that lets you observe birds in a large wetland plain. It’s around 5 kilometers round trip, with camping areas available.

2. Los Ciruelillos Trail: Just 3 kilometers long but quite challenging.

3. Los Coigües Trail: Moderate difficulty, better suited for those with some hiking experience. It’s 7 kilometers long, with an elevation gain of nearly 400 meters. If you’re looking for something short but tough, this is a great choice.

4. Avilés Circular Route: 18 kilometers through forests, rivers, and canyons—ideal for a full-day hike. Camping is also allowed.

5. Lagunas Altas Trail: A 23-kilometer round trip featuring stunning views of Valle Chacabuco and the Cochrane and Jeinimeni lakes.

These trails offer opportunities to discover dramatic landscapes, snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear rivers, and impressive native flora. Always check when trails are open, as availability depends largely on weather conditions.

On the other hand, the park features several natural viewpoints with incredible vistas of Patagonia. Some highlights include:

1. Jeinimeni Lake Viewpoint Trail: Reached by a short 20-minute walk (around 2 kilometers round trip). The views from above are absolutely worth it—don’t miss it!

2. Douglas Tompkins Viewpoint: Offers a panoramic view of Valle Chacabuco—perfect for an unforgettable photo. Be prepared to hike a total of 13.7 kilometers to reach it.

3. Cochrane Lake Viewpoint: From here, you can see the lake and part of the glacier that feeds it.

4. La Ventana Viewpoint: Offers sweeping views of mountains and native forests from an elevated spot within the park.

These viewpoints allow you to appreciate the vastness of the landscape and connect with the tranquility of nature. The park also features several lakes that add to its scenic beauty:

1. Jeinimeni Lake: With blue, cold waters surrounded by forests and mountains—ideal for photography and peaceful moments.

2. Cochrane Lake: One of the largest lakes in the region, known for its striking turquoise color.

3. Verde Lake: Small and hidden, this lake offers a magical and quiet environment.

These lakes are home to aquatic birds and native wildlife, and can be accessed via well-marked trails.

Wildlife in the Wild

Patagonia National Park is a refuge for many native species. Animals you may spot include:

1. Huemuls: A deer species endemic to Chile and currently endangered.

2. Pumas: Though hard to see, they inhabit several parts of the park.

3. Guanacos: Commonly seen grazing in the grasslands of Valle Chacabuco.

4. Culpeo and chilla foxes: Frequently seen near trails and open areas.

5. Andean condors: Often seen soaring above the viewpoints.

In addition, the park hosts over 100 bird species, such as the Magellanic woodpecker, chucao tapaculo, upland goose, blackbird, austral thrush, striped woodpecker, and long-tailed meadowlark, among many others.

Conservation and Legacy

Patagonia National Park is a remarkable example of both private and public conservation efforts. It was made possible through the work of Douglas and Kristine Tompkins, who donated thousands of hectares to protect the biodiversity of Patagonia.

The park's creation made it possible to restore ecosystems essential to the region’s rich flora and fauna. Today, the park is managed by CONAF, along with partner organizations that carry out monitoring, reforestation, and environmental education projects.

How to Visit and What You Should Know

The main access to the park is via the Carretera Austral, between the towns of Cochrane and Chile Chico. You can get there by private vehicle or on an organized tour.

The best time to visit is between November and April, when the weather is milder. There are designated camping areas, shelters, and a visitor center with useful information.

Important recommendations:

1. Bring suitable clothing for changing weather.

2. Stay on marked trails and follow signage.

3. Do not feed or disturb wildlife.

4. Pack out all your trash.

For official information, visit the CONAF website on Patagonia National Park or the Ruta de los Parques site.