Queulat National Park: A Hanging Glacier Paradise

Queulat National Park, whose name means “Sound of Waterfalls” in the Chono people's language, is a jewel of Chilean Patagonia. Established in 1983, the park encompasses 154,093 hectares (380,772 acres) of pristine wilderness, characterized by its evergreen forests, jagged rock walls, and abundant rivers. The park's history is intertwined with the search for the mythical City of the Caesars in the 18th century, and later, the construction of the Carretera Austral, which connected the park to the rest of Chile. The park's main attraction is the Ventisquero Colgante (Hanging Glacier), a massive glacier suspended on a cliffside, with meltwater cascading down in spectacular waterfalls. Visitors can hike to viewpoints offering panoramic vistas of the glacier and the milky white Laguna Témpanos below. Boat trips on the lagoon provide a closer look at the glacier's imposing presence. Queulat National Park offers a variety of activities for nature enthusiasts. Hiking trails wind through the dense rainforest, revealing hidden waterfalls and diverse flora and fauna. The park is home to various bird species, including the Chucao and Black Woodpecker, as well as mammals like the Piche and Puma. Kayaking is popular in the Queulat Fjord, offering a unique perspective of the park's dramatic landscapes. The park is divided into three main sectors: Angostura, Ventisquero, and Portezuelo, each offering unique trails and attractions. The Ventisquero sector, home to the Hanging Glacier, is the most visited. Other notable sights include Lake Risopatrón, the Padre García Waterfall, and the Bosque Encantado (Enchanted Forest) trail.