Background

Pumalín National Park: A Patagonian Paradise

Discover Pumalín National Park: A pristine Patagonian wilderness with ancient forests, stunning fjords, and diverse wildlife, a testament to conservation.

4.8

Pumalín National Park, a vast wilderness in Chilean Patagonia, showcases stunning fjords, temperate rainforests, towering volcanoes, and diverse wildlife. Founded by Douglas Tompkins, it's a testament to conservation and offers hiking, camping, and kayaking amidst breathtaking scenery.

A brief summary to Pumalín National Park

  • Monday 9 am-5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5:30 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5:30 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5:30 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5:30 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5:30 pm

Local tips

  • Entrance to the park is free, but remember to register your visit with CONAF at the park entrance.
  • Bring waterproof clothing and sturdy hiking shoes, as the weather in Patagonia can be unpredictable.
  • Book ferries in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure you can reach the park.
  • Camping is allowed only in designated campgrounds, and fees may apply.
  • Be prepared for limited cell phone coverage and plan accordingly.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Bus

    The most common way to reach Pumalín National Park is by bus from Puerto Montt to Chaitén. Kemel buses depart daily from the Puerto Montt bus terminal. The journey includes two short ferry crossings. The bus trip takes approximately 9-10 hours and costs around 20,000 CLP. From Chaitén, you can take a local bus towards Futaleufu and get off at the El Amarillo entrance, or hire a taxi to reach trailheads north of Chaitén.

  • Ferry

    Another option is to take a ferry from Puerto Montt or Quellón to Chaitén. Naviera Austral operates ferries several times a week, but reservations are required in advance. The ferry trip takes about 8-9 hours. From Chaitén, you can take a local bus or hire a taxi to reach the park entrances. Ferry prices vary depending on the season and type of accommodation, but expect to pay around 30,000-50,000 CLP per person.

  • Flight

    For a faster option, you can take a flight from Puerto Montt's La Paloma airport to Chaitén. Pewen and Aerocord offer daily flights that take about 35 minutes and cost around $69 USD per person. From the Santa Bárbara aerodrome, you can take a taxi to Caleta Gonzalo or other park entrances. Taxi fares from the airport to Caleta Gonzalo are approximately 20,000-30,000 CLP.

Unlock the Best of Pumalín National Park

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Pumalín National Park

Pumalín National Park, officially named Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park, is a sprawling natural sanctuary in the Los Lagos Region of Chile. Encompassing over 400,000 hectares (1,000,000 acres), it stretches across the provinces of Cochamó, Hualaihué, Chaitén, and Palena, showcasing the untouched beauty of Northern Patagonia. The park's history is deeply rooted in conservation. In 1991, Douglas Tompkins, the founder of The North Face and Espirit clothing companies, began acquiring land in the Reñihue River Valley with the vision of preserving its ancient Valdivian temperate rainforest. Over the years, he and his wife Kristine Tompkins assembled the world's largest private nature reserve, which was later donated to the Chilean state and designated a national park in 2018. Pumalín's landscape is characterized by dramatic fjords, lush temperate rainforests, and towering volcanoes like Chaitén and Michinmahuida. The park is home to 25% of Chile's remaining Alerce trees, some of which are over 3,000 years old. These ancient trees, along with diverse flora and fauna, contribute to the park's unique ecosystem. Visitors can explore Pumalín through a network of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging ascents. Popular trails include the Alerce Trail, which leads to a millennia-old Alerce tree, and the Chaitén Volcano Trail, which offers panoramic views of the volcano's caldera. Other activities include camping, kayaking, and wildlife observation. Keep an eye out for marine species like dolphins, cormorants, and penguins in the fjords, and birds like the Chucao and Hued Hued in the forests. Mammals such as the pudú deer, foxes, and pumas also inhabit the park. Pumalín is not only a natural wonder but also a place of cultural significance. The parklands are the ancestral territory of the Chono people, a nomadic group who navigated the islands and channels in their canoes, hunting sea lions, fishing, and gathering shellfish along the coast.

Popular Experiences near Pumalín National Park

Popular Hotels near Pumalín National Park

Select Currency