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Sierra Baguales: Patagonia's Prehistoric Time Capsule

Explore Sierra Baguales: A remote Patagonian mountain range with unique geology, fossils, and stunning landscapes on the Chilean-Argentine border.

Sierra Baguales, a 60-kilometer mountain range on the Chilean-Argentine border, offers a unique journey through time. Its fossil-rich landscape reveals a geological history spanning over 100 million years, showcasing ancient forests, marine life, and the rise of mammals. Unlike the crowded trails of Torres del Paine, it provides solitude and unspoiled connection to nature.

A brief summary to Sierra Baguales

  • Santa Cruz Province, AR

Local tips

  • Register with the Carabineros station in Cerro Guido before visiting, as the area lies on an unregulated international border with Argentina.
  • Wear sturdy hiking boots and prepare for varying weather conditions.
  • Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are limited facilities in the area.
  • Consider hiring a local guide to enhance your experience and ensure safety.
  • Exercise caution around pumas, especially near feeding areas or when they are caring for their cubs.
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Getting There

  • Car

    From Puerto Natales, drive north on Route 9. After approximately 80 km, turn northeast towards Sierra Baguales. The remaining 60 km will take you into the Baguales River valley. Note that the roads can be rough, and a 4x4 vehicle is recommended. Ensure you have sufficient fuel and supplies, as services are limited in this remote area. Some estancias, like Estancia Cerro Guido, offer access to Sierra Baguales. Contact them in advance for permission and guidance. There may be a fee for using private roads.

  • Tour

    Consider booking a guided tour from Puerto Natales. Many tour operators offer full-day excursions to Sierra Baguales, including transportation, guided trekking, and visits to key sites like Laguna Irene and fossil hotspots. The cost for a full-day tour typically ranges from CLP$185,000 per person, including transportation and guide services. Tours often include a stop at Estancia 3R, known for its wildlife preservation efforts.

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Discover more about Sierra Baguales

Sierra Baguales, a striking mountain range stretching 60 kilometers east to west along the border between Chile and Argentina, presents a captivating journey through geological time. Located northeast of Torres del Paine National Park, this remote and silent landscape holds a treasure trove of fossils and unique rock formations. The history of Sierra Baguales dates back over 100 million years to the Cretaceous period when Patagonia separated from Antarctica. The area transformed from temperate forests inhabited by titanosaurs and hadrosaurs to a deep-sea ecosystem teeming with marine reptiles. The ever-changing environment, shaped by geological forces and ancient seas, has left a remarkable fossil record. Today, Sierra Baguales is a natural library of prehistoric life, with the valley of the de las Chinas River holding evidence of the final 20 million years of the dinosaur era, and the Baguales River chronicling the rise of mammals. Visitors can discover petrified forests, seashells embedded in rock faces, and fossils of various plants, mammals, and marine invertebrates. The mountain range also features unique geological formations, including cirques formed by glaciers during the Pleistocene Epoch and the Dique, where lava once flowed. The Aónikenk people originally named the Sierra Baguales 'Karhuern', meaning 'Place of evil spirits'. Later, it was renamed by Santiago Zamora, who observed wild animals seeking refuge in the mountains. The area remains largely untouched by tourism, offering a chance to experience Patagonia's wilderness in solitude. Trekkers can explore the landscape, observe the native fauna, such as guanacos and condors, and appreciate the stunning views from the Tridente and Ciudadela hills.

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