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Sierra Baguales: Patagonia's Untamed Fossil Frontier

Explore Sierra Baguales: A remote Patagonian mountain range with stunning landscapes, rich fossil history, and diverse wildlife.

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Sierra Baguales, a 60-kilometer mountain range straddling the Chilean-Argentine border, offers a unique Patagonian experience. Its dramatic landscape, rich in fossils and wildlife, provides a glimpse into Earth's ancient past, far from the crowded tourist trails.

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 borders Argentina.
  • Wear sturdy hiking boots and layers, as the terrain is rugged and the weather can change quickly.
  • Bring plenty of water and snacks, as facilities are limited.
  • Consider hiring a local guide to enhance your experience and ensure safety in this remote area.
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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 road becomes unpaved, and a 4x4 vehicle is recommended. Follow the road for roughly 60 km to reach the heart of Sierra Baguales. Note that access to specific areas may require permission from Estancia Cerro Guido or other landowners. There are no tolls on this route. Parking is available near trailheads, but it can be limited.

  • Tour

    Several tour operators based in Puerto Natales offer guided day trips to Sierra Baguales. These tours typically include transportation, a guided trek, and meals. Pick-up is usually from your accommodation in Puerto Natales. The cost for a full-day tour ranges from CLP$185,000 per person. Be sure to book in advance, especially during peak season.

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Discover more about Sierra Baguales

Sierra Baguales, a hidden gem in the vast Patagonian landscape, presents a unique journey through time and nature. This 60-kilometer-long mountain range, stretching east to west, forms a natural border between Chile and Argentina, northeast of Torres del Paine National Park. Unlike the well-trodden paths of its famous neighbor, Sierra Baguales offers a sense of solitude and unspoiled wilderness, attracting explorers, scientists, and nature enthusiasts alike. The range's geological history is an open book, with stratified rock formations revealing ancient geological eras shaped by tectonic forces. Sierra Baguales is renowned for its extraordinary paleontological heritage, a treasure trove of marine and terrestrial fossils. Embedded within its rocks are shells, fossilized leaves, and remains of prehistoric vertebrates, offering a glimpse into a time when the sea covered these lands. Walking through its valleys is like stepping back millions of years. The landscape is also home to diverse wildlife. Andean condors soar overhead, while guanacos roam the valleys and foxes blend into the rugged terrain. Lucky visitors might even spot a puma, Patagonia's iconic feline. Birdwatchers will find an unexpected paradise with various species, from steppe-dwelling passerines to raptors. Sierra Baguales derives its name from the Spanish word 'bagual,' referring to wild or feral horses and cows that roamed the area. Today, the landscape retains its wild character, offering a chance to connect with nature in its purest form.

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