Pali-Aike National Park: Where Patagonia Meets the Moon

Discover Pali-Aike National Park: a lunar landscape in Patagonia with volcanic craters, ancient caves, and unique wildlife encounters.

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Pali-Aike National Park

Explore a surreal Patagonian landscape in Pali-Aike National Park, where volcanic craters, lava fields, and archaeological sites converge. Discover the unique beauty that led the Tehuelche people to call it the 'desolate place where the devil dwells'.

A brief summary to Pali-Aike National Park

San Gregorio, Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica, CL
+56612360489
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Local tips

Wear layers, as the Patagonian weather can change rapidly. Be prepared for wind, even in summer.
Bring cash for the park entrance fee. Credit cards are not accepted.
Fill up your gas tank before heading to the park, as there are no fuel stations nearby.
Bring your own food and water, as there are no food services available within the park.
Consider using trekking poles, especially when hiking near the craters, to help with balance on the volcanic rock.

Getting There

Driving

Pali-Aike National Park is located 196 km (122 miles) northwest of Punta Arenas. From Punta Arenas, take Route 9 Norte. At kilometer 45, take the road CH 255 heading to Monte Aymond border crossing, and then take the detour to Punta Delgada. Continue by land through International route Nº255 for 28 kms starting in Punta Delgada. 168 kms of the main road are paved and the remaining 28 kms are gravel. Be aware that there is no public transportation directly to the park entrance. You can take a bus from the rural bus terminal to Villa Punta Delgada, which is located 16 miles from the park. From there, you would need to arrange transport to the park itself. Consider renting a car in Punta Arenas or joining a tour.

Discover more about Pali-Aike National Park

Pali-Aike National Park, meaning 'desolate place' in the Tehuelche language, offers a unique and otherworldly experience in the Magallanes region of Chile. Established in 1970, this 12,429-acre park protects a diverse landscape shaped by volcanic activity and ancient cultures. Here, you'll find a dramatic blend of volcanic cones, basaltic lava fields, caves, and the vast Patagonian steppe. The park's volcanic features tell a story of recent eruptions that occurred after the last Ice Age, making it a haven for geologists and anthropologists. Explore the 'Morada del Diablo' crater, hike amidst the basaltic lavas, and witness the panoramic views from Diablo peak. Birdwatchers will delight in Laguna Ana, home to black-necked swans, red-gartered coots, and yellow-billed pintails. Pali-Aike is also rich in human history, with archaeological sites dating back 11,000 years. The Pali-Aike Cave, a National Monument, has revealed remains of early hunters who coexisted with now-extinct megafauna. Discover the remnants of their temporary encampments and imagine life on this desolate yet captivating landscape. Located 122 miles northwest of Punta Arenas, near the Argentina border, Pali-Aike offers a chance to connect with Patagonia's primal forces and the stories etched into its volcanic terrain. Keep an eye out for the guanacos, foxes, and other wildlife that call this unique park home.

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