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Karukinka Natural Park: Tierra del Fuego's Untamed Wilderness

Explore the untouched beauty of Parque Natural Karukinka in Tierra del Fuego: wildlife, hiking, and pristine Patagonian landscapes await.

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Parque Natural Karukinka, a vast private park in Chilean Tierra del Fuego, offers a pristine landscape of lush wetlands, forests, and snowy peaks. Managed by the Wildlife Conservation Society, it's a haven for diverse wildlife and a natural laboratory for conservation, offering hiking trails and breathtaking vistas.

A brief summary to Parque Natural Karukinka

  • Timaukel, Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica, CL
  • +56612613334

Local tips

  • Bring layers of clothing, as the Patagonian weather can change rapidly, with strong winds and sudden rain or sunshine.
  • Visit during the spring or summer months (October to March) for the best wildlife sightings and more accessible hiking conditions.
  • Pack plenty of water and snacks, as facilities within the park are limited.
  • Consider hiring a local guide for an enriched experience and to increase your chances of spotting wildlife.
  • Be prepared for potentially difficult travel conditions, including rough roads that may require a 4x4 vehicle.
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Getting There

  • Car

    From Punta Arenas, take Route 9 south towards Porvenir. Cross the Strait of Magellan via ferry (approx. 2 hours, CLP 8,000-60,000). From Porvenir, take Route Y-565 towards Timaukel. The park entrance is about 29 km (18 miles) from Timaukel. Note that roads can be rough, and a 4x4 vehicle may be necessary.

  • Public Transport

    From Punta Arenas, take a bus to Porvenir (check schedules and availability). In Porvenir, arrange a private taxi or transfer to Parque Natural Karukinka, as public transport does not directly reach the park entrance. Confirm costs with the driver beforehand.

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Discover more about Parque Natural Karukinka

Parque Natural Karukinka, meaning 'our land' in the language of the Selk'nam people, is a sprawling 300,000-hectare (741,000-acre) private natural park located on the Chilean side of Tierra del Fuego. This remote and pristine wilderness, four times the size of Santiago, was donated to the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) by Goldman Sachs in 2004, marking a significant victory for conservation. Karukinka's diverse ecosystems encompass old-growth forests, peat bogs, alpine meadows, and river valleys. Visitors can explore a variety of landscapes, from open grasslands to dense forests and rugged coastlines. The park is a sanctuary for a wide array of wildlife, including guanacos, Andean condors, foxes, river otters, dolphins, seals, and elephant seals. Birdwatching is particularly rewarding, with opportunities to spot Magellanic woodpeckers, Austral kestrels, and various other species. The park offers several well-marked hiking trails for all levels of experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Tierra del Fuego. The La Paciencia Trail, a challenging 66 km (40-mile) round-trip trek, provides stunning views of the Darwin Range and the Almirantazgo Sound. Other trails, like Laguna del Cura and Pietro Grande Hill, offer shorter day hikes with panoramic vistas. Karukinka also plays a vital role in conservation and research. The WCS manages the park as a natural laboratory, studying the region's unique biodiversity and promoting sustainable practices. The park's peat bogs, which cover 25% of its area, are miniature forests that support a rich diversity of insects, microbes and plant life.

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