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Ñuble National Reserve: Andean Wilderness

Explore Chile's Andean wilderness: Hike through diverse landscapes, discover unique flora and fauna, and experience the beauty of Ñuble National Reserve.

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Nestled in the Andes Mountains, the Ñuble National Reserve is a haven of biodiversity, boasting stunning landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and opportunities for hiking and outdoor adventures. Established in 1978, the reserve plays a crucial role in protecting endangered species like the huemul deer and conserving the region's unique ecosystems.

A brief summary to Ñuble National Reserve

Local tips

  • Visit between November and April for the best access to hiking trails and outdoor activities.
  • Be prepared for challenging road conditions; a 4x4 vehicle is recommended for the final 8 km to the reserve entrance.
  • Purchase your entrance ticket in advance at pasesparques.cl.
  • Bring all necessary supplies, as there are no supply services inside the reserve.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Chillán, take Route N-55 east towards Termas de Chillán. After 73 km, in the Recinto area, turn onto the Atacalco road (Route N-633) and continue for 15 km to Los Cipreses. The final 8 km are accessible only by 4x4 vehicles due to the road conditions. Drive slowly and carefully. Parking is available near the entrance. Note that the servitude road is only accessible between 8:00 and 20:00. There are no tolls.

  • Public Transport

    Take a bus from Chillán to Recinto. From Recinto, you will need to arrange for a local transport or taxi to Los Cipreses, as public transport is limited. From Los Cipreses, the final 8 km require a 4x4 vehicle or can be done by hiking or horseback riding. Bus fare from Chillán to Recinto is approximately $2.000 CLP.

Unlock the Best of Ñuble National Reserve

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Discover more about Ñuble National Reserve

Ñuble National Reserve, created in 1978, spans over 75,000 hectares across the Ñuble and Biobío regions, offering a diverse landscape of mountains, forests, rivers, and waterfalls. The reserve is a critical sanctuary for the endangered huemul deer, and it also protects 12% of Chile's plant diversity and 14% of its bird species. The reserve's varied vegetation includes forests of lenga, ñirre, lleuque, and mountain cypress, showcasing a transition zone between the Chilean Matorral and the Valdivian temperate rainforests. Visitors can explore trails leading to alpine meadows, waterfalls like the Blanquillo waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints. While spotting a huemul is rare due to their remote habitat, the reserve offers opportunities to observe pumas, vizcachas, condors, and other wildlife. The reserve is generally open from November to April, offering hiking, camping, and access to natural thermal waters. One popular trail is the 'White Widow's path' (Sendero Viuda Blanca), an easy day excursion to the Viuda Blanca waterfall, showcasing the reserve's protected forests of mountain cypress and oaks. Keep in mind that the access road can be challenging, requiring 4x4 vehicles for the last 8 kilometers.

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