Thanks to its diverse geography, our country is home to a huge variety of native animals—and many of them are social media stars thanks to how adorable they are.
Want to meet them? Here’s a guide to the most adorable animals in Chile and where you can find them. Keep in mind that caring for them is essential, so follow the rules of the parks where they live and always keep a safe distance.
Cover photo: @ekelundfotos.
1. Pudú
Standing between 35 and 45 cm tall, the pudú is the smallest deer in the world. It’s smaller than domestic dogs! It has little rounded ears and big dark eyes that help it spot danger in the forest.
When it’s nervous, it makes a sound similar to a soft bark. It’s also great at moving through dense vegetation: it can slip through very narrow spaces without making a sound.
- Conservation status: Vulnerable.
- Where can you see the pudú? They live in the forests of southern Chile, between the Maule and Aysén regions. One of the best places to see it is Chiloé National Park, on the island of the same name, with dense, quiet forests where this little deer is still relatively common. You can buy your ticket here.
2. Monito del monte
The monito del monte is one of Chile’s most special animals. Although it looks like a little mouse and its name includes “monkey,” it belongs to a very ancient group of marsupials, so it’s considered a living fossil.
Its body measures between 10 and 13 cm, and its tail can reach the same length. It’s found mainly in trees, and in winter it enters a state similar to hibernation, where its heart can beat just twice per minute.
- Conservation status: Near Threatened.
- Where can you see the monito del monte? It lives in the temperate forests of southern Chile, mainly the Valdivian rainforest. You can find it in Puyehue National Park, in the Los Lagos Region.
3. Vizcacha
With its long ears, big eyes, and fluffy tail, the vizcacha lives among rocks and cliffs in the Andes, where it makes the most of its incredible jumping skills: it can leap up to two meters to escape predators! Its soft gray fur helps it blend in with the stones, and it often rests sunbathing on rocks during the day.
- Conservation status: Least Concern.
- Where can you see the vizcacha? It lives in mountainous, rocky areas throughout Chile. One of the best places to spot it is Lauca National Park, in the Arica y Parinacota Region, where it’s often seen resting near bofedales (high-altitude wetlands) and rocky slopes.
4. Seven-colored bird
The seven-colored bird looks like a tiny rainbow. Its multicolored plumage makes it one of Chile’s most striking birds. Its song is fast and very distinctive, especially in spring. We’re very fond of it in Chile, which is why it was chosen as the mascot of the 2023 Pan American Games under the name “Fiu”.
- Conservation status: Least Concern.
- Where can you see the seven-colored bird? It lives in wetlands and lagoons with abundant vegetation throughout the country. One of the best places to see it is the Río Cruces and Chorocamayo Nature Sanctuary, located near Valdivia.
5. Chungungo
We’ll wrap up with a charismatic otter! The chungungo has a small body, short legs, and thick fur. It lives along the rocky Pacific coast, and you shouldn’t confuse it with its cousin, the huillín, which lives in rivers. It loves swimming, playing in the waves, and resting on rocks.
- Conservation status: Endangered.
- Where can you see the chungungo? One of the best places to spot it is the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve, in the Coquimbo Region, where it frequents islets and protected coastal areas.
Frequently asked questions about Chilean wildlife
For an interactive, up-to-date scientific catalog, the ChileFauna platform is an excellent option.
Chile’s legal conservation regulations are available on the website of the Agriculture and Livestock Service (SAG).
Never feed them, don’t try to touch them, and avoid loud noises so you don’t stress them. If you see an injured animal, don’t handle it—report it immediately to the SAG or the park rangers on site.
