Did you know Chile has more than 100 protected areas? National parks are our pride, and thanks to them we’ve become a true paradise for ecotourism and adventure.
In this guide, we’ve put together seven must-visit national parks that capture the country’s diversity, from volcanoes in the north to Patagonia’s glaciers. Find the adventure of a lifetime in Chile!
Lauca National Park: What makes it unique?
In northern Chile, Lauca National Park protects one of South America’s most striking high-altiplano landscapes. Its star attraction is Lake Chungará, located more than 4,500 meters above sea level: its waters reflect the Parinacota and Pomerape volcanoes, creating a natural postcard that’s hard to forget.
- How to get there: the nearest airport is Arica Airport, with direct flights from Santiago. From there, you can rent a vehicle or book a tour.
Untamed nature in Conguillío National Park
Dominated by Llaima Volcano, one of the most active in Chile and South America, Conguillío National Park in La Araucanía amazes with a landscape of ancient monkey puzzle trees, volcanic lava fields, and lagoons of glacial origin.
It’s one of the most visited parks in the country, with more than 100,000 visitors a year. Trails like Sierra Nevada and Truful-Truful let you explore native forests and viewpoints, while species such as the puma, guiña, and black woodpecker live in this unique ecosystem.
- How to get there: The closest access point is La Araucanía Airport (ZCO), 25 kilometers from Temuco. From there, the park is 1 hour and 30 minutes away via Route S-51.
Nahuelbuta National Park: Monkey puzzle trees by the sea
Nahuelbuta Park protects a natural treasure that has remained almost untouched for 10,000 years. Here, some of the oldest monkey puzzle trees on the planet grow. Its biodiversity is remarkable, with highlights including the Darwin’s fox and its fascinating wetlands. Its best-known spot is Piedra del Águila (1,460 m a.s.l.), a natural viewpoint where you can see the Pacific Ocean and the Andes at the same time.
- How to get there: Fly to La Araucanía Airport. From there, you can rent a vehicle to reach Angol (131 kilometers away), the gateway to the park.
The mystical Chiloé National Park
Located at the gateway to Chilean Patagonia, Chiloé Island offers a spectacular national park, with Valdivian rainforest, dunes, and beaches open to the Pacific Ocean. Its trails feature wet forests along boardwalks, from which you can spot animals like the Chiloé fox, pudú, and black woodpecker.
- How to get there: It’s 50 minutes from Castro. From Puerto Montt, cross the Chacao Channel and drive south on the island to the Cucao area.
King of Chile’s national parks: Torres del Paine
A global icon of Patagonia and Chile’s national parks. Torres del Paine National Park is famous for the granite massifs that give it its name. Its towers, turquoise lakes, and glaciers create a hugely diverse landscape, where the Patagonian steppe, lenga forests, and the ice of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field come together.
Here you can trek the “O” or “W” circuit, take boat trips in front of glaciers, go horseback riding, and spot wildlife such as pumas, guanacos, and foxes. Visit and discover why it’s called “the eighth wonder of the world”.
- How to get there: You can fly from Santiago to Puerto Natales Airport (mainly during high season) or to Punta Arenas Airport. From either city, continue overland to the park.
Trekking and landscapes in Cerro Castillo National Park
Cerro Castillo National Park is one of the most recognizable landscapes along the Carretera Austral. Its iconic emerald-colored lagoon, at the foot of a jagged massif that resembles a castle, creates a striking image amid ice-carved valleys and Patagonian forests. It’s also one of the best places in Chile to spot huemuls in the wild.
- How to get there: Fly to Balmaceda Airport, 56 kilometers from Coyhaique. From there, travel about 100 kilometers overland to the park entrance.
Queulat National Park: the great Hanging Glacier
Also along the Carretera Austral, Queulat National Park is home to the iconic Hanging Glacier, a suspended glacier that cascades down between mountains. The three-kilometer hike to its viewpoint crosses wet forests and leads to an unforgettable view of ancient ice and its turquoise lagoon. With more than 154,000 hectares, it’s the most visited park in the Aysén Region.
- How to get there: It’s located 165 kilometers north of Coyhaique, along the Carretera Austral, one of Chile’s most impressive scenic routes.
