Patagonia National Park is one of Chile's newest and most ambitious conservation projects — 300,000 hectares of steppe, forest, and mountains in the Aysen region, created from former ranch land donated by Tompkins Conservation (the foundation established by North Face and Esprit founders Doug and Kris Tompkins). The park formally opened in 2018 and represents one of the largest private-to-public land donations in history.

The Landscape

Unlike the vertical drama of Torres del Paine, Patagonia National Park is defined by wide-open grasslands, river valleys, and the transition zone between steppe and forest. The Baker River — Chile's most powerful — runs turquoise through the park's southern section. The Chacabuco Valley, once overgrazed cattle ranch, is being restored to native grassland where guanacos, huemul deer, pumas, and condors are returning.

Wildlife

The rewilding effort is the park's most remarkable aspect. Since livestock were removed, native species have rebounded dramatically:

  • Guanacos: Herds now number in the thousands across the Chacabuco Valley — visible from the park roads
  • Pumas: Following the guanaco recovery, the puma population has grown. Sightings are increasingly common, especially at dawn and dusk near the valley floor
  • Huemul: The endangered Andean deer — Chile's national animal — survives in the forested sections. Rare to see but present
  • Condors: Nesting on the valley cliffs, regularly seen soaring above the steppe
  • Darwin's rhea: Flightless birds that run across the grasslands in small groups

Trails

Aviles Valley Trail: The park's multi-day trek — four to five days through the Aviles Valley, crossing high passes with views of glaciated peaks. Remote, challenging, and stunning. Camping only, no infrastructure. For experienced backcountry hikers.

Lagunas Altas: A day hike (20 kilometers round trip) climbing from the valley floor to a series of alpine lakes above the tree line. The views over the Chacabuco Valley are the best in the park. Strenuous but non-technical.

Valle Chacabuco Loop: Shorter trails through the restored grasslands — flat, easy, and excellent for wildlife viewing. The old ranch infrastructure has been converted into trailheads and viewpoints.

The Lodge

The Lodge at Valle Chacabuco is a beautifully designed building using reclaimed wood from the former ranch. Comfortable rooms, a restaurant serving local cuisine, and panoramic views across the valley. It operates as a base for exploring the park — guided hikes, horseback rides, and wildlife excursions included in multi-day packages. Not cheap but the setting and conservation story justify the price.

Practical Information

Getting there: The park entrance is on the Carretera Austral, about 15 kilometers north of Cochrane. Cochrane is the nearest town with fuel, supplies, and basic accommodation. No public transport into the park — drive or arrange transfer from Cochrane.

Entry fee: Free. The park is managed by CONAF with support from Tompkins Conservation.

When to go: October through April. The lodge operates seasonally. Winter access is possible but services are limited and some trails close.

Camping: Several designated campgrounds with basic facilities. The West Winds campground near the lodge is the most developed.