Chiloe National Park

The park runs along the western coast of Chiloe, where the island faces the open Pacific: dunes, long beaches, peat bogs and dense evergreen forest of tepu, coigue and arrayan, in one of the wettest climates in Chile. It protects Darwin's fox, an endangered species that lives mostly on Chiloe, with smaller populations on the mainland, along with pudu and a large number of birds. Trails run from Cucao through the dunes and into the forest, including a boardwalk over the bog. The Huilliche communities living around the park are involved in its management, and some sectors are on their land.

History

The park was created by Supreme Decree No. 734 in 1982, in two main sectors: the smaller Chepu in the commune of Ancud and the larger Anay in the communes of Dalcahue, Castro and Chonchi, with the islet of Metalqui besides. Since then its area has shrunk by more than 45 km², as land with settlements that was first drawn inside the protected area was taken out (Wikipedia, Chiloé National Park).

What you'll find

• Dunes and Pacific beaches - on Chiloe's exposed western side.
• Dense evergreen forest - tepu, coigue and arrayan on peat.
• Darwin's fox - most of the species lives on Chiloe.
• Huilliche involvement - communities managing parts of the park.

When to go

December to March. A full day.

Before you go

It rains here on most days of most months and the trails are boardwalk and mud. The Pacific here is cold and dangerous - swimming is not sensible. Facilities are camping and a visitor centre. Roads in are gravel.

Nearby

Cucao is at the gate; the Muelle de las Almas is south along the coast.

Key facts