Patagonia National Park

The Chacabuco valley was one of the largest sheep estancias in Patagonia, grazed hard for a century, and in 2004 the Tompkins conservation foundation bought it. What followed was a deliberate reversal: the sheep were removed, hundreds of kilometres of fencing was pulled out, the grassland was allowed to recover, and guanaco numbers rose sharply, with puma following them - the valley now has one of the more visible puma populations in South America. Former ranch buildings became the park headquarters and lodge. In 2018 the land was donated to Chile and combined with adjoining reserves to create the national park.

What you actually see

• A century-old sheep estancia - bought and destocked from 2004.
• Fencing pulled out - hundreds of kilometres of it.
• Guanaco and puma returning - one of the more visible puma populations.
• Donated to Chile in 2018 - and combined with adjoining reserves.

When to go

December to March. Several days.

Honest expectations

It is far down the Carretera Austral on gravel, and getting there is most of the commitment. Wind is constant. Puma sightings are possible but not reliable. Accommodation is a lodge and campsites, both limited.

Nearby

Cochrane is north; the Baker river runs past on the way in.