Overview:

is a conservation initiative set up in 2001 by American philanthropist Douglas Tompkins. Pumalin Park is over 730,000 acres located in the south of Chile in the Los Lagos and Aysén regions. The park is run by the Pumalín Park Foundation, which is dedicated to creating and protecting areas of critical ecological importance, while promoting responsible and sustainable use of the land. The park has created a network of protected areas and is home to a variety of unique ecosystems, wildlife and plants with some species found nowhere else in Chile. There is also a range of activities available for visitors, including hikes, horse riding, birdwatching, camping and rafting. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Chile
Prominent Features:

1. Volcán Chaitén: This active stratovolcano is located at the northern edge of Pumalín Park and is known for its 2010 eruption which caused significant damage to the park. 2. Mapuche History and Culture: Pumalín Park is located in the ancestral territories of the Mapuche people and is a living reminder of their culture, history and traditions. 3. Waterfalls and Rivers: With lush temperate rainforests, Pumalín Park contains a number of cascading waterfalls from the Chaitén, Palena and Yal Marí Rivers. 4. Wildlife Watching: Birdwatchers come to Pumalín Park to spot species like the majestic condor, a nationally-protected bird. Smaller mammals, such as foxes and pumas, are also found in the park. 5. Camping and Hiking: Pumalín Park offers a variety of hiking and camping options, including backcountry campsites, guided hikes, cabins, and more. This national monument of Chile portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Pumalín Park (formerly Patagonia Park) is a large protected area located in the Los Lagos Region of Chile, between the communes of Chaitén, Hualaihué, and Palena, and covering some 720 km2 (280 sq mi). It was originally founded by US businessman and environmentalist Douglas Tompkins and his Chilean wife Kristine McDivitt Tompkins in 1991, with the aim of protecting the area’s unique flora and fauna, while also encouraging sustainable development in the nearby communities. Over the years, the park has become an important center for eco-tourism, scientific research, and conservation in the region. The park is made up of biological reserves, private lands (dedicated to conservation), and public areas (accommodating and receiving visitors). Within the park are several unique ecosystems, such as rocky coasts, extensive wetlands, old-growth forests, snow-capped continental ice fields, and a vast central range of almost-pristine temperate rainforest. The area is also home to a wide range of wildlife, including such threatened species as the green-eared and puma otters, Andean condor, and huemul, among many others. Pumalín Park also serves as a critical habitat for the endangered Huillín bird. This species is only found in the coastal forests of southern Chile and was almost hunted to extinction by the mid-20th century. By focusing on sustainable tourism, Pumalín has become one of the most visited areas in Chile, attracting over 600,000 visitors annually and providing employment for more than 250 people. The park is also managed through ‘The Pumalín Park Project’, which was created by Douglas and Kristine Tompkins, and is now an independent nonprofit organization. Its goal is to conserve the unique landscapes of the park while also improving the lives of the local people. Thanks to the efforts of the Tompkins, Pumalín has been protected from logging, mining, and other industrial activities that could destroy the unique landscapes and ecosystems. Today, Pumalín remains one of the most important protected areas in Chile and Latin America. You must visit one of these historical places in Chile on your Chile tour

Interesting facts:

1. Pumalin Park was created by American philanthropists, Doug and Kris Tompkins, and is the largest tract of private land in South America that is devoted to conservation. 2. It is located in the Southern Chilean region of Los Lagos, spanning an area of over 855 sq kilometers (332 sq miles). 3. It is filled with spectacular fjords, temperate rainforests, and numerous waterfalls. 4. The park aims to protect and preserve the pristine environment of the region by prohibiting development, hunting and logging. 5. Pumalin has many rare and endangered species, including the endangered Alerce tree, which only grows in Chile and Argentina. 6. The park contains over 130 different species of birds, and a variety of flora and fauna that is found nowhere else in the world. 7. Pumalin Park features a unique ‘Welcome House’ that has been created using recycled materials. It also houses accredited guides to provide visitors with information on the park, its wildlife and ecosystem. 8. Inside the park, visitors can explore numerous trails, observe local wildlife, fish, or take part in ecological fieldwork. 9. The park has also been used as a filming location for several movies and television shows. 10. In addition to its conservation efforts, Pumalin Park also focuses on educating local communities on the importance of environmental conservation. Visit one of the famous monuments of Chile with your friends and family.