For those seeking an escape into nature this summer of 2025, Chile’s national parks are a must-visit destination. These pristine natural reserves not only serve as critical havens for biodiversity and key players in combating climate change but also provide perfect spots to relax and immerse yourself in the country’s abundant flora and fauna.
Chile is home to 46 national parks, spread across its diverse landscape, from arid deserts in the north to lush forests and icy fjords in the south. These protected areas form part of the 37% of Chile’s surface that falls under conservation efforts, encompassing public and private reserves as well as terrestrial, marine, freshwater, and lacustrine ecosystems.
How to Access Chile’s National Parks
The Chilean government, through the National Forestry Corporation (CONAF), has made it easier than ever to access these treasures. Tickets for state-managed protected areas can be purchased online via a dedicated platform introduced last year. Additionally, physical tickets are available at park entrances, some of which feature self-service kiosks. However, to avoid surprises such as parks reaching maximum capacity, it’s advisable to book tickets in advance through the online system.
Explore Chile’s National Parks Region by Region
Chile’s national parks are distributed across its regions, each offering unique landscapes and ecosystems. Below is a comprehensive guide to these incredible locations:
Region of Arica and Parinacota
- Parque Nacional Lauca: Known for its stunning altiplano scenery and diverse wildlife.
Region of Tarapacá
- Parque Nacional Volcán Isluga: Features volcanic landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
- Parque Nacional Salar del Huasco: A high-altitude salt flat teeming with birdlife.
Region of Antofagasta
- Parque Nacional Llullaillaco: Home to one of the world’s highest volcanoes.
- Parque Nacional Morro Moreno: Offers breathtaking coastal views and biodiversity.
Region of Atacama
- Parque Nacional Pan de Azúcar: A coastal desert park with abundant marine life.
- Parque Nacional Nevado de Tres Cruces: Features high-altitude lakes and snow-capped peaks.
- Parque Nacional Llanos de Challe: Famous for its rare desert blooms.
- Parque Nacional Desierto Florido: Witness the ephemeral desert bloom phenomenon.
Region of Coquimbo
- Parque Nacional Bosque Fray Jorge: A unique fog forest in the semi-arid region.
Region of Valparaíso
- Parque Nacional Archipiélago Juan Fernández: A remote archipelago with endemic species.
- Parque Nacional Rapa Nui: Explore the cultural and natural wonders of Easter Island.
- Parque Nacional La Campana: Known for its Chilean palm trees and hiking trails.
Metropolitan Region
- Parque Nacional Glaciares de Santiago: Offers stunning views of glaciers close to the capital.
- Parque Nacional Río Clarillo: A haven for birdwatching and picnics.
Region of O’Higgins
- Parque Nacional Las Palmas de Cocalán: Protects endangered Chilean palm forests.
Region of Maule
- Parque Nacional Radal Siete Tazas: Famous for its waterfalls and crystal-clear pools.
Region of Biobío
- Parque Nacional Laguna del Laja: Features stunning volcanic and lake landscapes.
- Parque Nacional Nonguén: A sanctuary for native forest and wildlife.
Region of La Araucanía
- Parque Nacional Tolhuaca: A mix of forests, lakes, and hot springs.
- Parque Nacional Nahuelbuta: Offers panoramic views of the Andes and Pacific.
- Parque Nacional Huerquehue: Known for its beautiful lakes and araucaria trees.
- Parque Nacional Villarrica: Home to an active volcano and scenic hiking trails.
- Parque Nacional Conguillío: Showcases volcanic landscapes and ancient forests.
Region of Los Ríos
- Parque Nacional Alerce Costero: Protects ancient alerce trees and diverse fauna.
Region of Los Lagos
- Parque Nacional Pumalín Douglas Tompkins: A vast park with stunning fjords and forests.
- Parque Nacional Vicente Pérez Rosales: Known for its iconic Petrohué Falls and Osorno Volcano.
- Parque Nacional Puyehue: Offers hot springs and lush greenery.
- Parque Nacional Corcovado: A remote wilderness with towering mountains.
- Parque Nacional Chiloé: A blend of temperate rainforests and coastal ecosystems.
- Parque Nacional Alerce Andino: Home to ancient alerce trees and serene hiking trails.
- Parque Nacional Hornopirén: Features lush temperate rainforests and hot springs.
Region of Aysén
- Parque Nacional Cerro Castillo: Known for its dramatic peaks and turquoise lakes.
- Parque Nacional Patagonia: A vast landscape of rivers, glaciers, and grasslands.
- Parque Nacional Isla Guamblín: Protects marine biodiversity and birdlife.
- Parque Nacional Queulat: Famous for the hanging glacier.
- Parque Nacional Laguna San Rafael: Offers incredible glacier views accessible by boat.
- Parque Nacional Isla Magdalena: A sanctuary for penguins and other wildlife.
- Parque Nacional Melimoyu: Remote wilderness ideal for adventurous travelers.
Region of Magallanes
- Parque Nacional Torres del Paine: A world-renowned destination for trekking and stunning landscapes.
- Parque Nacional Kawésqar: Preserves pristine fjords and islands.
- Parque Nacional Bernardo O’Higgins: Features glaciers and remote beauty.
- Parque Nacional Pali Aike: A volcanic park with unique geological formations.
- Parque Nacional Cabo de Hornos: The southernmost park in the world, rich in biodiversity.
- Parque Nacional Alberto de Agostini: Offers breathtaking fjords and glaciers.
- Parque Nacional Yendegaia: A blend of forests, mountains, and waterways.
Tips for a Memorable Visit
- Plan Ahead: Check park regulations, opening hours, and ticket availability online.
- Pack Accordingly: Bring weather-appropriate clothing, as conditions can vary significantly between regions.
- Respect Nature: Follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve these ecosystems for future generations.
- Engage Locally: Many parks offer guided tours and community-based tourism opportunities to enrich your visit.
Chile’s national parks provide an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature. Whether you’re exploring the iconic Torres del Paine, marveling at the desert blooms of Atacama, or enjoying the serene forests of Los Lagos, these parks promise unforgettable experiences for every type of traveler. Start planning your adventure today!
