Parque Nacional Pumalín, often referred to internationally as the Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park, is one of the most extraordinary protected areas in the world. Located in the Chilean Patagonia region, it spans more than one million acres of pristine temperate rainforest, fjords, volcanoes, rivers, lakes, and rugged coastal landscapes. This park represents a remarkable achievement in global conservation, combining wilderness preservation with sustainable tourism infrastructure. In this comprehensive guide, we explore every aspect of Parque Nacional Pumalín — from its dramatic geological origins to its biodiversity, hiking trails, conservation history, and travel tips — providing deep insights for travelers, researchers, and nature enthusiasts.
The story of Parque Nacional Pumalín is unlike any other national park narrative in the world. Instead of being created by a government initiative, this region was restored and protected thanks to large-scale private conservation efforts led by the late businessman and environmentalist Douglas Tompkins, co-founder of The North Face and Esprit. Beginning in the 1990s, Tompkins and his wife Kristine systematically acquired hundreds of thousands of acres threatened by logging, industrial exploitation, and unplanned development. Their vision was to rehabilitate native forest ecosystems and return the landscape to the Chilean state as a national park.
In 2018, this vision became reality when the Chilean government officially established Parque Nacional Pumalín as part of the “Ruta de los Parques de la Patagonia”, a conservation corridor spanning 17 national parks across southern Chile. Today, the park stands as a global model for public-private cooperation, ecological restoration, and responsible ecotourism.
Parque Nacional Pumalín is located in Chile’s Región de Los Lagos, stretching from the Pacific coastline to the soaring peaks of the Andes. The park’s geography is defined by dramatic contrasts: deep fjords carved by ancient glaciers, volcanic cones covered in lush vegetation, and one of the world’s last remaining expanses of coastal temperate rainforest. These diverse landscapes create unique microclimates and ecological zones, supporting a rich mosaic of flora and fauna.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Land Area | Over 1,000,000 acres (approximately 400,000 hectares) |
| Main Volcanoes | Chaitén, Michinmahuida |
| Main Ecosystems | Temperate rainforest, wetlands, fjords, high-altitude Andes |
| Nearest Cities | Chaitén, Puerto Montt |
The biodiversity of Parque Nacional Pumalín is among the richest in Patagonia and one of the best-preserved temperate rainforest ecosystems globally. The majority of the park is covered by Valdivian temperate rainforest, a rare biome characterized by dense vegetation, towering ancient trees, and extremely high levels of rainfall. Many of the species found here are endemic, meaning they exist nowhere else on Earth.
The park is particularly well known for its ancient Alerce trees (Fitzroya cupressoides), which can live for more than 3,000 years. Other dominant species include coigüe, canelo, tepú, ulmo, and lenga. These trees form multi-layered forests that create unique microhabitats supporting mosses, lichens, and fungi.
The fauna of Parque Nacional Pumalín includes species adapted to dense forests and remote mountainous terrain. While wildlife sightings require patience, the park’s ecosystems support an impressive variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
One of the most defining natural events in the history of Parque Nacional Pumalín was the 2008 eruption of the Chaitén Volcano. The eruption dramatically reshaped the landscape, destroying nearby towns and depositing volcanic ash across vast areas. Today, trails around the volcano provide a powerful example of ecological regeneration, showing how forests recover after catastrophic events.
The park also contains several fjords, including the scenic Reñihué and Comau fjords. These coastal landscapes form critical marine-terrestrial interfaces, supporting diverse wildlife such as sea lions, dolphins, and migratory birds.
Hiking is one of the best ways to explore Parque Nacional Pumalín. The park maintains a network of well-marked trails designed to showcase its most iconic landscapes, from volcanic craters to dense forests and glacial valleys.
A challenging but rewarding climb to the crater of the Chaitén Volcano. This trail passes through forest that is still regenerating from the 2008 eruption, offering striking contrasts between new vegetation and volcanic terrain.
This trail winds through lush rainforest to multiple hidden waterfalls. It is one of the most scenic and accessible hikes in Parque Nacional Pumalín, ideal for families and casual hikers.
A longer trail leading toward the slopes of the Michinmahuida Volcano. The path offers panoramic views of glaciers, river valleys, and mountain peaks.
A peaceful forest walk featuring some of the oldest and tallest Alerce trees in the park. This route highlights the ecological importance of the Alerce forest.
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Main Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volcán Chaitén | 4 km round trip | High | Crater views, volcanic terrain |
| Cascadas Escondidas | 6 km round trip | Medium | Waterfalls, dense forest |
| Los Alerces | 3 km round trip | Low | Ancient trees, interpretive signs |
| Michinmahuida | 10 km round trip | High | Glacier views, alpine scenery |
Parque Nacional Pumalín is known for its excellent visitor infrastructure, designed to minimize environmental impact while providing comfort for travelers. The park includes multiple campgrounds, eco-friendly bathrooms, wooden shelters, and information centers. All facilities follow low-impact design principles, using natural materials and renewable energy whenever possible.
Access to Parque Nacional Pumalín varies depending on the sector you plan to visit. The northern entrance is accessible via the ferry route connecting Hornopirén and Caleta Gonzalo. The southern entrance, near Chaitén, is reachable by road from Puerto Montt or via flights to Chaitén Airport.
The ideal time to visit Parque Nacional Pumalín is during the summer months from December to March. During this period, temperatures are mild, trails are accessible, and ferry schedules are frequent. However, this region is known for unpredictable weather at any time of year, so visitors should always come prepared for rain, wind, and sudden changes in temperature.
Parque Nacional Pumalín stands as one of the most important conservation success stories in modern history. Its landscapes represent the best of Patagonia’s natural beauty — dramatic mountains, dense forests, volcanic craters, and glacier-fed rivers. More importantly, the park symbolizes a commitment to ecological restoration, biodiversity protection, and sustainable tourism. For travelers, visiting Parque Nacional Pumalín is not just a journey through stunning scenery; it is an opportunity to witness the results of visionary conservation work that will benefit future generations.