14 Best Things To Do In Pumalin Park – A Patagonia Travel Guide

Do you want to go trekking through South America’s largest park? With its well-marked trails and beautiful campsites, you will have a most memorable time at Pumalin Park.

Pumalin National Park was built as a nature sanctuary by an American environmental foundation led by business magnates Douglas Tompkins and his wife Kris, the former CEO of outdoor wear company Patagonia, Inc. The park was Chile’s largest private nature reserve until the company endowed it to the Chilean government in 2017. 

Now called Pumalin Douglas Tompkins National Park, it has become a famous tourist spot due to its stunning views, crystal-clear rivers, indigenous forests, abundant flora and fauna, and engaging activities, making this destination a must-visit. Along with other species, Fitzroya trees over 1,000 years old still grow here, preserved by the forest. The park is also home to many volcanoes, lakes, and waterfalls. 

The park lies between Chaiten and Hornopirén on Chile’s southern highway, Carretera Austral. The highway starts from Puerto Montt and ends at Villa O’Higgins. The best part about visiting Pumalin Park is that it’s still not crowded with tourists, ensuring you will find a peaceful environment during hikes and other activities. 

Pumalin National Park is built on a 400,000-hectare (4,000 sq km) space in the southern province of Palena in Chile. Located in the northern part of Chilean Patagonia, the park can be your first destination if you visit Patagonia from the country. Let’s explore this popular destination through this article.

14 Incredible Things To Do When Exploring Pumalin National Park 

1. Cascadas Trail Hike

Cascadas Trail is one of the many trails in Pumalin National Park with breathtaking views. You will walk around 2 to 3 hours on this 3.2- to the 3.7-mile trail (5 to 6 km). 

The trail has wooden bridges and small paths that give you a historic vibe. Lush green trees and waterfalls surround all these bridges. 

It is a must-do hike if you love waterfalls and the lush forest. 

2. Cascadas Escondidas Hike 

The Escondidas trail is unique as it contains vegetation native to the area. The trail goes through a forest that has a waterfall at the top. The waterfall is a breakpoint where most hikers prefer to rest after walking uphill.

The total distance of the path is around 1.9 to 3.2 mi (3 to 5 km), which takes around 2 hours to complete. You can start the trek at Cascadas Escondidas campsite, only 8.7 mi (14 km) south of Caleta Gonzalo.

3. Laguna Tronador Trail 

The Laguna Tronador trail is around 3.7 to 4.3 mi (6 to 7 km) long, which takes hardly 4 hours to complete. The hike starts at the Tronador Bridge, 6.8 mi (11 km) south of Caleta Gonzalo. 

The trail is a bit difficult for beginners. The ascents are quite steep and test your physicality and stamina to their fullest. However, there are many waterfalls along the route, so all the effort would ultimately be worth it. 

4. Punta Del Lago

Punta Del Lago is for the ones looking to get a hiking experience without much effort. It is a short hike, around 0.6 to 1.2 mi (1 to 2 km) long, taking about 30 minutes to complete. The starting point is Lago Negro campsite, with lake views along the way. 

One advantage of choosing this trail is the presence of unique birds. You will find a lot of them chirping at you during the hike. 

5. Michinmahuida Volcano Hike

Quite the opposite of the Punta Del Lago Hike, Michinmahuida is a long 15 mi (24 km) hike that takes about 7 hours to complete. You can begin your journey from Carol Urzua Bridge, located south of Caleta Gonzalo. 

The trail is perfect for those looking for a cardio workout amid stunning views. We highly advise you not to choose this trail if you have no hiking experience. 

6. Volcan Chaiten Trail 

For experienced hikers, the Volcan Chaiten trail is an ideal choice. 

The trail is about 2.5 mi (4 km) long, with the starting point located 3 mi (5 km) south of the Volcan campsite. The hike starts with a long ascent toward the top of the volcano. From there, the downward hike is equally as difficult. 

The signs of the volcano eruption in 2008 can still be seen along the path. The burned trees and bare land are a unique sight to watch. 

You can also see Chiloe Island and the sea once you reach the top. 

7. Darwin’s Frog Trail 

Darwin’s frog hike is around 1.2 to 3.1 mi (2 to 5 km) long. There are many ascents and descents along the path, so be prepared to give your muscles a hard time. However, the trail is believed to be the easiest among the rest in the park. 

You will see many waterfalls while passing through the beautiful rainforest. There are also 2 viewpoints for relaxing before continuing your journey toward the endpoint.

8. El Mirador Trail 

El Mirador trail starts around 1.2 mi (2 km) south of Ventisquero campsite. The hike is around 2 hours long, covering a total distance of 3.7 mi (6 km). You will ascend to the top of the mountain for most of your hike. 

However, the effort won’t go in vain, as 2 viewpoints offer stunning views of the valley and the park from the top. You can also get a view of Amarillo Glacier. 

9. El Ventisquero Trail 

El Ventisquero trail is another long trail. It is about 12.4 mi (20 km) long and takes approximately 6 hours to complete. As the name suggests, you can start the trail at Ventisquero campsite. 

The best part of this hike is that you can get very close to the Michinmahuida volcano and the glacier. After hiking, you can head to nearby Queulat National Park for more adventure.

10. Interpretive Trail

The interpretive trail is a short hike, about 1.9 mi (3 km) long. The trail goes through the Alerce forest, where numerous unique plant and animal species appear. There is also a campsite with an amazing view that you can enjoy. 

The total time required to complete the hike is around an hour. 

11. Marine Life Watching

Santa Barbara has beaches with dark sands due to volcanic eruptions. These are perfect places to spot dolphins, seals, and even Humpback whales. 

Just keep an eye on the tide while walking on the beach. 

12. Scenic Drive on Carretera Austral 

Carretera Austral is arguably the best road for long drives in the world. The road begins to show its spectacular landscape once you enter the Pumalin Park area. 

The volcanic dust on narrow roads with rhubarb at every corner makes the entire experience unique and exciting.

13. Explore the Chiloe Island

Chiloe Island is a must-visit if you are exploring Pumalin Park. A 4-hour ferry ride from Chaiten will bring you to the island. With huge hills and lush fields of potato and corn, the island is a complete package for one looking for adventure. 

There are remote beaches for those looking for a more laid-back vibe. 

14. Experiencing Fjords 

The last on our list is probably the only activity that includes a bit of everything. The fjords will offer you everything whether you want views, activities, or wildlife watching. 

You can get a view of Riñihue and Camao fjords by sea kayaking. You can also spot some dolphins and sea lions. 

While you can access the fjords through hiking, the trail can be a bit difficult for beginners. 

How To Get to Pumalin National Park

• By Bus 

The best way to get to Pumalin National Park is by bus. Most buses leave at around 7 a.m. from Puerto Montt, costing around 20,000 Chilean pesos/CLP (25 US dollars) to reach the park.

• By Ferry

You can also take a ferry from Puerto Montt. A ferry ride from Puerto Montt to Chaiten costs around 25,000 CLP ($31.25) per person. 

• By Car 

The most adventurous transportation mode for reaching the park is by private car. You can start the road trip from Puerto Montt.

Where To Stay Around Pumalin Park?

There are some great places to stay nearby Pumalin National Park. 

Some of the highly recommended ones include:

Budget: Paraiso Patagonico

Located 1,312 ft (400 m) from the center of Chaitén, Paraiso Patagonico got excellent reviews, especially from couples, for its cleanliness and the hospitality of the hostel staff.

Mid-range: Chucao Bosque y Cabanas

Another highly-rated accommodation, the Chucao Bosque y Cabanas cabins, comes with standard conveniences, such as WiFi, air conditioning, cable TV, private bathrooms, a garden, terraces, and free private parking.

Luxury: Ecolodge Playa Fandango

This lodging house’s location got rave reviews from guests who chanced upon delightful marine life around the property. The service of Ecolodge Playa Fandango also got high ratings. 

For more accommodation options, you may click on the map.

Important Travel Tips To Stay Safe

Here are some expert tips to make your trip memorable:

• Summer months from December to March are the best time to visit Pumalin National Park. 
• Wear suitable outdoor gear, including waterproof boots and weather-appropriate layered clothing.
• Stick to marked trails to minimize environmental impact and avoid getting lost.
• Please keep some basic camping and hiking equipment such as a tent, sleeping bags, mattress, camping stove, cooking set, rain jacket, hiking boots, etc.
• Keep some cash with you, as only a few ATMs are in the area.
• Carry a map, compass, or GPS device for reliable navigation.
• Additionally, consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing, which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay. Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Pumalin Park

How Do I Get to Pumalin National Park?

You can get to Pumalin National Park through Caleta Gonzalo, accessed through Chaiten. 

The park’s entrance is around 8 mi (13 km) north of this town. 

How Many Trails Are in Pumalin National Park?

There are a total of 11 trails in Pumalin National Park. Out of 11, 8 are located in the park’s northern area.

What Is the Longest Trail in Pumalin National Park?

A 15 mi (24 km) trek with a 3,133 ft (955 m) elevation gain, Volcan Michimahuida near Chaitén, Los Lagos, is the longest trail in Pumalin National Park. 

This trail is generally considered a moderately challenging route, which takes around 7 hours to complete. 

Conclusion – Pumalin Park

A haven for outdoor adventure enthusiasts, Pumalin National Park, located in the Patagonia region of southern South America, is a must-see destination. With its lush forests, pristine waters, deserted trails, awesome glaciers, and abundant wildlife, visitors will leave with once-in-a-lifetime experiences and lasting memories. 

For those seeking more adventure, nearby Torres del Paine National Park offers world-renowned treks and panoramic views, while a boat trip through the fjords from Puerto Natales provides a full day of breathtaking scenery. 

The road to Pumalin National Park is also an expedition, offering stunning vistas and a chance to explore the region’s wild beauty. Don’t miss the opportunity to tour these incredible national parks and take in the awe-inspiring wonders of Patagonia.

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