Chilean protected areas open for spring tourism

Several protected natural areas in Chile are opening for the spring season, offering opportunities for biodiversity observation and trekking.

In Tierra del Fuego, Karukinka Park is beginning a new visitor season. Managed by WCS Chile, the 300,000-hectare area is the largest private protected area on the island. The park features subantarctic forests, peatlands, and coastal regions that serve as breeding grounds for southern elephant seals. The ecosystem is noted for its significant carbon storage capacity, holding approximately 600 million tons of CO2.

In the Biobío Region, Nonguén National Park is also available for visitors near Concepción. Spanning roughly 3,000 hectares, the park protects the last remnants of Concepción's deciduous forest. It serves as a habitat for various native species, including the pudú, monito del monte, and several bird species. The park offers various trekking trails and basic amenities, though it is intended for day trips only.