Bernardo O’Higgins National Park National Parks Assc

Bernardo O’Higgins Overview

Bernardo O’Higgins National Park, located in southern Chile, is the country’s largest protected area, covering approximately 13,614 square miles (35,259 square kilometers). This vast park extends across the regions of Aysén and Magallanes, encompassing remote fjords, glaciers, and rugged Andean terrain.

Named after Bernardo O’Higgins, a key figure in Chile’s independence, the park is characterized by its dramatic landscapes dominated by the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. One of its most famous glaciers is Pío XI, the largest glacier in the Southern Hemisphere outside of Antarctica, which continues to advance, unlike most glaciers worldwide.

The park also features numerous fjords, inlets, and islands, with stunning locations like the Última Esperanza Sound and the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers, which offer breathtaking views of massive ice formations calving into the sea.

The terrain is defined by jagged mountains, deep valleys, and vast ice fields, creating a remote and nearly inaccessible wilderness. Lush temperate rainforests, consisting of lenga and coigüe trees, thrive in the lower elevations, particularly in areas with high precipitation. Mosses, ferns, and other moisture-loving plants cover much of the landscape, giving parts of the park a mystical and untouched feel.

The combination of ice, rock, and dense forests provides a striking contrast, making the park one of Chile’s most visually stunning destinations. Waterways carved by glaciers form a maze of fjords and channels, making boat travel one of the primary ways to experience the region.

Bernardo O’Higgins National Park is home to an impressive variety of wildlife, including both terrestrial and marine species. Among the key mammals found in the park are the guanaco, an iconic South American camelid, and the elusive puma, which roams the remote valleys and forests.

The park’s rugged coastal areas support populations of South American sea lions and marine otters, while the frigid waters surrounding the park are visited by dolphins and even migrating whales. Birdwatchers may spot Andean condors soaring high above the peaks, as well as black-necked swans, Magellanic woodpeckers, and imperial cormorants. The diverse ecosystems create a haven for many endemic and migratory species, contributing to the region’s ecological richness.

One of the park’s most popular features is its network of glaciers, particularly Pío XI, which dwarfs many other ice formations in the region. Visitors often explore the park via boat tours, with trips departing from Puerto Natales to see the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers up close.

The park is also a gateway to Torres del Paine National Park, offering a more secluded alternative to its famous neighbor. Kayaking through the fjords provides an intimate way to experience the park’s pristine beauty, while trekking in select areas offers a chance to witness the wild landscapes on foot.

Although much of the park is difficult to access, adventurous travelers can explore its vastness through guided expeditions that navigate its remote waterways and glacial regions.

Conservation in Bernardo O’Higgins National Park presents unique challenges, particularly in monitoring the impacts of climate change on its glaciers and wildlife. While Pío XI continues to grow, many of the park’s other glaciers are retreating, signaling shifts in the region’s delicate balance.

The park plays a crucial role in protecting Chile’s Patagonian wilderness, with ongoing efforts to preserve its ecosystems from potential threats such as human encroachment and climate variability. Despite these challenges, conservation initiatives, along with responsible tourism practices, help maintain the park’s pristine conditions.

With its breathtaking landscapes, rich biodiversity, and remote wilderness, Bernardo O’Higgins National Park remains one of Chile’s most extraordinary natural treasures, offering visitors an unparalleled glimpse into the untamed beauty of Patagonia.

Park Map

Bernardo O’Higgins National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Bernardo O’Higgins National Park, the largest protected area in Chile, spans the southern regions of Aysén and Magallanes, encompassing vast glaciers, fjords, and rugged Patagonian landscapes. The park is home to one of the most extensive ice fields outside Antarctica and Greenland, as well as a remarkable diversity of wildlife adapted to its extreme climate.

Puma (Puma concolor)
As the apex predator of the park, the puma roams the mountains, valleys, and coastal areas in search of guanacos, hares, and other prey. Its ability to survive in the cold, rugged terrain makes it one of Patagonia’s most resilient species.

Guanaco (Lama guanicoe)
A close relative of the llama, the guanaco is a common herbivore in the park. These social animals graze in groups on the windswept grasslands, playing a crucial role in the food chain as prey for pumas.

Huemul (Hippocamelus bisulcus)
Also known as the South Andean deer, this endangered species finds refuge in the remote and forested regions of Bernardo O’Higgins. It is an important symbol of Chile’s natural heritage and conservation efforts.

Marine Otter (Lontra felina)
Also called the “chungungo,” the marine otter is one of the smallest otter species in the world. It inhabits the rocky shores and kelp forests along the park’s fjords, where it hunts fish and crustaceans.

Southern River Otter (Lontra provocax)
This endangered otter species thrives in the park’s freshwater lakes and rivers. It is an excellent swimmer and relies on clean water habitats to survive, preying on fish and amphibians.

South American Sea Lion (Otaria flavescens)
Large colonies of South American sea lions can be found along the park’s rugged coastline. These social marine mammals are skilled hunters, feeding primarily on fish and squid.

Southern Elephant Seal (Mirounga leonina)
The world’s largest seal species, the southern elephant seal, inhabits the cold waters of the park’s coastal areas. Males can weigh up to 4,000 kg (8,800 lbs) and engage in fierce battles for dominance during breeding season.

Patagonian Hog-nosed Skunk (Conepatus humboldtii)
This nocturnal forager uses its powerful claws to dig for insects, small vertebrates, and roots. Like other skunks, it has a strong defensive spray to deter predators.

Magellanic Tuco-tuco (Ctenomys magellanicus)
A small, burrowing rodent, the Magellanic tuco-tuco is well adapted to the cold and windy conditions of southern Chile. It spends most of its life underground, feeding on roots and grasses.

Fuegian Red Fox (Lycalopex culpaeus magellanicus)
A subspecies of the culpeo fox, the Fuegian red fox is an opportunistic predator that hunts rodents, birds, and invertebrates. It is well adapted to the harsh conditions of Patagonia’s coastal and mountainous environments.

Birds

Bernardo O’Higgins National Park is also a sanctuary for birdlife, with its fjords, glaciers, and forests providing habitat for a variety of seabirds, raptors, and endemic species.

Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus)
One of the largest flying birds in the world, the Andean condor soars over the park’s mountains and valleys, searching for carrion. It plays a crucial role as a scavenger in the Patagonian ecosystem.

Black-browed Albatross (Thalassarche melanophris)
This magnificent seabird is frequently seen gliding over the fjords and open waters of the park. It nests on remote islands and travels vast distances across the Southern Ocean.

Magellanic Woodpecker (Campephilus magellanicus)
One of the largest woodpeckers in the world, the Magellanic woodpecker is easily recognized by its striking red head and powerful beak, which it uses to forage for insects in the park’s southern beech forests.

King Cormorant (Leucocarbo atriceps)
This striking seabird, also known as the imperial shag, nests along the park’s rocky coastlines and islands. It dives into the cold waters to catch fish and crustaceans.

Magellanic Penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus)
Breeding in colonies along the park’s shores, Magellanic penguins are excellent swimmers that hunt small fish in the cold southern waters. They return to the same nesting sites year after year.

Chilean Skua (Stercorarius chilensis)
An aggressive and opportunistic seabird, the Chilean skua is known for stealing food from other birds and scavenging carrion along the coastline.

Austral Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium nana)
A tiny but fierce predator, the Austral pygmy owl hunts small birds and rodents. It is active during the day and can often be seen perched on tree branches.

White-throated Treerunner (Pygarrhichas albogularis)
This small bird behaves much like a woodpecker, climbing tree trunks in search of insects hiding beneath the bark. It thrives in the park’s ancient forests.

Spectacled Duck (Speculanas specularis)
A rare and beautiful duck species, the spectacled duck is often seen in the park’s lakes and rivers. It is easily recognized by its distinctive facial markings and iridescent wing feathers.

Kelp Goose (Chloephaga hybrida)
A coastal waterfowl species, the kelp goose is well adapted to the rocky shores of southern Chile. Males are entirely white, while females have dark brown, barred plumage.

Bernardo O’Higgins National Park is one of Chile’s most remote and awe-inspiring natural areas, offering a sanctuary for iconic Patagonian wildlife. With its breathtaking glaciers, pristine fjords, and rugged landscapes, the park is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and conservationists alike.