La Campana National Park

La Campana Overview

La Campana National Park, or Parque Nacional La Campana in Spanish, is a protected natural area in central Chile, located in the Valparaíso Region. Covering approximately 30 square miles (74 square kilometers), the park is part of the Chilean Coastal Range and is known for its striking mountainous terrain, diverse ecosystems, and historical significance.

One of the most prominent features of the park is La Campana Mountain, which rises to 6,168 feet (1,880 meters) and provides breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and peaks. The park is also home to deep ravines, rolling hills, and verdant forests, creating a landscape that varies dramatically with elevation.

The park’s vegetation is diverse, showcasing Chile’s unique Mediterranean ecosystem. It is one of the last remaining strongholds of the endangered Chilean palm (Jubaea chilensis), a species that once covered vast portions of the region but has now been significantly reduced due to human activity.

Visitors can also find sclerophyllous forests, dominated by hardy, drought-resistant trees such as peumos, litres, and boldos. In spring, the hillsides burst into color with wildflowers, adding vibrancy to the rugged terrain. The combination of lush greenery, dry shrublands, and rocky outcrops creates a visually stunning environment that supports a variety of wildlife.

Wildlife enthusiasts visiting La Campana National Park have the opportunity to spot a range of native animals. Mammals such as foxes, culpeo and chilla, can often be seen roaming the forested areas, while the elusive puma is present but rarely encountered. Rodents like the degu, an endemic species, scurry through the undergrowth, playing an important role in the ecosystem.

The park is also a haven for birdwatchers, as it hosts species like the Chilean mockingbird, the giant hummingbird, and the striking black-chested buzzard-eagle. Woodpeckers and owls can be found within the tree-covered slopes, making the park an excellent location for avian observation.

One of the most popular features of La Campana National Park is the summit hike to the top of La Campana Mountain. This trail, famously climbed by Charles Darwin in 1834 during his voyage on the HMS Beagle, offers not only a rewarding physical challenge but also a historical connection to one of the world’s most renowned naturalists.

The views from the peak stretch to the Pacific Ocean on clear days, making it a highlight for adventurous visitors. Other trails within the park wind through palm groves, forests, and rocky landscapes, allowing hikers to experience the region’s ecological variety up close.

Visitors to the park can engage in numerous outdoor activities, including trekking, birdwatching, photography, and nature interpretation. The park has designated picnic areas and camping sites, making it accessible for those who want to spend extended time exploring its wonders.

Interpretive signs along the trails provide insight into the park’s flora, fauna, and conservation efforts, enhancing the educational value of the visit.

La Campana National Park faces conservation challenges, including threats from climate change, deforestation, and illegal logging of its rare Chilean palm trees.

However, conservation efforts by Chile’s National Forest Corporation (CONAF) have helped protect and restore parts of the park’s unique ecosystem. Sustainable tourism initiatives and reforestation programs aim to ensure the long-term preservation of this important natural sanctuary.

Park Map

La Campana National Park Highlights

Wildlife

La Campana National Park, located in the Valparaíso Region of central Chile, is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve known for its stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and the presence of the ancient Chilean Palm (Jubaea chilensis). The park’s mix of Mediterranean woodlands, rugged mountains, and coastal influences provides a habitat for a remarkable variety of wildlife, including many endemic species. It was famously visited by Charles Darwin in 1834 during his expedition on the HMS Beagle.

Puma (Puma concolor)
As the top predator in the park, the puma is an elusive and powerful hunter. It preys on rodents, foxes, and small mammals, using its stealth and agility to navigate the park’s rocky terrain.

Culpeo Fox (Lycalopex culpaeus)
Also known as the Andean fox, this adaptable carnivore hunts rodents, birds, and insects. It is frequently seen in the park’s forests and open valleys.

South American Gray Fox (Lycalopex griseus)
A smaller relative of the culpeo, the South American gray fox is a skilled scavenger and hunter. It feeds on fruits, small vertebrates, and invertebrates and plays an important role in seed dispersal.

Molina’s Hog-nosed Skunk (Conepatus chinga)
This nocturnal mammal uses its keen sense of smell to forage for insects, small vertebrates, and plant material. It has a strong defensive spray to deter predators.

Darwin’s Leaf-eared Mouse (Phyllotis darwini)
A nocturnal rodent named after Charles Darwin, this mouse is well adapted to the park’s dry conditions. It feeds on seeds and plant material, contributing to seed dispersal.

Lesser Grison (Galictis cuja)
A small, fast-moving predator, the lesser grison is an excellent hunter of rodents, birds, and reptiles. It is highly adaptable and can thrive in various environments.

Long-tailed Chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) (historically present)
Once native to the region, the long-tailed chinchilla was heavily hunted for its fur and is now considered extinct in the wild in this area. However, conservation efforts continue to protect its remaining populations elsewhere in Chile.

Kodkod (Leopardus guigna)
One of the smallest wild cats in the Americas, the kodkod is a nocturnal and elusive predator. It hunts small mammals, birds, and reptiles in the dense undergrowth of the park’s forests.

Andean Hairy Armadillo (Chaetophractus nationi)
This well-armored species is an expert burrower that feeds on insects, roots, and small invertebrates. It is well adapted to the dry Mediterranean conditions of the park.

Chilean Slender Snake (Philodryas chamissonis)
One of the few snake species in Chile, this non-venomous reptile hunts lizards and small rodents in the park’s dry and forested areas.

Birds

La Campana National Park is also an exceptional birdwatching destination, with its Mediterranean forests, palm groves, and mountainous terrain providing habitat for a wide variety of bird species.

Burrowing Parrot (Cyanoliseus patagonus)
A social and noisy parrot, the burrowing parrot nests in cliffs and forages in the park’s woodlands and shrublands. It plays a crucial role in seed dispersal.

White-throated Tapaculo (Scelorchilus albicollis)
A secretive bird that thrives in the dense understory of the park, the white-throated tapaculo is best detected by its loud, distinctive calls.

Giant Hummingbird (Patagona gigas)
The largest hummingbird in the world, this species is often seen hovering near flowers in search of nectar. Its ability to survive in both arid and forested environments makes it a unique resident of the park.

Chilean Tinamou (Nothoprocta perdicaria)
A ground-dwelling bird with excellent camouflage, the Chilean tinamou forages for seeds and insects in the dry grasslands and shrublands of the park.

Variable Hawk (Geranoaetus polyosoma)
A powerful bird of prey, the variable hawk soars above the park’s valleys and forests in search of rodents and small reptiles.

Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus)
One of the largest flying birds in the world, the Andean condor glides effortlessly over the park’s mountainous terrain, scanning for carrion.

Plain-mantled Tit-Spinetail (Leptasthenura aegithaloides)
This small, active songbird is commonly seen flitting through the dry forests, foraging for insects among the dense vegetation.

Chilean Mockingbird (Mimus thenca)
A vocal and inquisitive bird, the Chilean mockingbird is found throughout the park, where it feeds on insects and fruits while singing melodious songs.

Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle (Geranoaetus melanoleucus)
A dominant raptor of the region, this eagle is frequently seen perched on rocky cliffs, hunting for small mammals and birds.

Rufous-tailed Plantcutter (Phytotoma rara)
An unusual bird with a powerful beak, the rufous-tailed plantcutter is known for its ability to eat tough vegetation, including leaves and buds.

La Campana National Park is a unique blend of Mediterranean ecosystems, ancient forests, and historical significance, offering visitors a chance to explore one of Chile’s most ecologically diverse and historically important landscapes. Whether hiking its scenic trails, spotting rare birds, or discovering the towering Chilean palm forests, the park remains a must-visit destination for nature lovers and conservationists alike.