Melimoyu National Park

Melimoyu Overview

Melimoyu National Park, known locally as Parque Nacional Melimoyu, is a remote and pristine protected area in southern Chile. Covering approximately 329 square miles (850 square kilometers), it is situated in the Aysén Region, where the Andes meet the Pacific Ocean.

The park is named after the striking Melimoyu Volcano, which rises to an elevation of 7,677 feet (2,340 meters) and dominates the surrounding landscape. The terrain is a combination of rugged mountains, deep fjords, glacial valleys, and dense temperate rainforests, creating a diverse and breathtaking natural environment.

The park’s coastline, shaped by the relentless forces of the Pacific, is home to rocky shores and hidden inlets, adding to its untamed beauty. The rainforest, largely composed of ancient Alerce (Fitzroya cupressoides), coihue, and lenga trees, thrives in the cool and humid climate, offering a lush green canopy that shelters a variety of life.

Wildlife in Melimoyu National Park is rich and varied, with many species uniquely adapted to its remote wilderness. The park provides critical habitat for the elusive South Andean deer (Huemul), an endangered species and a national symbol of Chile. Pumas roam the forests and mountainous areas, while foxes and other small mammals are common throughout the park.

The rivers and lakes support native fish species, and the coastal waters host marine life, including South American sea lions, Chilean dolphins, and the occasional sighting of blue whales. The birdlife is equally impressive, with Magellanic woodpeckers, black-necked swans, and Andean condors soaring above the peaks and valleys, offering birdwatchers a rewarding experience.

Visitors to Melimoyu National Park are drawn by its untouched wilderness and opportunities for adventure. Hiking trails wind through the forested slopes, offering scenic views of the volcano and the surrounding fjords. Kayaking along the coastal waters provides an intimate way to explore the rugged shoreline, where visitors might spot marine wildlife up close.

Anglers find excellent fishing in the rivers and lakes, while those seeking a more immersive experience can engage in multi-day expeditions through the park’s remote areas. The park’s remoteness makes it ideal for nature enthusiasts and photographers looking to capture the raw beauty of Chile’s Patagonian wilderness.

Conservation efforts in Melimoyu National Park focus on protecting its fragile ecosystems from deforestation, climate change, and human encroachment. The park plays a key role in preserving old-growth temperate rainforests, which are among the most endangered ecosystems in the world.

Conservation initiatives have led to improved monitoring of key species like the huemul, ensuring their populations are maintained and protected. The park’s management is a collaboration between Chile’s national park service and conservation organizations, aiming to balance ecological preservation with sustainable ecotourism.

Though challenges remain, including the impacts of climate change on glaciers and forest health, the park stands as a testament to Chile’s commitment to protecting its natural heritage for future generations.

Park Map

Melimoyu National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Melimoyu National Park, located in the Aysén Region of southern Chile, is a remote and pristine wilderness characterized by dense temperate rainforests, glacial valleys, fjords, and the towering Melimoyu Volcano. The park is part of Chile’s vast Patagonian rainforest ecosystem, featuring ancient Alerce (Fitzroya) trees, crystalline rivers, and an extensive coastline teeming with marine life. Its diverse habitats provide refuge for a wide range of wildlife, from elusive forest mammals to large marine species, making it an ecologically significant conservation area.

Puma (Puma concolor)
The top predator of the park, the puma roams the forests and mountains in search of guanacos, rodents, and other mammals. It plays a crucial role in regulating the ecosystem.

Huemul (Hippocamelus bisulcus)
An endangered deer species, the huemul thrives in the park’s remote and rugged landscapes, particularly in dense forests and mountainous areas. Its presence is an indicator of a healthy and undisturbed ecosystem.

Guanaco (Lama guanicoe)
A large herbivore that thrives in the park’s open areas and volcanic slopes, the guanaco is an essential prey species for pumas and a key component of the ecosystem.

Kodkod (Leopardus guigna)
One of the smallest wild cats in the world, the kodkod is a nocturnal and elusive predator that hunts rodents, birds, and reptiles in the dense rainforests of the park.

Culpeo Fox (Lycalopex culpaeus)
Also known as the Andean fox, this adaptable predator hunts small mammals, birds, and insects, making it a key species in Melimoyu’s ecosystem.

South American Gray Fox (Lycalopex griseus)
A smaller and highly adaptable fox, the South American gray fox scavenges and preys on small vertebrates, insects, and fruits throughout the park’s forests and coastal regions.

Southern Pudu (Pudu puda)
The world’s smallest deer, the pudu is a shy and secretive species that feeds on leaves, fruits, and bark. It thrives in the dense undergrowth of Melimoyu’s temperate rainforests.

Southern River Otter (Lontra provocax)
An endangered species, the southern river otter is found in the park’s rivers and lakes, where it preys on fish, amphibians, and invertebrates.

Marine Otter (Lontra felina)
Also known as the chungungo, this endangered otter species inhabits the park’s coastal areas, hunting for fish, crustaceans, and mollusks along the fjords.

Monito del Monte (Dromiciops gliroides)
An ancient marsupial considered a living fossil, the monito del monte is a crucial seed disperser in Melimoyu’s temperate rainforests, helping regenerate native vegetation.

Birds

Melimoyu National Park is also home to a rich variety of bird species, thriving in the park’s old-growth forests, high-altitude ridges, coastal fjords, and freshwater ecosystems.

Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus)
One of the largest flying birds in the world, the Andean condor soars over the park’s mountain ridges, searching for carrion.

Magellanic Woodpecker (Campephilus magellanicus)
One of the largest woodpeckers in the world, the Magellanic woodpecker drills into tree trunks in search of insects in the park’s ancient forests.

Chucao Tapaculo (Scelorchilus rubecula)
A secretive bird with a loud and melodic call, the chucao tapaculo thrives in the park’s dense undergrowth, where it forages for insects.

Black-throated Huet-huet (Pteroptochos tarnii)
Often heard before it is seen, this ground-dwelling bird is known for its deep, echoing calls and thrives in Melimoyu’s old-growth forests.

Austral Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium nana)
A small but fierce predator, the Austral pygmy owl hunts rodents and small birds. It is active during the day and frequently seen in the park’s forests.

Slender-billed Parakeet (Enicognathus leptorhynchus)
An endemic parakeet of Chile, this species flies over the park’s forested areas in noisy flocks, feeding on seeds and fruits from native trees.

Des Murs’ Wiretail (Sylviorthorhynchus desmursii)
A small bird with an elongated tail, the Des Murs’ wiretail is an agile insect hunter that moves quickly through the forest.

White-throated Treerunner (Pygarrhichas albogularis)
This small, woodpecker-like bird climbs tree trunks in search of insects beneath the bark. It is commonly found in the park’s dense forests.

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

Torrent Duck (Merganetta armata)
Perfectly adapted to fast-flowing rivers, the torrent duck is often seen navigating Melimoyu’s rapids, feeding on aquatic insects and crustaceans.

Melimoyu National Park is a hidden gem in Chilean Patagonia, offering visitors the chance to explore untouched rainforests, dramatic fjords, and glacial rivers teeming with wildlife. Whether trekking through ancient Alerce forests, spotting rare mammals, or observing seabirds along the coast, the park provides a unique and immersive experience in one of Chile’s most remote and ecologically rich landscapes.