Nahuelbuta National Park

Nahuelbuta Overview

Nahuelbuta National Park, or Parque Nacional Nahuelbuta in Spanish, is located in the southern part of Chile, within the Araucanía Region. The park covers an area of approximately 118 square kilometers (45 square miles) and is situated in the Nahuelbuta Mountain Range, which separates the coastal region from the Central Valley.

Its name, derived from the Mapuche language, translates to “Big Tiger” or “Big Puma,” reflecting the indigenous heritage of the area. Despite its relatively small size, the park holds significant ecological and cultural importance, offering visitors a chance to explore a unique part of Chile’s biodiversity and landscapes.

The park is distinguished by its rugged terrain, dominated by the Nahuelbuta Range, which rises above the surrounding lowlands. At its highest point, Cerro Anay (1,450 meters or 4,757 feet), visitors can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views stretching from the Pacific Ocean to the Andes Mountains.

The landscape is a mix of ancient forests, rocky outcrops, and deep ravines, creating a visually striking and diverse environment. One of the most remarkable features of the park is its extensive stands of Araucaria araucana, commonly known as the monkey puzzle tree.

These prehistoric trees, some of which are over a thousand years old, give the park an almost mystical feel. Alongside the Araucaria forests, other vegetation includes coigüe, lenga, and various types of ferns and mosses that thrive in the cool, humid climate.

Nahuelbuta National Park is home to an impressive variety of wildlife, making it an excellent destination for nature enthusiasts. Among the mammals found here, the most notable are the elusive puma, the small but hardy kodkod (a rare wild cat), and the pudu, which is the world’s smallest deer.

The park is also home to the monito del monte, a tiny marsupial that is a living fossil, with origins dating back to the time of the dinosaurs. Birdwatchers will find plenty to admire, as the park hosts species such as the majestic Andean condor, the striking Magellanic woodpecker, and the Chilean pigeon. The rich biodiversity makes Nahuelbuta an essential refuge for several species that are either endangered or found in limited regions.

One of the park’s main attractions is Piedra del Águila, a massive rock formation that provides a spectacular viewpoint. From this vantage point, visitors can take in stunning views of the coastal mountains, the Pacific Ocean, and on clear days, even distant volcanoes of the Andes.

The park’s network of trails offers various ways to explore its beauty, with paths leading through dense forests, past streams, and up to scenic lookouts. The Sendero Piedra del Águila is one of the most popular hikes, taking visitors through Araucaria forests to reach this famous rock formation. Camping and picnicking are also common activities, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the peaceful and pristine environment.

Visitors can experience the park through hiking, wildlife observation, and photography, with many trails suited for different levels of experience. The best time to visit is during the summer months (December to March), when the weather is more favorable for outdoor activities.

However, autumn brings a special charm, with the changing foliage creating a vibrant display of red, orange, and yellow hues. Due to its elevation, the park can also receive snowfall in the winter, making it a unique spot for snow trekking.

Nahuelbuta National Park faces conservation challenges, including threats from illegal logging, climate change, and encroaching human activities. However, efforts have been made to preserve its unique ecosystem, including reforestation projects and increased awareness campaigns about the importance of protecting the ancient Araucaria forests.

The park is part of Chile’s national park system, managed by CONAF (Corporación Nacional Forestal), which has been implementing strategies to improve visitor management and minimize human impact.

These conservation efforts are crucial in maintaining the delicate balance of this remarkable ecosystem and ensuring that future generations can continue to experience its natural wonders.

Park Map

Nahuelbuta National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Nahuelbuta National Park, located in the Araucanía Region of Chile, is a unique and ecologically significant area that preserves one of the last remaining stands of ancient Araucaria trees (Monkey Puzzle trees) in the coastal mountain range. The park’s dense forests, rolling hills, and high-altitude viewpoints provide a refuge for a diverse array of wildlife, many of which are endemic to Chile. The name Nahuelbuta, meaning “Big Tiger” in the Mapudungun language of the Mapuche people, reflects the park’s wild and rugged nature.

Puma (Puma concolor)
As the top predator in the park, the puma plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. It hunts guanacos, rodents, and other small mammals in the dense forests and mountainous terrain.

Huemul (Hippocamelus bisulcus)
An endangered deer species, the huemul finds refuge in the remote valleys of Nahuelbuta. It is a symbol of Chilean conservation efforts and thrives in the park’s old-growth forests.

Culpeo Fox (Lycalopex culpaeus)
Also known as the Andean fox, this adaptable carnivore preys on rodents, birds, and insects while scavenging for food throughout the forested and open areas of the park.

South American Gray Fox (Lycalopex griseus)
A smaller and highly adaptable fox, this species is a skilled hunter and scavenger, feeding on small mammals, fruits, and invertebrates in the park’s diverse landscapes.

Kodkod (Leopardus guigna)
One of the smallest wild cats in the world, the kodkod is an elusive and nocturnal predator that thrives in Nahuelbuta’s dense forests, hunting birds, rodents, and reptiles.

Molina’s Hog-nosed Skunk (Conepatus chinga)
A nocturnal forager, this skunk digs for insects, small vertebrates, and plant material. Like other skunks, it has a powerful defensive spray to deter predators.

Southern Pudu (Pudu puda)
The world’s smallest deer, the pudu is a secretive forest dweller that feeds on leaves, fruits, and bark. It is often seen in the undergrowth of the park’s ancient Araucaria forests.

Southern River Otter (Lontra provocax)
An endangered species, the southern river otter is found in the park’s freshwater streams, where it hunts for fish, amphibians, and crustaceans.

Darwin’s Leaf-eared Mouse (Phyllotis darwini)
A small but ecologically important rodent, this species plays a key role in the park’s ecosystem by dispersing seeds and serving as prey for predators.

Andean Hairy Armadillo (Chaetophractus nationi)
This armored mammal is a burrowing expert that thrives in Nahuelbuta’s drier forested areas, where it forages for insects, roots, and small invertebrates.

Birds

Nahuelbuta National Park is also home to an incredible variety of bird species, many of which rely on the park’s towering Araucaria forests, high-altitude ridges, and lush understory for survival.

Magellanic Woodpecker (Campephilus magellanicus)
One of the largest woodpeckers in the world, this striking bird is easily recognized by its bright red head and powerful beak, which it uses to drill into tree trunks in search of insects.

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

Black-throated Huet-huet (Pteroptochos tarnii)
An elusive and ground-dwelling bird, the black-throated huet-huet is best known for its distinctive, haunting calls that echo through the forest.

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 often seen perched in the park’s trees.

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

Des Murs’ Wiretail (Sylviorthorhynchus desmursii)
A small and unique bird with an elongated tail, the Des Murs’ wiretail is an agile forager that moves through the forest in search of insects.

Slender-billed Parakeet (Enicognathus leptorhynchus)
An endemic parakeet of Chile, this species is often seen flying over the park’s Araucaria forests in noisy flocks. It feeds on seeds and fruits from native trees.

Patagonian Tyrant (Colorhamphus parvirostris)
A small flycatcher that thrives in Nahuelbuta’s cool, humid forests, the Patagonian tyrant feeds on insects and small invertebrates.

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.

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

Nahuelbuta National Park is a sanctuary for ancient forests and rare wildlife, offering visitors a chance to experience one of Chile’s most ecologically significant regions. Whether hiking through the towering Araucaria trees, listening to the calls of elusive forest birds, or spotting rare mammals in their natural habitat, the park provides an unforgettable connection to Chile’s rich biodiversity and natural heritage.