Pali-Aike National Park

Pali-Aike Overview

Pali-Aike National Park, located in the Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica Region of Chile, covers approximately 48 square miles (125 square kilometers). The park sits near the Argentina border, in a remote and windswept region of Patagonia.

Its name, derived from the Aonikenk language of the indigenous Tehuelche people, means “desolate place of bad spirits,” a fitting description for its stark volcanic landscapes. The terrain is dominated by extinct volcanic craters, rugged basaltic rock formations, and vast stretches of steppe.

The lava fields, deep crevices, and arid plains give the park an otherworldly appearance, unlike the lush forests seen in other parts of Patagonia. Sparse vegetation, including coirón grass and cushion plants, dots the harsh terrain, adapted to withstand strong winds and limited rainfall.

The park’s rugged environment is home to an array of wildlife, uniquely adapted to the dry and windswept steppe. The most iconic mammal found here is the guanaco, a wild relative of the llama, often seen in small herds grazing on the grasslands.

Culpeo foxes and South American gray foxes are also common, along with the elusive puma, though sightings of this top predator are rare. Birdwatchers may encounter lesser rheas, large flightless birds similar to ostriches, as well as various raptors like the chimango caracara and the black-chested buzzard-eagle. Smaller birds such as the scale-throated earthcreeper and the austral canastero can be seen darting among the rocky crevices.

One of the park’s highlights is the Pali-Aike Crater, a striking volcanic depression that offers a glimpse into the region’s violent geological past. Nearby, the Cueva Pali Aike (Pali Aike Cave) is an important archaeological site, where evidence of early human habitation dating back over 10,000 years has been discovered.

This cave is one of the southernmost locations in the Americas where early human activity has been documented, adding to the park’s historical significance. The barren yet stunning volcanic formations provide excellent opportunities for hiking and photography, with trails leading through surreal landscapes shaped by ancient lava flows.

Visitors can experience Pali-Aike National Park primarily through hiking and wildlife observation. The park features well-marked trails that wind through volcanic craters and along rocky escarpments, offering breathtaking views of the steppe. The solitude of the park enhances the experience, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a remote and untouched natural setting.

Due to its location and limited infrastructure, visitors must be well-prepared, bringing food, water, and proper gear to withstand the often harsh weather conditions. The best time to visit is during the summer months from November to March when temperatures are milder, and wildlife is more active.

Conservation efforts in Pali-Aike focus on protecting its fragile ecosystem from the impacts of climate change and human activity. The park’s dry steppe environment is particularly vulnerable to desertification, and conservationists work to monitor vegetation loss and protect native species.

Invasive species such as European hares pose a challenge to the ecosystem, competing with native wildlife for resources. However, the park’s remote location and strict regulations have helped maintain its ecological integrity, ensuring that Pali-Aike remains a sanctuary for its unique flora and fauna.

Park Map

Pali-Aike National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Pali-Aike National Park, located in the Magallanes Region of southern Chile, is a rugged volcanic landscape shaped by ancient lava fields, windswept steppe, and crater formations. Known for its harsh Patagonian winds and unique geology, the park’s name means “desolate place” in the language of the Aónikenk people, who once inhabited the region. Despite the seemingly barren environment, Pali-Aike supports a fascinating variety of wildlife that has adapted to the extreme conditions of the Patagonian steppe.

Puma (Puma concolor)
As the apex predator of the park, the puma roams the vast steppe and rocky outcrops in search of guanacos and smaller mammals. Its ability to thrive in the open terrain makes it one of the top hunters of the region.

Guanaco (Lama guanicoe)
One of the most common large mammals in the park, the guanaco is well adapted to the cold and windy steppe. It grazes on hardy vegetation and serves as the primary prey for pumas.

Culpeo Fox (Lycalopex culpaeus)
Also known as the Andean fox, the culpeo is a skilled predator that hunts rodents, birds, and insects. It is frequently seen in the park’s rocky terrain, where it uses caves and lava formations for shelter.

South American Gray Fox (Lycalopex griseus)
A smaller and more adaptable fox species, the South American gray fox scavenges and preys on small vertebrates, fruits, and insects, making it a key species in the park’s ecosystem.

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

Lesser Grison (Galictis cuja)
A fast and aggressive mustelid, the lesser grison hunts rodents, birds, and reptiles in the steppe and rocky landscapes of the park.

Big Hairy Armadillo (Chaetophractus villosus)
Well adapted to dry and cold environments, the big hairy armadillo is an excellent digger that feeds on insects, small vertebrates, and plant material.

Geoffroy’s Cat (Leopardus geoffroyi)
A small but efficient predator, Geoffroy’s cat hunts rodents and birds in the park’s open landscapes. It is nocturnal and highly elusive.

Mountain Viscacha (Lagidium viscacia)
Resembling a large rabbit, the mountain viscacha is commonly found among rocky cliffs and lava formations, where it feeds on shrubs, mosses, and lichens.

Darwin’s Leaf-eared Mouse (Phyllotis darwini)
A small rodent that has adapted to the cold and arid environment, it plays a vital role in seed dispersal and serves as prey for many of the park’s predators.

Birds

Pali-Aike National Park is also home to a variety of bird species, many of which rely on the steppe, wetlands, and rocky formations for nesting and feeding.

Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus)
One of the largest flying birds in the world, the Andean condor is commonly seen soaring above the park’s volcanic craters, searching for carrion.

Variable Hawk (Geranoaetus polyosoma)
A dominant bird of prey in the region, the variable hawk hunts for rodents and small birds in the open grasslands of the park.

Lesser Rhea (Rhea pennata)
This large flightless bird, also known as the Darwin’s rhea, roams the Patagonian steppe in small groups, feeding on vegetation and insects.

Chilean Flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis)
Often seen in the park’s seasonal wetlands, the Chilean flamingo filters algae and small invertebrates from the shallow waters.

Magellanic Horned Owl (Bubo magellanicus)
A powerful nocturnal hunter, the Magellanic horned owl preys on small mammals, birds, and reptiles, using its sharp talons and excellent night vision.

Rufous-chested Dotterel (Charadrius modestus)
A beautifully marked shorebird, the rufous-chested dotterel nests in the open grasslands and along wetland edges, foraging for insects and small invertebrates.

White-throated Caracara (Phalcoboenus albogularis)
A striking bird of prey, this scavenger is often seen near guanaco carcasses, feeding alongside condors and foxes.

Austral Negrito (Lessonia rufa)
A small and active insectivorous bird, the Austral negrito is frequently seen near water sources and in open fields.

Correndera Pipit (Anthus correndera)
A common resident of the Patagonian steppe, this small songbird is well adapted to the open and windswept plains of the park.

Patagonian Mockingbird (Mimus patagonicus)
A highly vocal and curious bird, the Patagonian mockingbird is found throughout the park, feeding on insects and fruits.

Pali-Aike National Park is a place of stark beauty, where ancient volcanic landscapes meet the vast Patagonian steppe. The park’s unique blend of geological formations, windswept grasslands, and resilient wildlife make it a fascinating destination for nature enthusiasts and researchers. Whether hiking through the lava fields, spotting guanacos on the horizon, or witnessing the majestic flight of an Andean condor, visitors to Pali-Aike experience the raw and untamed nature of southern Chile.