Rio Clarillo National Park

Rio Clarillo Overview

Río Clarillo National Park, known locally as Parque Nacional Río Clarillo, is a protected natural area in Chile’s Santiago Metropolitan Region. Spanning approximately 33 square miles (85 square kilometers), this national park is located about 45 miles (72 kilometers) southeast of Santiago, near the town of Pirque.

Nestled within the foothills of the Andes Mountains, Río Clarillo National Park offers a scenic escape into a diverse landscape of rolling hills, lush valleys, and crystal-clear waterways. The park is named after the Río Clarillo, a river that meanders through its terrain, providing a vital water source for the surrounding ecosystem.

The landscape is dominated by Mediterranean sclerophyllous forests, featuring hardy vegetation adapted to the region’s warm summers and mild, rainy winters. Prominent tree species include peumo, litre, and quillay, with the Chilean palm making occasional appearances. The park’s varied topography, with elevations ranging from 850 to 3,500 feet (260 to 1,070 meters), supports a wide array of plant life that changes with altitude.

Wildlife enthusiasts visiting Río Clarillo National Park have the opportunity to encounter a variety of animal species that thrive in this protected area. Among the most notable mammals found within the park are the elusive culpeo fox and the small but agile degus, a rodent native to Chile. Other mammals, such as the long-tailed chinchilla and the güiña, one of the world’s smallest wild cats, are rarer sightings but still inhabit the region.

The park is particularly known for its birdlife, attracting ornithologists and casual birdwatchers alike. The strikingly colorful Chilean flicker, the majestic black-chested buzzard-eagle, and the melodious austral thrush are common residents. Additionally, the endangered Andean condor occasionally soars above the park’s ridges, making for an unforgettable sight for those lucky enough to witness it. The Río Clarillo provides a vital habitat for aquatic species, including native fish like the pejerrey.

One of the park’s most popular features is its pristine river, which serves as a focal point for visitors seeking recreation and relaxation. Its clear, refreshing waters invite visitors to wade, picnic along its banks, or simply enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Well-maintained hiking trails wind through the park, offering access to viewpoints, waterfalls, and dense forested areas.

The park is particularly popular among nature lovers from Santiago who come for day hikes along trails such as Quebrada Jorquera and Rincón de los Bueyes, both of which provide excellent opportunities for wildlife observation. Interpretive signs along the trails offer insight into the local flora and fauna, making the experience both educational and immersive.

Visitors engage with the park through various outdoor activities, including birdwatching, photography, and guided nature walks. Camping is not permitted, as the park primarily serves as a conservation area with a focus on preserving its fragile ecosystem.

Nonetheless, designated picnic areas allow for leisurely visits, and the park’s ranger-led programs provide valuable information about its ecological significance. Due to its close proximity to Santiago, Río Clarillo is a favored destination for families and school groups seeking an accessible nature retreat.

Conservation efforts in Río Clarillo National Park have been met with significant success, particularly in the protection of native plant species and the recovery of local wildlife populations. Once a national reserve, it was officially designated as a national park in 2020, reinforcing its status as a crucial conservation area.

The park’s management focuses on mitigating human impact, particularly by regulating visitor numbers and prohibiting activities that could damage its delicate ecosystem. Water conservation is a primary concern, as the Río Clarillo plays an essential role in supplying clean water to nearby communities.

Additionally, the park serves as a research site for scientists studying Chile’s Mediterranean ecosystems, providing valuable insights into sustainable conservation strategies. Through careful stewardship and increased environmental awareness, Río Clarillo National Park continues to serve as a model for ecological preservation in central Chile.

Park Map

Rio Clarillo National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Río Clarillo National Park, located in the Metropolitan Region of Chile, is a haven of sclerophyllous forests, clear rivers, and rolling hills. As the first national park in central Chile, it protects vital Mediterranean ecosystems that provide habitat for many endemic and threatened species. The park’s riparian zones, oak forests, and shrublands support a variety of wildlife, making it an important refuge for biodiversity near Santiago.

Puma (Puma concolor)
The top predator of the park, the puma is an elusive and powerful hunter that preys on small mammals and birds. Though rarely seen, it plays a key role in maintaining ecosystem balance.

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 woodlands and grasslands.

South American Gray Fox (Lycalopex griseus)
A smaller and highly adaptable fox, this species scavenges and preys on small vertebrates, fruits, and insects, thriving in the park’s dry forests.

Molina’s Hog-nosed Skunk (Conepatus chinga)
This nocturnal forager uses its keen sense of smell to locate insects, small vertebrates, and plant material. Like other skunks, it has a strong defensive spray to deter predators.

Southern Long-nosed Bat (Platalina genovensium)
A nectar-feeding bat species, it plays an essential role in pollination within the park’s Mediterranean shrublands, helping native plants reproduce.

Darwin’s Leaf-eared Mouse (Phyllotis darwini)
A small but ecologically significant rodent, this species helps with seed dispersal and serves as prey for many of the park’s predators.

Andean Hairy Armadillo (Chaetophractus nationi)
A burrowing mammal adapted to dry environments, the Andean hairy armadillo forages for insects, roots, and small invertebrates in the park’s open areas.

Lesser Grison (Galictis cuja)
A small but agile predator, the lesser grison hunts rodents, birds, and reptiles in the park’s forests and rocky outcrops.

Monito del Monte (Dromiciops gliroides)
An ancient marsupial considered a living fossil, the monito del monte is a key species for seed dispersal in the park’s temperate forests.

Chilean Tree Iguana (Liolaemus chiliensis)
A striking lizard species, this reptile thrives in the park’s dry woodlands and rocky slopes, where it hunts insects and small invertebrates.

Birds

Río Clarillo National Park is also home to a wide variety of bird species, many of which depend on the park’s riparian forests, shrublands, and rocky hillsides for food and nesting.

Burrowing Parrot (Cyanoliseus patagonus)
A social and vocal parrot, the burrowing parrot nests in cliffs and forages in the park’s woodlands, playing a key role in seed dispersal.

White-throated Tapaculo (Scelorchilus albicollis)
A secretive bird that thrives in dense undergrowth, the white-throated tapaculo is more often heard than seen, with its loud and distinctive calls.

Giant Hummingbird (Patagona gigas)
The largest hummingbird in the world, the giant hummingbird hovers near flowers in search of nectar and is well adapted to the park’s Mediterranean climate.

Chilean Tinamou (Nothoprocta perdicaria)
A well-camouflaged, ground-dwelling bird, the Chilean tinamou forages for seeds and insects in the park’s dry grasslands and shrublands.

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

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

Plain-mantled Tit-Spinetail (Leptasthenura aegithaloides)
A small, active songbird, this species is commonly seen flitting through the park’s forests, foraging for insects among the dense vegetation.

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

Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle (Geranoaetus melanoleucus)
A dominant raptor in 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.

Río Clarillo National Park is a vital refuge for Chile’s Mediterranean ecosystems, offering visitors the chance to explore clear rivers, lush forests, and diverse wildlife just outside Santiago. Whether hiking its scenic trails, spotting rare birds, or enjoying the tranquility of its natural landscapes, the park remains an important conservation area and a gateway to Chile’s central biodiversity.