Tolhuaca National Park

Birds

Tolhuaca National Park is also home to a diverse range of bird species, thriving in its old-growth forests, high-altitude ridges, and pristine waterways.

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

Magellanic Woodpecker (Campephilus magellanicus)
A striking bird with a red head and a powerful beak, 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, 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 Tolhuaca’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 Tolhuaca’s rapids, feeding on aquatic insects and crustaceans.

Tolhuaca National Park is a pristine sanctuary where ancient forests, volcanic landscapes, and diverse wildlife create a truly magical environment. Whether exploring the park’s dense Araucaria forests, admiring waterfalls like Salto de la Culebra, or spotting rare birds and mammals, visitors experience one of Chile’s most ecologically rich and stunning landscapes.

Popular

Tolhuaca National Park, located in Chile’s Araucanía Region, is a breathtaking landscape of dense temperate rainforests, cascading waterfalls, volcanic mountains, and pristine lakes. The park is home to ancient Araucaria (Monkey Puzzle) trees, which dominate the landscape alongside coigüe and lenga forests. Its rich biodiversity, including rare mammals and vibrant birdlife, makes it one of the most ecologically significant parks in southern Chile.

Puma (Puma concolor)
The top predator in the park, the puma is an elusive and powerful hunter that preys on guanacos, rodents, and smaller mammals. It plays a crucial role in regulating the ecosystem’s balance.

Huemul (Hippocamelus bisulcus)
An endangered deer species, the huemul finds refuge in Tolhuaca’s remote valleys and dense forests. It is a highly protected species and an important symbol of Chilean conservation efforts.

Guanaco (Lama guanicoe)
A large herbivore found in the park’s open areas and volcanic slopes, the guanaco is well adapted to the region’s cold climate and serves as a primary prey species for pumas.

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

Culpeo Fox (Lycalopex culpaeus)
Also known as the Andean fox, this intelligent carnivore preys on rodents, birds, and insects, making it a key species in the park’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 in the park’s diverse habitats.

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

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

Monito del Monte (Dromiciops gliroides)
A rare and ancient marsupial, the monito del monte is an important seed disperser in Tolhuaca’s temperate rainforests. It is considered a living fossil and a key species in the ecosystem.

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

Birds

Tolhuaca National Park is also home to a diverse range of bird species, thriving in its old-growth forests, high-altitude ridges, and pristine waterways.

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

Magellanic Woodpecker (Campephilus magellanicus)
A striking bird with a red head and a powerful beak, 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, 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 Tolhuaca’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 Tolhuaca’s rapids, feeding on aquatic insects and crustaceans.

Tolhuaca National Park is a pristine sanctuary where ancient forests, volcanic landscapes, and diverse wildlife create a truly magical environment. Whether exploring the park’s dense Araucaria forests, admiring waterfalls like Salto de la Culebra, or spotting rare birds and mammals, visitors experience one of Chile’s most ecologically rich and stunning landscapes.