Nature
The General Carrera province, located in the Chilean Patagonia and proposed as the area for the Chelenko Geopark, harbors remarkable natural and scenic richness. This territory is protected through various sites that are part of the Sistema Nacional de Áreas Silvestres Protegidas del Estado (SNASPE – National System of State-Protected Wild Areas), among other conservation efforts.
Three national parks, a nature sanctuary, and an urban wetland are located in the province, each home to unique ecosystems reflecting the area’s ecological and geological diversity.
The General Carrera province, located in the Chilean Patagonia and proposed as the area for the Chelenko Geopark, harbors remarkable natural and scenic richness. This territory is protected through various sites that are part of the Sistema Nacional de Áreas Silvestres Protegidas del Estado (SNASPE – National System of State-Protected Wild Areas), among other conservation efforts.
Three national parks, a nature sanctuary, and an urban wetland are located in the province, each home to unique ecosystems reflecting the area’s ecological and geological diversity.
Parque Nacional Cerro Castillo
(Parque Nacional Cerro Castillo)
Located in the communes of Coyhaique and Río Ibáñez, the park spans more than 143,000 hectares of breathtaking landscapes. Its name comes from the imposing mountain massif resembling a medieval castle, with steep peaks and hanging glaciers reflected in the turquoise lakes.
This area is a paradise for trekking lovers, with routes like Las Horquetas trail, considered one of the most beautiful in Chile. Highlights also include the viewpoint trail to Cerro Castillo, which offers unforgettable views of the massif and the glacier lake.
Beyond its scenic beauty, the park is a refuge for the huemul (endangered Andean deer), a national symbol of Chile. It is also home to species such as the puma, Andean fox, and a rich native birdlife, including Magellanic woodpeckers and Austral parakeets.
Laguna San Rafael National Park
(Parque Nacional Laguna San Rafael)
Located mainly in the communes of Chile Chico and Río Ibáñez, this is one of Chile’s most iconic southern parks. It covers more than 1.7 million hectares, making it one of the country’s largest protected areas, spanning coastal and inland zones from Tortel to Cochrane and Aysén.
Its main attraction is the Laguna San Rafael glacier, fed by the Northern Patagonian Ice Field. This awe-inspiring spectacle features massive icebergs calving into the lagoon, set against fjords, canals, and a rich biodiversity including huemul, pudú, and diverse marine birds. Access is primarily by sea, though land routes exist via the Exploradores Valley.
Designated a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in 1979.
Patagonia National Park
(Parque Nacional Patagonia)
This park includes the former Lago Jeinimeni National Reserve, now part of the broader Patagonia National Park, managed by CONAF and part of the Network of Patagonian Parks. It’s located in the province’s southeast in Capitán Prat, from Chile Chico to Cochrane, spanning over 300,000 hectares.
It stands out for its variety of landscapes: lenga forests, vast steppes, and wind-carved rock formations. The Jeinimeni sector features trails like the one to Cueva de las Manos (Cave of the Hands), a culturally and geologically significant site. Visitors can spot native wildlife such as the guanaco, Andean condor, and culpeo fox.
Marble Chapels Nature Sanctuary
(Santuario de la Naturaleza Capilla de Mármol)
Located on General Carrera Lake, near Puerto Río Tranquilo and Puerto Sánchez, this natural sanctuary was declared a National Monument in 1994 and later a Nature Sanctuary.
The Capillas de Mármol (Marble Chapels) are limestone rock formations sculpted by water over time. These caves, tunnels, and columns reflect the lake’s turquoise waters, offering a one-of-a-kind visual spectacle that has made it one of Aysén’s most iconic destinations. Access is only by water, through excursions in kayak or motorboat.
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