- Address: Ualayue, Los Lagos, Chile;
- Phone: +56 65 248 6101;
- Area: 482 km ²;
- Foundation date: 1988;
- Working hours: 8.00 - 18.00.
Chile is a country that could easily be called one of the wonders of the world. Even with the school lessons of geography, everyone probably remembers that this state is the narrowest and longest in the whole world and it is here that one of the most arid deserts of the planet is located. A unique climate, formed under the influence of the Andes and the Pacific, favors the emergence of numerous natural attractions. One of such places is the National Park Hornopiren (Hornopirén National Park) - we will tell more about it.
General information
Hornopiren National Park was established in 1988 and is located in the province of Palena, the region of Los Lagos. It is part of the Andean range. In the north, the park borders the Chilean largest private park Pumalin . In addition, not far from Hornopiren stretches the eponymous volcano, in honor of which the park was named.
With regard to weather conditions, the climate here is characteristic of high-altitude areas. The average annual precipitation is 2500-4000 mm. The temperature fluctuates in the range of +9 ... + 12 ° С. It is worth noting that the National Park Hornopiren is closed for visits from July to November (the coldest months).
Flora and fauna
Deciduous forests cover almost 200 km & sup2 and are found, mainly at an altitude of 400 m above sea level. More than 35% of the park cover is occupied by thousand-year-old fitzroy trees - one of the oldest species on the planet. Also here you can see lianas, ferns and lots of exotic flowers.
The fauna of the National Park Hornopiren is represented by both endemic animals and more exotic species for this region. On the territory of the reserve, 25 species of mammals, 123 species of birds and 9 amphibians were sheltered. Among the most common animals are: puma, Chilean cat, small griso, Chilean fox, American mink and nutria.
What to do in the park?
The most interesting places of the National Park Hornopiren, lush forests and mountain lakes, are hidden in the wild jungle. Special attention is paid to the Chaicas valley and Chaiquenes lagoon, as well as Cabrera and Pinto Concha lakes, the last of which is located on the slopes of the volcano Yate.
In addition, 7 routes are laid along the territory of the reserve, which will allow travelers to enjoy the best landscapes and the most beautiful places:
- the Corentozo-Pangal River: 3.2 km - the rafting will take about 1.5-2 hours;
- Lake Sargazo: A 4-hour walk along the mountain road near the lake;
- lagoon FRIA: a pedestrian trek begins at the western shore of Lake Sargazo and takes just over 3 hours;
- lagoon Chaikenes - Triangulo: travel time - about 2 hours.
Of the entertainment available for holidaymakers, horse riding, mountaineering, wildlife watching and, of course, trekking are the most popular.
Behavior rules
At the entrance to the park is the office of the administration, in which you can learn about the history of the reserve, its infrastructure and some rules of conduct. The main points are:
- Registration in the guest book.
- Breeding fires in the territory of the nat. The park is strictly prohibited.
- There are no garbage cans in the park, so you should worry about the presence of waste packages in advance.
Useful information for tourists
You can get to the National Park Hornopiren:
- By private transport: by road number 7 (Carretera Austral), which connects the cities of Puerto Montt and La Arena. The trip lasts about 4 hours, depending on the car.
- By bus: 3 times a week from Puerto Monta to the village of Hornopiren there are regular buses. The journey takes about 4.5 hours.
- By air: by plane from any major city of Chile to the airfield Hornopiren.