An All-New Hiking Path Spans One-Third of Chile and Links Seventeen National Parks

Beginning in Puerto Montt in Chile's Lake District and ending in Cape Horn in the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, the Route of the Parks of Patagonia carries trekkers for 1,740-miles through 17 separate national parks. 

With a total of 11.5 million hectares of protected area and three distinct regions covered, the route offers tourists the chance to experience more than 60 settlements. 

Tompkins Conservation Chile's executive director Carolina Morgado stated that the scenic route's dual purpose—promoting Chile as a destination rich in natural attractions and serving as a model for conservation—led to its creation. The route incorporates existing routes such as the Carretera Austral. 

The Chilean government reclassified 2.2 million hectares of reserves into national parks that are now part of the route after receiving a large donation of land from Tompkins Conservation in 2017. This was done to encourage the development of five new national parks. 

Along the 24 ecosystems that make up the route, hikers can observe 46 species of mammals and 140 species of birds, many of which are in risk of extinction. 

Famous parks include Torres del Paine National Park, famous for its soaring peaks, turquoise icebergs, and glaciers; less-traveled parks include San Rafael Lagoon National Park, which is filled with beautiful snowdrifts and glaciers. 

If you're interested in checking out the new trail, you can find all the information you need on its website. It lists the various parks and the services they offer, such as picnic spots, accommodations, restrooms, and restaurants. You can also discover transit tips and over 50 GPS-mapped trails.