Nahuelbuta National Park, Nature reserve in Purén, Chile
Nahuelbuta National Park is a nature reserve in the Coastal Mountain Range that spans thousands of hectares and reaches elevations above 1,500 meters. The park features steep slopes, dense forests with ancient monkey puzzle trees, and multiple trails suited for different hiking abilities.
The park was established in 1939 to protect the ancient ecosystem and prehistoric-looking forests from logging. This designation marked a turning point in safeguarding the region's natural landscape from further environmental damage.
The name Nahuelbuta comes from the Mapuche language, meaning 'big tiger,' reflecting the indigenous heritage of this mountain region. Visitors experience places that honor this connection to local communities and their relationship with the land.
The park is accessible through several entrances, with the main one offering information centers and overnight facilities easily reached by road. Visitors should wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water, as weather at higher elevations can change quickly.
The area is home to rare species like Darwin's fox, small deer, and carnivorous plants adapted to the mountain environment. These specialized communities developed through the park's isolated location and altitude, making wildlife encounters unusual and memorable.
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