Bernardo O'Higgins National Park, National park in Aysén and Magallanes regions, Chile.
Description
Bernardo O'Higgins National Park is one of Chile's largest protected areas, covering mountainous terrain carved by water and ice. It contains dozens of glaciers spread across the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, with fjords creating a complex network of waterways throughout the region.
History
European explorers first arrived in 1830 and mapped the fjords, establishing the earliest written records of this region. The park's creation in the 20th century formally protected the area and prevented development across the vast landscape.
Culture
The Kawésqar people lived here for thousands of years, building their entire existence around the waterways and glacial landscapes. Their presence shaped how the land is understood today, with their navigation routes and seasonal camps still visible in the fjord system.
Practical
You can only reach the park by boat since no roads connect to it, with travel typically departing from Puerto Natales. Weather conditions change rapidly in this remote location, so bring layers and be prepared for wind and rain at any time of day.
Did you know?
One of the glaciers here is still advancing and expanding, which is unusual since most glaciers worldwide are retreating. This rare behavior makes it an exceptional place to witness how ice responds to natural shifts in the region.
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