Península de Hualpén Nature Sanctuary, Nature reserve near Concepción, Chile
This nature reserve stretches along the coast south of Concepción and combines rocky cliffs, sandy beaches, native forests, and ocean habitats into one continuous landscape. The different terrain types support various plants and animals that depend on both land and sea environments.
The peninsula received formal protection in 1976 to safeguard its ecosystems and species facing extinction. A museum was later established to document the region's natural history and cultural importance.
The local names reflect connections to the Mapuche peoples who inhabited this region for centuries. Visitors can sense how the coastal landscape remains central to the community's relationship with nature.
Multiple beach entrances provide access to the reserve, with areas like Rocoto, Los Burros, and Lenga offering space for walking and wildlife watching. Spring and summer months are ideal for visiting, as weather conditions are milder and pathways are easier to navigate.
From November through March, several whale species use the waters off the peninsula as a migration corridor along the Pacific coast. This makes it one of the few spots on Chile's coast where visitors can regularly see these large marine mammals passing by.
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