La Campana National Park, National park in Olmue, Chile
La Campana is a national park in Marga Marga Province and Quillota Province, Chile, protecting Mediterranean forests and mountain landscapes. The area covers 80 square kilometers and contains trails leading up to the summit of Cerro La Campana at 1,880 meters.
Charles Darwin explored the terrain in 1834 during the HMS Beagle expedition, recording observations about flora and fauna. The area was later designated as protected land in the 20th century and recognized by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve.
The name La Campana refers to the bell shape of the main summit, clearly visible from the coast. Hikers today follow paths Darwin traversed almost two centuries ago, and many pause at spots where he made notes about native vegetation.
The park has two main entrances: Sector Granizo in Olmué and Sector Ocoa, both equipped with parking and information centers. Hikers should start early since ascents can take several hours and midday heat becomes intense during summer.
The reserve protects one of the last forests of Jubaea chilensis, the Chilean Wine Palm, which can reach heights up to 25 meters (82 feet). This slow-growing palm takes decades to reach full size, and many specimens here are several centuries old.
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