Magallanes y de la Antártica Chilena Region

Basaltic lava and ash, archaeologically significant caves, and glacial landscapes define the Magallanes y de la Antártica Chilena Region. Destinations include national parks and natural monuments with diverse landscapes and ways to visit. When planning your trip, it is worth considering both the experiences you want and how to get to each destination.

Glaciers, volcanic rock, and wildlife

At Pali Aike National Park, Escorial del Diablo encompasses an area covered by a thick layer of basaltic lava and ash. It is considered especially attractive for its scenery and scientific interest. At Bernardo O’Higgins National Park, mountains, ice fields, fjords, and glaciers define the landscape; the park is also home to important wild animal and plant species.

Alberto de Agostini National Park is shaped mainly by the Darwin Mountain Range. There, pristine forests and glaciers meet a mountain range indented by bays and channels that can be circumnavigated. Protected species in the park include leopard seals, whales, sea lions, elephant seals, Peale’s dolphins, and Chilean dolphins, also known as toninas.

In the wider destination of Chile, the Paine Mountain Range is the main attraction of Torres del Paine National Park. Its formations were shaped more than twelve million years ago by the advance and retreat of glaciers. For landscape history, the Paine Mountain Range in the wider destination of Chile offers a different focus from the archaeologically significant caves of the Milodon Cave Natural Monument in the Magallanes y de la Antártica Chilena Region.

Trails, caves, and visitor facilities

Pali Aike National Park has hiking trails, picnic and rest areas, an information center, and public toilets. Camping is not permitted within the park. The Milodon Cave Natural Monument is of archaeological value and includes, among other sites, Milodon Cave, Cueva del Medio, and Cueva Chica, as well as several rock shelters. On-site facilities include an environmental information center, toilets, picnic areas, and trails; souvenirs and snacks are also sold.

The Cueva Grande trail at the Milodon Cave Natural Monument was designed for people with reduced mobility. With assistance, it is suitable for wheelchairs as far as the viewpoint inside the cave. A limited section of the main trail inside the main cave is closed until December 31, 2026; the natural monument as a whole remains open to visitors. Take this notice into account when planning your visit.

At Bernardo O’Higgins National Park, a 1,200-meter hiking trail beside Lago Serrano leads to a viewpoint. The trail is of moderate to low difficulty; 250 meters have been adapted for people with reduced mobility. The different trail lengths and conditions provide practical guidance when planning hikes as part of your trip.

Getting there and planning your trip

Pali Aike National Park can be reached via international route 255-CH. At kilometer 168, the road branches off toward Punta Delgada. From Puerto Natales, access to the Milodon Cave Natural Monument is via Ruta 9 Norte and then Ruta Y-290 to the protected area entrance. Road conditions and access details may change; check them before setting out.

Getting to Bernardo O’Higgins National Park is different: it can only be reached by water, from Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales, or Puerto Montt. Travel follows designated tourist navigation routes operated by various travel agencies. As routes and transport availability may vary, check the details before planning. When choosing where to stay, it is helpful to first decide which destinations and types of visits will shape your trip.

Antarctic connections and regional cuisine

In the wider destination of Chile, Punta Arenas is considered a strategic base for exploring Antarctica. Also in the wider destination of Chile, Puerto Natales offers cuisine specializing in lamb and king crab.

Discover more destinations: Magallanes Province, Última Esperanza Province, Tierra del Fuego Province, Laguna Blanca, Antártica Chilena Province, Los Lagos Region, Valparaíso, Bío-Bío.

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