Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Patagonia Park, located in southern Chile near the town of Cochrane, is a unique private reserve focused on protecting one of Patagonia’s most fragile ecosystems: the Patagonian steppe and Andean temperate forests. Spanning a landscape of rivers, grasslands, mountains, and wetlands, the park is part of a larger vision by Tompkins Conservation to reconnect fragmented habitats by creating one of the largest protected areas in the region. Key ecological features include native lenga and ñirre forests, vast wetlands critical for waterfowl, and open steppes home to guanacos and elusive pumas. Established through the acquisition and restoration of several ranches, Patagonia Park offers visitors a chance to experience remote wilderness areas by hiking, horseback riding, or kayaking. The park features stunning panoramic vistas of the Andes mountains, crystal-clear rivers such as the Cochrane River, and cultural remnants from historic sheep farming operations. Visitors can explore a network of trails that showcase the dramatic seasonal changes from dry, golden grasslands in summer to snowy, tranquil valleys in winter. Wildlife viewing is a highlight, with opportunities to see Andean condors, black-necked swans, and other native birds. Patagonia Park’s commitment to sustainability shines through in its eco-lodges and visitor programs designed to foster conservation-minded tourism. The park serves as a gateway to Chilean Patagonia’s larger wildlands and offers a quieter alternative to more heavily trafficked parks like Torres del Paine. Its blend of conservation, adventure, and remoteness offers a compelling destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking an immersive experience in a lesser-known Patagonian wilderness.
