Parque Tantauco is located in the farthest and wildest territory of the Great Island of the Chiloé Archipelago, in what is reckoned as the northern border of Chilean Patagonia –in the nether regions of the world. It is made up of evergreen forests, millennial cypress groves, bog plains from the last glacial period, and imposing lakes and rivers, all along a 118,000-hectare territory.
Tantauco concentrates a formidable diversity of flora and fauna, including many endangered species. On this account, the zone has been declared one of the 35 key sites of biodiversity on Earth, as well as distinguished as a priority conservation spot in Chile.
Among the Park’s attractions we may count its trails, bridges and lookouts. They connect the visitor with this magnificent geography, and the flora, fauna and the variety of landscapes it holds.
Parque Tantauco is in fact one of the best trekking spots in Chile. At this point, the trails add up to over 140 kilometers, combining different difficulty levels depending on the distance, topography and duration of the route.
How to get to Tantauco
Tantauco is located in southern Chile at 1,200 km. of Santiago, in the commune of Quellón, on the Isla Grande de Chiloé.
It can be accessed by land to Yaldad and Chaiguata. There is a signposted crossing on Ruta 5 Sur, 14 kms. north of the city of Quellón. From this junction, continue 18 km by gravel road to the Yaldad, where there is a Visitor Center and short trails. If you continue 20 km. more, you will reach the area of Lake Chaiguata where the campsite, domes and short trails are located. The road is suitable for ideally high vehicles such as vans, jeep or high cars, it is not necessary 4 × 4. The trip between Quellón and Chaiguata lasts approximately two to three hours (one way) and from Castro lasts between three and four hours (one way).
It is also accessed by air or sea to Caleta Inío: the most isolated town on the Island of Chiloé, where the guest house is located, the campsite, the nursery and the museum of Inío. The route overlies much of the south of the island of Chiloé and takes 40 minutes from the Castro airfield. The option to arrive by sea must be managed by the visitor (write us to find out how to do this).
Map of the Park
