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Bernardo O'Higgins National Park

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Bernardo O'Higgins National Park (Chile)

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Bernardo O'Higgins National Park is the largest protected area in Chile, spanning a massive 3.5 million hectares across the Aysén and Magallanes regions. Established in 1969, it encompasses a significant portion of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, one of the world's largest freshwater reserves. The park is home to the majestic Pío XI Glacier, also known as Brüggen Glacier, which is the largest glacier in the Southern Hemisphere outside of Antarctica and is notably one of the few expanding glaciers globally. Its geography is characterized by intricate fjord systems, steep mountain peaks, and remote island archipelagos. The subantarctic climate supports hardy vegetation such as Magellanic forests, while the fauna includes the endangered South Andean deer, or Huemul, and the sea otter. Due to its extreme ruggedness and lack of road infrastructure, the park is primarily accessible by sea. This isolation has preserved its pristine wilderness, making it a crucial site for glaciological research and the conservation of Patagonian biodiversity.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C44320-2-3-20123
Rain mm181141176187185181150162134160167178

📋 Practical info

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Best season
Bernardo O'Higgins National Park is best accessed from December to March when the fjords are ice-free. The southern summer brings milder temperatures and optimal wildlife viewing along the coast.
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Best time of day
Early morning is when huemul deer are most active, grazing on the slopes. Calm mornings also offer the best reflections of glaciers in the fjords.
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Etiquette
Keep a large distance from huemul deer as they are critically endangered and easily disturbed. Disembarking from boats at unauthorized locations is not allowed.
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What to bring
Warm, windproof clothing and waterproof boots are essential for exploring the fjords and coastlines. A good pair of binoculars is important for observing elephant seals and birds at a distance.
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Getting there
The park is only accessible by boat, typically from Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas. Several shipping companies offer multi-day expeditions through the glacial fjords.
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What to expect
Huemul deer are very shy and rarely sighted. Be patient and don't rely solely on wildlife - the pristine nature is equally impressive.

Geography

Coordinates
-49.00000, -73.95000

Facts

  • Chile's largest national park: 3.5 million hectares
  • Established in: 1969
  • Home to Pío XI Glacier: Largest in the Southern Hemisphere
  • Geography: Includes the Southern Patagonian Ice Field
  • Endangered species: South Andean Huemul
  • Accessibility: Primarily by boat through the fjords

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Caleta TortelCaleta Tortel60 km · NEExplore →
Laguna San RafaelLaguna San Rafael72 km · EExplore →
Cerro TorreCerro Torre95 km · NExplore →
Cerro Fitz RoyCerro Fitz Roy101 km · NExplore →
El ChalténEl Chaltén119 km · NExplore →
Torres del PaineTorres del Paine123 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Bernardo O'Higgins National Park (1)

Greve Lake📍 landmark

Lake in Bernardo O'Higgins National Park, Chile, surrounded by glaciers and Patagonian vegetation.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What makes this park so unique?
It is Chile's largest national park and home to a large part of the Southern Ice Field.
How can you visit the park?
Almost exclusively by boat from Puerto Natales or Puerto Chacabuco to see the glaciers.
Which glaciers are the most famous?
The Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers are popular destinations for day boat trips.
Can you see animals?
With luck, you might see huemuls (South Andean deer) or condors circling over the fjords.
Is it very cold in the park?
Yes, due to the proximity to the ice and the winds in the fjords, it is often quite chilly.
Bernardo O'Higgins National Park: where is it located?
Bernardo O'Higgins National Park is located in Chile.
Bernardo O'Higgins National Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Bernardo O'Higgins National Park: why is it worth visiting?
Bernardo O'Higgins National Park is the largest protected area in Chile, spanning a massive 3.5 million hectares across the Aysén and Magallanes regions.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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History & landmarks

Torres del Paine — Bernardo O'Higgins National Park (Chile)
Torres del Paine
A world-famous national park in Patagonia with striking granite peaks and glaciers.
Caleta Tortel — Bernardo O'Higgins National Park (Chile)
Caleta Tortel
Unique Patagonian village at the mouth of the Baker River with no traditional roads, where houses are connected exclusively by cypress wo…
Laguna San Rafael — Bernardo O'Higgins National Park (Chile)
Laguna San Rafael
A spectacular national park famous for its glacier calving into the lagoon.

Nature

Torres del Paine National Park — Bernardo O'Higgins National Park (Chile)
Torres del Paine National Park
A world-renowned wilderness area in the Patagonian region with granite peaks, glaciers, and lakes.
Tierra del Fuego National Park — Bernardo O'Higgins National Park (Chile)
Tierra del Fuego National Park
A southern natural paradise in Tierra del Fuego, famous for its pristine forests, mountains, and proximity to the end of the world.

More places

Milodon Cave — Bernardo O'Higgins National Park (Chile)
Milodon Cave
A natural cave in Patagonia famous for the discovery of remains of the extinct giant sloth and early human habitation.
Port of Punta Arenas — Bernardo O'Higgins National Park (Chile)
Port of Punta Arenas
The main port in the Magallanes Region, serving Antarctic traffic and regional trade.
Fort Bulnes — Bernardo O'Higgins National Park (Chile)
Fort Bulnes
A historical Chilean fort located by the Strait of Magellan, established in 1843 to secure territorial claims.
Los Pingüinos Natural Monument — Bernardo O'Higgins National Park (Chile)
Los Pingüinos Natural Monument
An important protected area on Magdalena Island in southern Chile serving as a breeding ground for over 60,000 Magellanic penguins.
Alberto de Agostini National Park — Bernardo O'Higgins National Park (Chile)
Alberto de Agostini National Park
A biosphere reserve at the end of the world in Tierra del Fuego, protecting the deep fjords of the Darwin Cordillera and numerous marine …