Basic ecotouristic information on Alberto de Agostini National Park (Chile) - localization, access, characteristic, fauna and flora, possible activities.
Localization
South Chile, Tierra del Fuego - 80 nautical miles south west of Punta Arenas
Access
Quite difficult. No roads lead to the park and most visitors arrive by cruise ship or other boats from Punta Arenas, or else by aeroplane from Puerto Williams.
Characteristic
14 600 km2; Mountainous area of Cordillera Darwin, whose slopes drop precipitously to the sea. The Darwin range is dominated by Monte Darwin and Monte Sarmiento. Several tidewater glaciers and steep fjords form part of this park. The valleys not filled by the sea are covered by glaciers. The largest glacier is the Marinelli Glacier. Another frequently visited glacier is De Agostini Glacier, which is protected by two mountain barriers and whose accessibility can be landed on the ice. The park also comprises the famous and disputed Beagle Channel and the islands Gordon, Londonderry and part of the Hoste Island. The climate of the park is classified as subpolar oceanic climate.Typical ecosystems: subpolar evergreen forest, alpine and arctic biotopes.
Fauna + Flora
Species List - See the Attachment Below
(Species list may not be complete)
Possible activities
Restricted possibilities for walking
Fishing; sailing along fjords
Note
Best time to visit XI-III.
Biosphere reserve of UNESCO
Cordillera Darwin (or Darwin Mountains) are so inaccessible that they were only first fully crossed in 2011 by a French expedition team.