Basic ecotouristic information on Pan de Azúcar National Park (Chile) - localization, access, characteristic, fauna and flora, possible activities.
Localization
North Chile; 180 km north of Copiapó, 30 km south of Caňaral.
Access
Easy. There is no public transportation into the park. Pan de Azucar National Park can be reached through three different roads which can be used all year round. First of them is C-120 route that goes from Chañaral to Park’s Management which is about 30 km long, the other one is Route 5 – Panamerican Highway at km 1014, at Las Bombas, you can reach it through a secondary road. Finally also by Route 5 at km 968. Pan de Azúcar Island can be reached by boat from the mainland but passengers are not allowed to leave the boat.
Characteristic
438 km2; Coastal plain, low coastal mountain ridge (up to 800 m) and small islet Isla Pan de Azúcar. There are five big canyons among mountains. Remarkable coastal cliff: with a maximum height of 800 mts. m.s.l.Typical ecosystems: coastal desert moistened only from mists, dry steppe, sea and sea coast, sand dunes. During the spring in rainy years (not every year) - the phenomenon known as "Flowered Desert".
Fauna + Flora
Species List - See the Attachment Below
(Species list may not be complete)
Possible activities
Very good conditions for walking and trekking - there are five official hiking trails within the park.
Fishing, mountaineering, swimminig, diving, sea kayak, mountain bikes
Note
Remains from different precolumbian cultures. The shores of the park have abundant evidence of the settlement of hunter-gatherer groups, and nomadic fishermen, most of which are over 8000 years old.
Best time to visit I-II. Very large temperature oscillation between day and night.
Backcountry camping is not allowed.
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