History of Pumalín Park
In 1989, Douglas Tompkins walked beneath the ancient alerce trees that now comprise Pumalín National Park. At that time, these Patagonian lands belonged to various ranchers who had acquired the territory in the 1920s and had either abandoned it or used it for cattle ranching and timber harvesting.
Douglas, along with his partner Kristine Tompkins, understood the importance of local biodiversity and from 1991 they began acquiring thousands of hectares in order to conserve and protect them, transforming the territory into a Nature Sanctuary in 2005.
Durante muchos años, la Fundación Tompkins Conservation- hoy Rewilding Chile– trabajó para la adquisición de territorios en la Patagonia con el sueño de donarlos al Sistema de Parques Nacionales de Chile.
For many years, the Tompkins Conservation Foundation—now Rewilding Chile—worked to acquire land in Patagonia with the dream of donating it to Chile’s National Parks System.
Despite the enormous controversy and suspicion surrounding this project, in 2018, the largest land donation from a private individual to a state in human history took place, handing over 403,000 hectares across various areas of Patagonia. This gave rise to Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park.
Pumalín Park
Pumalín means “place of water,” from the Huilliche language (Pu: place / malín: marsh, flooded area). The unique ecosystem that this park harbors consists of temperate rainforests—also locally called Valdivian rainforest—in a geography interrupted by fjords and volcanoes, which remained isolated by ice during the thousands of years of the last glaciation, generating high levels of endemism in the area (species found only in this place).
The park’s forests contain 25% of the ancient alerce trees that still survive in Chile and are home to numerous species in conservation categories.
There are many good reasons to visit Pumalín National Park and hike its trails. Here are a few:
– Scenic Beauty: The park is home to a wide variety of landscapes, including ancient forests, waterfalls, lakes, and fjords. The park’s trails offer stunning views of these natural wonders, making it a great destination for photography and nature lovers.
– Biodiversity: Pumalín National Park is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, including many that are endangered or threatened. By visiting the park and hiking its trails, you can get a close look at these incredible species and learn about their unique characteristics and habitats.
– Physical Activity: Hiking the trails of Pumalín National Park is a great way to exercise and enjoy the outdoors. The park has trails of varying difficulty, so you can choose a route that suits your fitness level.
– Supporting the Local Community: Traveling to and exploring Pumalín National Park is a great way to support the local economy and promote responsible tourism. By visiting the park and participating in activities such as hiking, you can help generate income for the local community and support the park’s conservation efforts.
In short, visiting Pumalín National Park and hiking its trails is an excellent way to experience the beauty and diversity of the natural world, learn about different cultures, and get some exercise!