Parque Pirinel Conservation Initiative Opens to the Public

On Saturday, February 14, Parque Pirinel began operating in a partial opening phase. It is a non-profit initiative by Fundación Luksic, and its management will be handled by Outlife.

Located in the municipalities of Panguipulli and Los Lagos, the park takes its name from a watercourse that originates from the volcano and flows into the Enco River.

The park is open from Tuesday to Sunday. Admission is by ticket, which can be purchased on the Outlife website. There will be 120 daily spots available. Admission costs CLP $2,000 for youth aged 13 to 17, CLP $4,000 for adults aged 18 to 59, and is free for people with disabilities, children aged 12 and under, and adults aged 60 and over.

Residents of Choshuenco, Punahue, and Paillahuante will also have free access.

An official opening date has not yet been announced.

Features

The park covers 12,000 hectares and includes more than 10 kilometers of trails and four scenic viewpoints designed for different experience levels.

The Cascada del Pirinel Trail is an inclusive, low-difficulty route. It is an ideal option for families with children, people with limited time, or those seeking a less physically demanding experience.

From the waterfall area, three moderate-difficulty trails connect: Las Vertientes, Del Silencio, and Bosque Antiguo. These trails are interconnected, allowing visitors to design routes based on their available time and energy. Notably, the Coihue Centenario connection links Las Vertientes with Bosque Antiguo.

All routes end at a common point called La Raulicera, a natural amphitheater overlooking the Mocho-Choshuenco Volcanic Complex.

Nicolás Mora, Director of Conservation at Fundación Luksic, said: “We are very excited about this project. We have spent more than three years working alongside experts and neighboring communities to shape a park dedicated to conservation and science, contributing to the protection of Chile’s biodiversity.”

He added: “Seeing it open to the public today is a major step in that dream. We are very happy with the reception it has received. We hope that visitors can experience the extraordinary nature of this place and, through that experience, feel inspired to protect it.”

According to information published by Outlife on its website, the park has been developed with infrastructure focused on conservation and on ensuring a safe and enriching visitor experience.

They specify that this includes marked trails for trekking, strategically located rest areas, observation points for viewing flora and fauna, and interpretive and directional signage that guides and educates visitors about the natural environment and best practices in nature.

The design and installation plan for these elements was the result of multidisciplinary work carried out in collaboration with Fundación Luksic and all stakeholders involved in the project.

Conservation

The area chosen for the park is of great ecological importance due to its biodiversity and the fact that it is home to a huge variety of unique species and ecosystems. Among the main conservation targets, they explained, are the pudú, Darwin’s frog, the temperate rainforest, and the mountain peaks that provide vital water to the region.

Species living in this area that are classified as endangered include the southern river otter (huillín), the carmelita bird, the peladilla fish, and Darwin’s frog. All are part of Chile’s natural heritage, and their protection is considered a priority.

Additionally, ten species in the area are classified as vulnerable, requiring ongoing and committed conservation efforts to ensure their survival.

In this context, the park’s aim is to dedicate these lands to science and conservation. The park seeks to consolidate a space that not only protects biodiversity but also promotes knowledge and research as the basis for more sustainable development in Chile.

In line with this, and based on the belief that people take better care of what they know, the Park considers itself a protected area open to the public for educational purposes, focused on raising awareness of local biodiversity and ecosystems.

Pets, smoking, and drones are not permitted in the park.

Positive Reception

This private conservation initiative was welcomed by Alberto Tacón, Regional Director of the Biodiversity and Protected Areas Service, who noted that the park “is located within a biosphere reserve, significantly contributing to the conservation of our country’s biodiversity.”

He added that it “could be incorporated into the National System of Protected Areas as a private protected area, should its owners request it, or in the future implement other biodiversity conservation instruments established under Law 21.600.”

Juan Pablo Leiva, Regional Director of the National Tourism Service (Sernatur), also commented that the development of new facilities, equipment, and attractions “is a necessity for any growing destination.”

He said this “allows us to diversify the offer, ease congestion at other points of interest, make us more competitive, and add new reasons to visit.”

He further emphasized that private investment is fundamental in this process and expressed hope that, alongside new attractions, the availability of accommodations and other services will continue to grow in order to attract visitors year-round.

Information

All information about Parque Pirinel — including the park’s ecosystem guide, pollinator guide, and forest shelter guide — is available online.

A link to purchase tickets is also provided. Visitors are advised to book in advance.