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This reserve,
located in the Palena Province in the 10th Region and just
24 km. (15 miles) from the town of Palena, extends over 49,415
hectares (118,596 acres). High mountain peaks, ice caps, and
a lenga forest that stretches to the cold lake waters are
the dominating features of this park's landscape. Palena Lake
is geographically considered the first lake in this region
of Chile to be shared by two countries, Chile and Argentina.
Crossing the Andes into Argentina it is called General Vintter
Lake.
You must ask CONAF for authorization to enter the park, either
directly in Chaiten or through the Municipality of Palena.
We recommend that you hire a guide and take along at least
one cargo horse.
Due to the difficult access and weather conditions (up to
4,000 mm/158 in. of annual precipitation), the CONAF park
rangers are only present in the summertime in the Vista Hermosa
Valley and the "Carabineros" or Chilean Police Force
is present in the Zancudo Valley. Access through Chilean territory
is by a trail that is only suitable for horses and hikers.
In El Azul Valley there are local tour operators that provide
horse rental and eco tourism guides. You can also access Argentina
by a gravel road that reaches the shores of Vintter Lake.
The characteristics of the lake make it ideal for fishing
along with a variety of other excursions that park rangers
can tell you about. |
Location
Southern border of the Lakes Region, Palena Province,
24 km (15 miles) from the town of Palena. Location
How to get there
You need previous authorization
from CONAF in Chaiten or from the Municipality of Palena.
You can only enter on horseback. From the end of the road
that comes out of California Valley, there is a trail
for horses or hiking.
When to go
In the summer.
Other nearby attractions
Palena River, Azul River, El Tranquilo River,
Mt. La Bandera, El Malito, El Azul Valley, California
Valley, El Salto trail, Palena River Heritage Route.
Activities
Hiking,
flora and fauna observation,
recreational fishing, horseback
riding, sea kayaking,
photography. Activities
Section
Weather
A tundra climate is present in this region,
effects of high altitudes and high areas near volcanoes
and other high elevations that surpass 1,500 m (4,920
feet) above sea level. The rainiest time of year is generally
between April and August (over 50% of the total annual
precipitation) and the driest months are September, October,
and February (10% of the total annual precipitation).
Services
Park Rangers,
guides, accommodations (Palena), transportation. |
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