Otoño in Pumalín Park

Pumalín Park (Parque Pumalín Douglas Tompkins) is one of Chile's most significant conservation achievements — over 400,000 hectares of protected temperate rainforest, ancient alerce groves, and volcanic landscapes in the northern Aysén region. Created through the vision of American conservationist Douglas Tompkins and now a Chilean national park, it represents one of the largest private-to-public land donations in history.

Autumn, from marzo through mayo, reveals Pumalín at its most atmospheric. The park's dense rainforest — among the wettest ecosystems in South America — takes on a mystical quality as otoño mists thread through the canopy and colores otoñales emerge among the predominantly evergreen forest. The deciduous understory and scattered lenga trees provide splashes of gold and amber against the deep green of coigüe, alerce, and cypress.

The park stretches along the Carretera Austral south of Chaitén, offering multiple access points and a variety of trails. The most celebrated hike leads through an ancient alerce grove where trees over 3,000 years old tower overhead. Other trails lead to waterfalls, volcanic craters, and the Termas de Cahuelmó termas — natural piscinas termales set in pristine forest.

marzo is the most accessible month, with mild temperatures and most trails and facilities operational. abril brings cooler conditions, more rain, and menos visitantes, but the forest atmosphere is extraordinary. By mayo, the park grows very quiet with some campings closing, but the trails and termas permanecen accesibles for prepared travelers.

The park's infrastructure — including well-maintained trails, campsites, and informational signage — reflects Tompkins' vision of accessible wilderness, making it manageable for independent travelers despite its remote location.