W ' TAILOR MADE JOURNEYS The Route of Parks THE HEART OF PATAGONIA FORWARDTRAVEL.COM.AU Welcome to one of the greatest conservation stories of all time, and the world’s most scenic route. The Route of Parks was born from an amazing vision - to protect and promote the natural beauty and heritage of Chilean Patagonia. 30 years in the making, Route of the Parks has now come to fruition thanks to an unwavering dedication and passion for conservation and the biggest private land donation in history from Tompkins Conservation. With over four million hectares of national parkland, roughly the size of Switzerland, the route stretches 2,800km, through 17 National Parks in Chile's far south. It is longer than Australia is wide! It is packed with pristine landscapes, fragile ecosystems, rich history, and diverse culture. All in one unforgettable experience. It is deisgned to protect the environment, to foster tourism that safeguards the natural and cultural riches which helps the economic development of local Patagonian communities, and continues the vision. We have been closely following the progress of the Park, and the above picture is our Director, Rose visiting the park in 2016 for a first hand look at it. We're looking Forward to planning your journey there soon. 1300 738 168 FORWARDTRAVEL.COM.AU WHAT IS THE ROUTE ? INTRODUCING SOME OF THE PARKS The Route of Parks is a one of the World's greatest conservation initiatives. A scenic route through Chilean Patagonia spanning 2,800 ALERCE ANDINO NATIONAL PARK, LOS LAGOS kilometres of pristine landscapes, fragile ecosystems, and diverse lo- The forests are a global icon of endemic fauna, one in three species in this forest cal cultures. is not found anywhere else on the planet. VerticalHIDDEN walls LODGES of granite surround the park’s fifty or so lagoons, and its rugged geography has long protected millennia- It stretches through 17 National Parks from Puerto Montt and Cape old Alerce (Fitzroya) trees that grow over more than half of the park’s surface. Horn in Chile’s far south. The pristine landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and more than 60 local PUMALÍN DOUGLAS TOMPKINS NATIONAL PARK communities, make this a one-of-a kind journey. The deep forests of Pumalín reach all the way to the fjords, creating one of the The Route of Parks also protects nature and fosters the economic most spectacular coastlines on the planet. Hundreds of waterfalls cascade down development of local Patagonian communities. from glaciers, and Chaitén Volcanoes crown the landscape. The ancient trees’ 3,000 years of life help to tell a timeless story of this pristine ecosystem, tucked HOW WAS THE ROUTE OF PARKS CREATED? in the Palena Province. In March of 2017, Tompkins Conservation signed an unprecedented agreement with the Chilean government. QUEULAT NATIONAL PARK, AYSÉN The foundation donated more than one million acres to create five This park was first seen in the eighteenth century by Jesuits searching for the new National Parks (Pumalín Douglas Tompkins, Melimoyu, Cerro mythical City of the Caesars. Today, Queulat National Park, is admired by Castillo, Patagonia, and Kawésqar), and expand three others already in thousands of visitors each year, who are attracted by its beautiful evergreen and existence (Hornopirén, Corcovado, and Isla Magdalena). To achieve this, Andean Patagonian forests, its waterfalls, fjords, jagged rock walls, abundant riv- the Chilean government also contributed nearly 2.5 million acres and ers, and famous hanging glacier or Ventisquero Colgante which can be seen from reclassified 5.4 million acres of nature reserves as National Parks. the Carretera Austral. These new National Parks, along with those already in existence, PARQUE NACIONAL CERRO CASTILLO, AYSÉN helped to form the Patagonian Route of Parks: 28 million acres of pro- The magnificent Cerro Castillo peak lies 7,605 feet above Coyhaique, and in the tected land in 17 National Parks––the equivalent of three times the area surrounding it, you’ll find a trekking circuit that has been named one of the size of Switzerland, or more than twice the size of Costa Rica. most beautiful in all Chile. The forests are home to rare Huemules (South An- dean Deer) and the hanging glaciers form lagoons with bright turquoise waters, THE VISION giving colour and life to a unique landscape that captivates visitors from around To be recognised as the most important conservation route in the the world. world, promoting Chile as a pristine natural destination for outdoor tourism as well as becoming an international model for ecologically PATAGONIA NATIONAL PARK, AYSÉN minded economic development. This is Patagonian steppe in all its splendor––mountain ranges, Lenga and Ñirre forests that burst with red in fall, active wildlife, and dozens of spectacular THE PURPOSE lagoons and lakes, such as Cochrane and Jeinimeni, which nourish these land- Promote and protect the natural and cultural heritage of the Chilean scapes of overwhelming beauty. All this helps to tell the story of one of the Patagonia and the 17 National Parks that make up the route, in addi- most important ecosystem restoration projects in the country. tion to fostering economic development through tourism that safe- guards the natural riches of this special place. BERNARDO O’HIGGINS NATIONAL PARK, MAGALLANES Chile’s largest park, and one of the largest in the world, the parks 49 glaciers THE GOALS make up part to fthe 3rd largest hold of water on the planet.Pío XI is the largest To connect the largest number of National Parks in the world, and glacier in the southern hemisphere and the only one in the region that is not re- inspire local communities to value and protect their natural heritage, ceding. Travel by boat to find the marine life and explore the ancestral homeland making it as a source of belonging and pride using conservation to of the Kaweskar people. encourage tourism. The route comprises protects more than 90% of Chile. It features more TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK, MAGALLANES 28 million acres of oristine ecosystems, home to many species of Declared the Eighth Wonder of the World and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this flora and fauna at risk of extinction. is one of the most beautiful mountains on the planet. Formed around 12 million The route helps more the 60 local communities, through ecologically years ago, this geologic work of art is a magnet for trekking and climbing aficio- minded tourism, spurring investment and employments well as the nados, Turquoise lakes, pristine glaciers, gorgeous forests, and striking pampas, local job market, with the hope of each dollar invested to return six to are home to Pumas ten dollars to the local economy. CABO DE HORNOS NATIONAL PARK, MAGALLANES THE RESULT The only place in the world where the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans meet, Cape An inspiring, exciting and amazing travel adventure waiting for you. Horn’s history is steeped in the legends of hundreds of sailors who set out upon its waters in search of the planet’s southernmost point. The park is home to a We are thrilled to introduce the Route to you and hope to help you surprising diversity of marine birds, and sub-Antarctic forests, which adapt to discover it for yourself as well. the gale-force winds. 1300 738 168 FORWARDTRAVEL.COM.AU THE CARRETERA AUSTRAL: THE SPINE OF PATAGONIA PUMALIN PARK MARBLE One of the largest conservation areas in South America, Pumalín protects 715,000 acres of forest, A peninsula of solid marble, slowly from the ocean to the Andes, with a grand and wild landscape. The network eroded by waves for 6,000 years is of trails and waterways let you explore now a labyrinth of marble caves. Their with ease. walls sparkle with reflections of the blue, changing with the light water level. You can drop your car at Balmmaceda airport, or DAY 13. VILLA O’HIGGINS (B) This is a suggestion for the full Carretera Austral. The Northern part takes you The Carretera Austral stay in Coyhaique to continue your journey south. Day at leisure. We highly recommend taking the on an unforgettable driving adventure through breathtaking landscapes, forests and is the road from Puerto Montt to Villa trip to the great O’Higgins Glacier. ferries. Raft the fast-flowing Futaleufú River, be amazed by the impressive hanging DAY 8. RIO TRANQUILO O'Higgins. glacier at Queulat National Park. Make the most of your time and freedom, lingering Driving south the pampa gives way to green DAY 14. PATAGAONIA NATIONAL PARK (B) longer in places you like. Then head south to the glaciers and hidden valleys in the forests and incredible peaks. Stop to admire the Drive north to the hidden jewel of the It meanders through The Route of The views at Cerro Castillo, with its unique shape and Chacabuco Valley: Park Patagonia is heart of Patagonia. Trek to Cerro Castillo, an oddly-shaped hill that resembles a castle QUELAT NAT'L PARK Parks, using ferries to cross stretches beauty of making it one of the most iconic and a conservation project preserving and of rock and ice. Cruise, glide, or paddle on a lake where water has carved caves out of of water in some parts. eye-catching mountains in the area. After time to protecting the area. Staying here you will see the marble. Drive to the end of the road at Villa O’Higgins, and take some rest in the enjoy the scene, continue to Rio Tranquillo. guanacos everywhere, and if lucky you may magificent Patagonia National Park on the way back. even glimpse a puma. The road is famously long and gas DAY 9. MARBLE CAVES - PUERTO GUADAL (B) sta-tions are few and far between, so Take a morning boat trip through the marble DAY 15.