Reserva Nacional Futaleufù, Chile

Reserva Nacional Futaleufú

is in northern Patagonia of Chile. Located in the Palena Province of the Los Lagos Region, the eastern and southern boundaries are defined by the international border of Chile and Argentina. With 12,000 hectares (120.65 km2), this lush and species rich reserve offers a vibrant ecosystem. The protected landscape contains the headwaters of the Rio Chico and Rio Espolón, which is a tributary of the infamous Rio Futaleufú, which has carved out this impressive valley. Las Escalas sector (the stairs), depicts the rolling hills and dipping valleys which then rise to the mountains and creates the border with Argentina. The reserve was created to shelter many endangered species and includes the highest occurrence of the endangered southern Andean deer (Huemul), which is endemic to Patagonia. Along with the huemul, the endangered Cypress tree can be found here. There are also countless bird species including the endangered Andean cóndor. The Argentinian wild cat and puma can also be found roaming the dense vegetation. It is important in the further preservation of these species that areas such as the reserve continue to prevent habitat destruction and fragmentation. Located only 5 km from the small town of Futaleufú, the reserve was established in 41 1998 by the Ministry of National Assets to protect the species such as the Huemul. Now managed by the Chilean National Park Service (CONAF), the reserve welcomes hundreds of people a year. The homesteaders of this remote area of Patagonia rely on the land and each other to create rich history of agriculture and ranching. The Carretera Austral (Chile’s major highway) finally reached the small town in the 1980s creating easier access for resources and tourism. A major source of tourism comes from the draw to the renowned rivers for kayaking and rafting, plus world-class trout fishing. Popular hikes within the park give way to beautiful overlooks. Mirador el Cóndor and Mirador Futaleufú are hikes which are accessible to many ability levels. Other areas of the park can be accessed through hikes, biking, and horseback. The reserve dedicates itself to the protection of these scenic views and the rivers which impress themselves upon the land. Current political enterprises concerning resource extraction along the Rio Espolón and Rio Futaleufú have shown inconsistencies with the proposed management of these rivers. While the Rio Futaleufú is globally cherished, it has yet to reach a worthy protection status. The Rio Espolón is threatened by mining practices as well as unresolved historic pollution. Upstream of the reserve, the Rio Futaleufú and Rio Espolón are threatened by potential damming and continued pollution. “A landscape painted by God” is how this area is described on the welcome sign into town. The Reserva Nacional Futaleufú is an incredible, natural masterpiece worthy of protection and admiration. From the biodiversity to the ravishing turquoise waters, the traditions of this land and the unique character of the surrounding areas, Reserva Nacional Futaleufú dedicates itself to the continuing protection of this wild slice of Patagonia.