Parque Nacional La Campana

Parque Nacional La Campana is a protected area in Chile.

Parque Nacional La Campana at a Glance

Location
Central Chile & Valleys, Chile, Central & South America
Coordinates
-32.966340, -71.083275
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Moderate
Malaria Risk
Moderate

Getting to Parque Nacional La Campana

Nearest airport: Aeródromo Olmué (SCOM), 9 km away.

Nearest international airport: Aeropuerto Internacional Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL), 54 km away.

Weather & Climate in Parque Nacional La Campana

The warmest temperatures in Parque Nacional La Campana occur in February, averaging 19.4°C (up to 25.1°C). The coolest conditions are in August at 10.6°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in March with average rainfall of 0.9mm. Average humidity: 56.7%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 18.9°C (rainfall: 7.1mm)
  • February: 19.4°C (rainfall: 1.6mm)
  • March: 18.5°C (rainfall: 0.9mm)
  • April: 15.6°C (rainfall: 19.4mm)
  • May: 13.3°C (rainfall: 24.9mm)
  • June: 11.1°C (rainfall: 103.4mm)
  • July: 10.7°C (rainfall: 51.8mm)
  • August: 10.6°C (rainfall: 84.3mm)
  • September: 11.7°C (rainfall: 22.6mm)
  • October: 13.8°C (rainfall: 17.5mm)
  • November: 15.9°C (rainfall: 7.8mm)
  • December: 18.1°C (rainfall: 2.2mm)

Best Time to Visit Parque Nacional La Campana

The best months to visit Parque Nacional La Campana are January, February, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 18.95°C, rainfall 7.1mm, sunshine 13.7 hrs, humidity 56.8%
  • February: Great, temperature 19.41°C, rainfall 1.6mm, sunshine 12.7 hrs, humidity 57%
  • March: Great, temperature 18.52°C, rainfall 0.9mm, sunshine 11.7 hrs, humidity 56.7%
  • April: Great, temperature 15.64°C, rainfall 19.4mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 60.1%
  • May: Good, temperature 13.32°C, rainfall 24.9mm, sunshine 8.6 hrs, humidity 60.1%
  • June: Poor, temperature 11.12°C, rainfall 103.4mm, sunshine 6.7 hrs, humidity 65.7%
  • July: Good, temperature 10.67°C, rainfall 51.8mm, sunshine 8.3 hrs, humidity 63.4%
  • August: Good, temperature 10.57°C, rainfall 84.3mm, sunshine 8.7 hrs, humidity 70.9%
  • September: Good, temperature 11.65°C, rainfall 22.6mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 71.9%
  • October: Great, temperature 13.79°C, rainfall 17.5mm, sunshine 11.7 hrs, humidity 66%
  • November: Great, temperature 15.87°C, rainfall 7.8mm, sunshine 12.5 hrs, humidity 60.9%
  • December: Great, temperature 18.05°C, rainfall 2.2mm, sunshine 13.6 hrs, humidity 56.1%

Wildlife in Parque Nacional La Campana

Home to 49 recorded species including 21 waterbirds, 20 birds of prey, 5 iconic birds, 2 predators, 1 tropical birds.

Recommended Packing List for Parque Nacional La Campana

Based on average temperature of 14.8°C, typical conditions, humidity 62%.

  • Layered clothing - recommended for 15°C temperatures
  • Fleece or warm jacket - essential for cool mornings and evenings
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Parque Nacional La Campana

47 safari lodges available.

Other

budget

luxury

Similar Parks in Central Chile & Valleys

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Chile

Travel advisory for Chile

Parque Nacional La Campana FAQs

What is the ideal time of year to visit Parque Nacional La Campana for hiking and enjoying its natural beauty?

The best time to visit is during the Chilean spring (September to November) or autumn (March to May). These seasons offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and less rainfall, making trails more accessible and enjoyable. Summer (December to February) can be very hot, especially on exposed trails.

What unique wildlife and activities can I expect at Parque Nacional La Campana, distinct from typical safaris?

Parque Nacional La Campana is renowned for its unique Chilean palm forest and diverse birdlife, including the Magellanic woodpecker and various raptors, rather than large mammals. Visitors primarily engage in hiking to summits like Cerro La Campana, offering panoramic views, or exploring the Ocoa sector to see the ancient palm groves.

Given the moderate malaria risk in the region, what specific health precautions are recommended for visitors to Parque Nacional La Campana?

While the risk is moderate, it's advisable to consult your doctor about antimalarial medication before your trip. Additionally, use insect repellent containing DEET, wear long sleeves and pants, especially at dawn and dusk, and sleep under mosquito nets if staying overnight in non-sealed accommodations.

What are the typical entry fees and any specific permit requirements for accessing Parque Nacional La Campana?

Entry fees are set by CONAF (Corporación Nacional Forestal) and vary for Chilean nationals versus foreign visitors, usually paid at the park entrance. While general entry doesn't require a special permit, some longer or more challenging trails, especially those leading to the summit, may require registration with park rangers for safety reasons.

How does the 3/5 crowding level impact the visitor experience at Parque Nacional La Campana, and are there ways to avoid peak times?

A 3/5 crowding level means you'll likely encounter other hikers, especially on popular trails and during weekends or Chilean holidays. To enjoy a more tranquil experience, consider visiting on weekdays or arriving early in the morning. The Ocoa sector, while popular for its palms, can sometimes feel less crowded than the Granizo sector's summit trails.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.