Reserva Nacional Altos de Lircay

Reserva Nacional Altos de Lircay is a protected area in Chile.

Reserva Nacional Altos de Lircay at a Glance

Location
Central Chile & Valleys, Chile, Central & South America
Coordinates
-35.601530, -70.944290
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate

Getting to Reserva Nacional Altos de Lircay

Nearest airport: Unknown Airport, 28 km away.

Nearest international airport: Aeropuerto Internacional Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL), 246 km away.

Big Five in Reserva Nacional Altos de Lircay

1 of the Big Five can be found here: Mountain Lion.

Weather & Climate in Reserva Nacional Altos de Lircay

The warmest temperatures in Reserva Nacional Altos de Lircay occur in February, averaging 17.5°C (up to 23.9°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 4.0°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in March with average rainfall of 9.2mm. Average humidity: 50.9%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 17.5°C (rainfall: 19.7mm)
  • February: 17.5°C (rainfall: 11.9mm)
  • March: 15.8°C (rainfall: 9.2mm)
  • April: 11.8°C (rainfall: 147.2mm)
  • May: 7.5°C (rainfall: 161.9mm)
  • June: 5.0°C (rainfall: 416.3mm)
  • July: 4.0°C (rainfall: 205.2mm)
  • August: 4.2°C (rainfall: 296.0mm)
  • September: 5.9°C (rainfall: 191.9mm)
  • October: 9.8°C (rainfall: 95.9mm)
  • November: 12.9°C (rainfall: 52.4mm)
  • December: 15.8°C (rainfall: 14.0mm)

Best Time to Visit Reserva Nacional Altos de Lircay

The best months to visit Reserva Nacional Altos de Lircay are January, February, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 17.48°C, rainfall 19.7mm, sunshine 13.5 hrs, humidity 52.3%
  • February: Great, temperature 17.49°C, rainfall 11.9mm, sunshine 13 hrs, humidity 51.5%
  • March: Great, temperature 15.83°C, rainfall 9.2mm, sunshine 11.5 hrs, humidity 50.9%
  • April: Good, temperature 11.83°C, rainfall 147.2mm, sunshine 9.3 hrs, humidity 58.4%
  • May: Poor, temperature 7.55°C, rainfall 161.9mm, sunshine 7.5 hrs, humidity 63.8%
  • June: Poor, temperature 5°C, rainfall 416.3mm, sunshine 5.4 hrs, humidity 71.1%
  • July: Poor, temperature 3.95°C, rainfall 205.2mm, sunshine 6.6 hrs, humidity 63.8%
  • August: Poor, temperature 4.16°C, rainfall 296mm, sunshine 7.7 hrs, humidity 67.5%
  • September: Poor, temperature 5.88°C, rainfall 191.9mm, sunshine 8.8 hrs, humidity 69.8%
  • October: Good, temperature 9.84°C, rainfall 95.9mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 66.7%
  • November: Good, temperature 12.87°C, rainfall 52.4mm, sunshine 12.3 hrs, humidity 63.9%
  • December: Great, temperature 15.81°C, rainfall 14mm, sunshine 13.8 hrs, humidity 54.3%

Wildlife in Reserva Nacional Altos de Lircay

Home to 25 recorded species including 10 waterbirds, 8 birds of prey, 3 predators, 2 tropical birds, 2 iconic birds.

Recommended Packing List for Reserva Nacional Altos de Lircay

Based on average temperature of 10.6°C, typical conditions, humidity 61%.

  • Layered clothing - recommended for 11°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 Reserva Nacional Altos de Lircay

10 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Central Chile & Valleys

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Chile

Travel advisory for Chile

Reserva Nacional Altos de Lircay FAQs

What unique wildlife can I hope to encounter during a visit to Reserva Nacional Altos de Lircay?

Altos de Lircay is renowned for its Andean wildlife, including the elusive puma and the majestic Andean condor soaring overhead. You might also spot guanacos, foxes, and a variety of unique bird species adapted to the high-altitude Chilean landscape, making it a prime spot for nature photography and birdwatching.

When is the ideal time to visit Reserva Nacional Altos de Lircay for hiking and experiencing its natural beauty?

The best time to visit Altos de Lircay for trekking and enjoying its pristine landscapes is during the Chilean summer, from December to March, when trails are most accessible and the weather is generally mild. Beyond hiking to viewpoints like Enladrillado, visitors can also enjoy horseback riding and exploring ancient araucaria forests.

What specific health and safety precautions are recommended for travelers to Reserva Nacional Altos de Lircay, particularly concerning malaria?

While the malaria risk is moderate, it's advisable to consult your doctor about antimalarial prophylaxis before your trip to Altos de Lircay, especially if venturing into lower-altitude or wetter areas. Additionally, prepare for varying mountain weather, bring appropriate gear for hiking, and inform park rangers of your trekking plans due to the reserve's remote nature.

How accessible is Reserva Nacional Altos de Lircay, and what are the typical entry requirements and facilities available?

Access to Altos de Lircay typically involves reaching Talca, then continuing by bus or private transport towards Vilches Alto, the main entry point. As an IUCN Category II protected area with low crowding, facilities are basic, primarily offering designated campsites and ranger stations, so visitors should be prepared for self-sufficiency.

What makes the visitor experience at Reserva Nacional Altos de Lircay distinct from other South American protected areas?

Altos de Lircay offers an exceptionally tranquil and immersive wilderness experience due to its very low crowding level (1/5), allowing for undisturbed encounters with nature. Its unique volcanic landscapes, ancient araucaria forests, and the opportunity for multi-day treks into pristine Andean environments provide a profound sense of solitude and adventure distinct from more frequented parks.

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.