Parque Nacional Pumalín Douglas Tompkins

Parque Nacional Pumalín Douglas Tompkins is a protected area in Chile.

Parque Nacional Pumalín Douglas Tompkins at a Glance

Location
Northern Patagonia & Chiloé, Chile, Central & South America
Coordinates
-42.728035, -72.418110
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate

Getting to Parque Nacional Pumalín Douglas Tompkins

Nearest airport: Aeródromo Los Alerces (SCLR), 19 km away.

Big Five in Parque Nacional Pumalín Douglas Tompkins

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

Weather & Climate in Parque Nacional Pumalín Douglas Tompkins

The warmest temperatures in Parque Nacional Pumalín Douglas Tompkins occur in February, averaging 14.4°C (up to 19.7°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 3.4°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in February with average rainfall of 222.6mm. Average humidity: 78.0%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 13.8°C (rainfall: 266.0mm)
  • February: 14.4°C (rainfall: 222.6mm)
  • March: 11.9°C (rainfall: 393.9mm)
  • April: 9.4°C (rainfall: 607.9mm)
  • May: 6.2°C (rainfall: 668.9mm)
  • June: 3.7°C (rainfall: 713.9mm)
  • July: 3.4°C (rainfall: 604.4mm)
  • August: 3.7°C (rainfall: 618.6mm)
  • September: 4.6°C (rainfall: 515.6mm)
  • October: 6.4°C (rainfall: 337.2mm)
  • November: 9.6°C (rainfall: 423.3mm)
  • December: 12.4°C (rainfall: 295.8mm)

Best Time to Visit Parque Nacional Pumalín Douglas Tompkins

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

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Poor, temperature 13.81°C, rainfall 266mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 79%
  • February: Poor, temperature 14.43°C, rainfall 222.6mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 78%
  • March: Poor, temperature 11.87°C, rainfall 393.9mm, sunshine 7.6 hrs, humidity 83.4%
  • April: Poor, temperature 9.41°C, rainfall 607.9mm, sunshine 5 hrs, humidity 88.2%
  • May: Poor, temperature 6.18°C, rainfall 668.9mm, sunshine 4.4 hrs, humidity 87.8%
  • June: Poor, temperature 3.7°C, rainfall 713.9mm, sunshine 2.8 hrs, humidity 89.1%
  • July: Poor, temperature 3.37°C, rainfall 604.4mm, sunshine 3.1 hrs, humidity 88.7%
  • August: Poor, temperature 3.72°C, rainfall 618.6mm, sunshine 4.2 hrs, humidity 88.3%
  • September: Poor, temperature 4.58°C, rainfall 515.6mm, sunshine 5.4 hrs, humidity 87.3%
  • October: Poor, temperature 6.42°C, rainfall 337.2mm, sunshine 7.9 hrs, humidity 82.4%
  • November: Poor, temperature 9.61°C, rainfall 423.3mm, sunshine 7.5 hrs, humidity 82.8%
  • December: Poor, temperature 12.45°C, rainfall 295.8mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 79.2%

Wildlife in Parque Nacional Pumalín Douglas Tompkins

Home to 32 recorded species including 14 waterbirds, 9 birds of prey, 4 iconic birds, 3 predators, 1 tropical birds, 1 marine & freshwater.

Recommended Packing List for Parque Nacional Pumalín Douglas Tompkins

Based on average temperature of 8.3°C, typical conditions, humidity 85%.

  • Heavy layers & thermal clothing - temperatures around 8°C require warm insulation
  • Warm hat & gloves - critical for early morning game drives
  • 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 Pumalín Douglas Tompkins

50 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Northern Patagonia & Chiloé

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Chile

Travel advisory for Chile

Parque Nacional Pumalín Douglas Tompkins FAQs

When is the ideal time to visit Parque Nacional Pumalín Douglas Tompkins for hiking and wildlife viewing?

The best time to visit Pumalín is during the Patagonian summer, from December to March, when the weather is most favorable for exploring its extensive trail network. During these months, you'll experience longer daylight hours and more stable conditions for activities like hiking through temperate rainforests and kayaking in its fjords, increasing your chances of spotting unique wildlife.

What unique wildlife can I expect to encounter in Pumalín, and what kind of environment is it?

Pumalín is renowned for its pristine Patagonian temperate rainforests, home to the world's smallest deer, the pudú, and a rich diversity of birdlife including Andean condors. Its fjords also host various marine mammals, offering a unique blend of terrestrial and aquatic wildlife viewing opportunities within a dramatic landscape of volcanoes and ancient alerce trees.

How do I typically access Parque Nacional Pumalín Douglas Tompkins, and what are the main transportation challenges?

Access to Pumalín primarily involves navigating sections of Chile's Carretera Austral, often requiring a combination of driving and ferry crossings, particularly for reaching different sectors like Caleta Gonzalo or Vodudahue. Due to its remote location and fragmented geography, planning transportation well in advance, including ferry schedules, is crucial for a smooth journey.

What types of accommodation and facilities are available within or near Parque Nacional Pumalín Douglas Tompkins?

The park offers a range of rustic yet comfortable cabins and well-maintained campgrounds, primarily managed by Tompkins Conservation, providing an authentic wilderness experience. Visitors should expect limited amenities in some areas, emphasizing self-sufficiency, though basic services and visitor centers are available at key access points like Caleta Gonzalo.

Beyond general wilderness safety, what specific health precautions or safety considerations should I be aware of when visiting Pumalín?

Given its remote Patagonian setting, visitors should be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions and ensure they have appropriate gear for hiking and outdoor activities. It's important to consult with a travel doctor regarding specific health precautions, including malaria prevention, and to be aware of emergency protocols in this less-developed area.

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.