Parque Nacional Bernardo O'Higgins

Chile's largest national park, encompassing vast icefields, fjords, and islands. It's a remote and spectacular destination for observing glaciers, marine...

Parque Nacional Bernardo O'Higgins at a Glance

Location
Southern Patagonia & Tierra del Fuego, Chile, Central & South America
Coordinates
-49.784916, -74.362175
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate

Getting to Parque Nacional Bernardo O'Higgins

Nearest airport: Aeroclub El Chaltén, 135 km away.

Weather & Climate in Parque Nacional Bernardo O'Higgins

The warmest temperatures in Parque Nacional Bernardo O'Higgins occur in February, averaging 11.5°C (up to 14.9°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 1.7°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in December with average rainfall of 261.7mm. Average humidity: 80.5%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 11.0°C (rainfall: 306.6mm)
  • February: 11.5°C (rainfall: 297.7mm)
  • March: 9.3°C (rainfall: 381.5mm)
  • April: 7.6°C (rainfall: 350.8mm)
  • May: 5.3°C (rainfall: 283.3mm)
  • June: 2.9°C (rainfall: 277.6mm)
  • July: 1.7°C (rainfall: 298.9mm)
  • August: 3.0°C (rainfall: 334.6mm)
  • September: 3.5°C (rainfall: 351.2mm)
  • October: 5.6°C (rainfall: 373.3mm)
  • November: 8.0°C (rainfall: 317.5mm)
  • December: 10.1°C (rainfall: 261.7mm)

Best Time to Visit Parque Nacional Bernardo O'Higgins

The best months to visit Parque Nacional Bernardo O'Higgins are January, February, November, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Poor, temperature 11.03°C, rainfall 306.6mm, sunshine 5.1 hrs, humidity 81.6%
  • February: Poor, temperature 11.53°C, rainfall 297.7mm, sunshine 5.5 hrs, humidity 82.2%
  • March: Poor, temperature 9.25°C, rainfall 381.5mm, sunshine 4 hrs, humidity 85.4%
  • April: Poor, temperature 7.56°C, rainfall 350.8mm, sunshine 3.7 hrs, humidity 87.2%
  • May: Poor, temperature 5.33°C, rainfall 283.3mm, sunshine 2.9 hrs, humidity 88.5%
  • June: Poor, temperature 2.93°C, rainfall 277.6mm, sunshine 2.7 hrs, humidity 88.8%
  • July: Poor, temperature 1.68°C, rainfall 298.9mm, sunshine 2.9 hrs, humidity 87%
  • August: Poor, temperature 2.97°C, rainfall 334.6mm, sunshine 3.2 hrs, humidity 87.7%
  • September: Poor, temperature 3.51°C, rainfall 351.2mm, sunshine 4.4 hrs, humidity 87.1%
  • October: Poor, temperature 5.62°C, rainfall 373.3mm, sunshine 3.8 hrs, humidity 86.3%
  • November: Poor, temperature 8.04°C, rainfall 317.5mm, sunshine 5.4 hrs, humidity 84.2%
  • December: Poor, temperature 10.08°C, rainfall 261.7mm, sunshine 6.2 hrs, humidity 80.5%

Wildlife in Parque Nacional Bernardo O'Higgins

Home to 6 recorded species including 2 marine & freshwater, 2 birds of prey, 1 waterbirds, 1 iconic birds.

Recommended Packing List for Parque Nacional Bernardo O'Higgins

Based on average temperature of 6.6°C, typical conditions, humidity 86%.

  • Heavy layers & thermal clothing - temperatures around 7°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 - essential for camps without permanent lighting
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Parque Nacional Bernardo O'Higgins

2 safari lodges available.

ultra-luxury

budget

Similar Parks in Southern Patagonia & Tierra del Fuego

Visitor Tips - Parque Nacional Bernardo O'Higgins

Parque Nacional Bernardo O'Higgins offers an unparalleled journey into the heart of Patagonia's ice fields and fjords. We love the profound sense of wilderness and the sheer scale of the glaciers, particularly the majestic Balmaceda and Serrano. The crisp, clean air and the sounds of calving ice make for an unforgettable, deeply sensory experience that truly captures the raw power of nature.

Gate Times

Access to Parque Nacional Bernardo O'Higgins is primarily by boat from Puerto Natales, with regular excursions operating during the austral summer, typically from November to March. We recommend booking these boat trips well in advance, as they are the main way to experience the park's stunning glaciers and fjords. During the off-season, access is extremely limited and often requires private charters, which are costly and weather-dependent. Park entry fees are usually included in organized tours, but always confirm this detail with your operator.

Tipping

Tipping in Chile is customary for good service. For boat crew and guides on day trips, we suggest around 10-15% of the tour cost, or a flat amount of 10-20 USD per person per day for exceptional service. If you are on a multi-day expedition with dedicated staff, we recommend pooling tips for the entire team, aiming for 20-30 USD per guest per day. Always tip in Chilean Pesos or US Dollars, and present it discreetly.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Chile

Travel advisory for Chile

Parque Nacional Bernardo O'Higgins FAQs

Given its vast icefields and fjords, what is the optimal time of year to visit Parque Nacional Bernardo O'Higgins for glacier and marine wildlife viewing?

The best time to visit is during the Patagonian summer, from December to February. During these months, the weather is milder, waters are calmer for navigating the fjords, and daylight hours are extended, providing optimal conditions for observing glaciers and spotting whales, dolphins, and diverse birdlife.

How accessible is Parque Nacional Bernardo O'Higgins, considering its remote Patagonian location and vastness?

This national park is exceptionally remote with no road access, primarily reached by boat from Puerto Natales or Puerto Montt. Visitors typically join multi-day cruises or guided expeditions that navigate the fjords, offering the only practical way to explore its untouched landscapes and glaciers.

Beyond glaciers, what unique marine mammals and birdlife can I expect to encounter in the fjords and islands of Parque Nacional Bernardo O'Higgins?

The park is a haven for marine life, where you can frequently spot humpback and sei whales, along with Peale's and Commerson's dolphins navigating the pristine waters. Birdwatchers will delight in seeing Magellanic penguins, various cormorant species, and albatrosses nesting on the remote islands.

Despite its Patagonian setting, the context mentions a moderate malaria risk for Parque Nacional Bernardo O'Higgins. What precautions should travelers take?

Given the moderate malaria risk, it is highly recommended to consult your doctor about antimalarial medication before your trip. Additionally, use effective insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, especially during dusk and dawn, and sleep under mosquito nets if available to minimize exposure.

What are the primary activities and experiences offered within Parque Nacional Bernardo O'Higgins, given its focus on icefields, fjords, and marine environments?

Key activities include zodiac boat excursions for close-up glacier viewing and navigating intricate fjords, as well as opportunities for kayaking among icebergs. Many expeditions also offer guided treks to viewpoints overlooking the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers, providing immersive experiences in this unique Patagonian wilderness.

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.