Visiting a National Park? Follow these recommendations and together we will protect our natural heritage.

The conservation and protection of Chile’s natural and cultural heritage depends on the action and awareness of each and every one of us. If you and your family decide to visit a national park this summer, help by respecting the regulations and recommendations for State-protected wilderness areas. 

Visit without leaving a trace

Above all it is important to avoid risks, so the first recommendation is to prevent them by making self-care and excursion planning the priority:

• Cook and camp only in places that have been especially authorized and signposted as such.
• It is illegal to light a fire under any circumstances (Law No. 20,653).
• Do not risk legal sanctions, being expelled from the park or, if you are a foreigners, even being expelled from Chile.
• Respect trail closing times. Register at all park ranger stations.
• Always obey park ranger instructions.
• Call attention to or report any risky behavior or condition.
• Pets are prohibited from entering protected wilderness areas because they negatively impact local wildlife. Pets affect, disturb, catch, wound, prey upon or drive away native wildlife. Likewise, they interfere in their movement paths and can carry infectious disease and impact the health of native wildlife populations. In some cases, they can become invasive species, altering the natural balance of protected wildlife. Only service animals, specifically trained to help persons with a disability, may enter. The person must have a harness, leash or other type of leash with which to handle their service animal.
• Drive carefully, at a moderate speed, and paying great attention, in order to avoid running over or disturbing flora and fauna in the location.
• Avoid making any disturbing noise.
• Do not feed native wildlife.
• Take all your trash with you.
• Do not remove or damage archaeological, paleontological or historical remains.

What to do in the event of an accident?

• Remain calm and act immediately.
• Apply first aid only if you’ve been trained and it is truly necessary.
• Immediately request help from park rangers or an emergency telephone number.
• Avoid leaving the wounded person alone. If it is necessary, mark the exact location for rescue groups.
• Once you have called for help, remain in a place where you can be found and that is accessible to rescue workers, in case you need to collaborate with them.

Remember the emergency telephone numbers:

130 CONAF
131 AMBULANCE
132 FIRE FIGHTERS
133 POLICE

Recommendations for hiking

If you are going on an excursion or a hike, make sure you have the following essential items:

• Route map (pamphlets showing the route or designated trails)
• Global positioning system (GPS) or analogue compass.
• Take a small backpack with support equipment for your trip and an adequate first aid kit.
• Suitable walking shoes, i.e., with ankle support and good sole grip. Avoid sandals, lightweight sneakers or smooth-soled shoes.
• Dress according to the location and weather conditions.
• Protect yourself from solar rays with sunglasses with UV protection, a proper hat and sunblock.
• Take sufficient quantities of water and trail rations (fruit, cereal bars, dried fruit, etc.)

For your safety, bear in mind the following:

• Learn about the areas you are going to visit by talking to the park rangers or at the unit’s environmental information center.
• Carefully read the information signs you see during your visit.
• Do not leave the paths or take shortcuts. Do not create alternative paths. In addition to causing erosion problems, they could disorient other people.
• If you are interested in photography or videography, avoid potential accidents by paying attention to the terrain when seeking the perfect shot.
• Consider how long the route will take and complete it in daylight. If you have any questions, ask park rangers or accredited guides.
• Do not eat any type of fruit or wild plant if you are not aware of its toxicity potential.
• If your route is in high-altitude locations, bear the altitude in mind.
• Discomfort and altitude sickness symptoms are common in high-altitude protected wilderness areas where oxygen is thinner. In order to prevent these symptoms: rest well before visiting the park, keep hydrated and avoid eating heavy foods during your stay at the park. Allow enough time for your visit to allow for stops and rest so you can become acclimatized to the altitude. To avoid straining your body in low-oxygen conditions, do not run, make sudden movements or physically exert yourself.
• If the protected wilderness area includes high or mountainous areas, it may require prior training and technical knowledge. In some places along the way, there could be rock or landslides that could endanger the lives of hikers. Make sure you are well aware of and properly informed of the difficultly level of the itinerary you are planning to undertake.

Use of fire in protected wilderness areas:

• Fire may not be used except in duly marked areas and under specified conditions.
• Anyone who causes a fire risk will be sanctioned with fines, jail or, for foreigners, even expulsion from the country.
• When you light a fire in an authorized area, bear in mind the weather conditions and safety precautions. Light fires in areas protected from the wind and avoid lighting them in circumstances indicated as risky.
• Keep the fire under constant watch and build it in a location far from fuels.
• When you have finished using the fire, make sure that it has been completely put out.
• Protected wilderness areas are tobacco-free.
• In the event of a fire, follow park ranger instructions.
• If you are close to a forest fire, never act on your own initiative. Move away from the fire and notify park rangers.
• Always keep water, sand or soil nearby in case of an emergency.
• Candle use is totally prohibited.

Hantavirus prevention measures:

Camp only in authorized areas that are free from low-growing bushes.
Use tents with built-in groundsheets and zippers and that are free from holes.
Walk only on designated trails.
Do not gather wild fruit or firewood.
Store food in sealed, airtight containers.
Keep trash in sealed containers.
Protecting the natural predators of mice, like snakes, foxes and birds of prey is essential to maintaining the ecological balance.

Preventing propagation of didymo. Let’s protect our rivers and lakes:
The bodies of water in all the national parks are protected. Whenever you visit a protected wilderness area, you must learn which areas are suitable and designated for recreational fishing. You must also respect and comply with current regulations for each of the bodies of water where you want to engage in recreational fishing activities.

Recommendations for how we can stop the propagation of didymo in Chile.

REMOVE:

Before leaving a river, stream or lake, inspect and remove any algae from your footwear, clothing, fishing tackle and vehicles. Leave all the removed material in the place or, if possible, throw it away.
 

WASH:

Always travel with cleaning supplies: a large bucket, dishwashing soap (ideally biodegradable) or disinfectant (e.g. household bleach), a scrubbing brush and disposable bags.
Avoid using felt boots or footwear or waders made of absorbent material.
After use, submerge your fishing implements (apparel and tackle) in a bucket with ten liters of water and 2 1/2 cups (500 ml) of dishwashing soap for 1 to 2 minutes. Do not put the washing water back into the river.
Vehicles and vessels that came into contact with the water should be cleaned with a disinfectant solution. Also clean the tires and bottom part of your vehicle if it came into contact with the water.
Transport fish and other species in watertight containers to avoid spillage and possible contamination of vehicles or equipment.
Do not discard fish in other rivers.

DRY:

Didymo dies in dry environments, but can survive for months in moist environments.
Avoid using fishing tackle until it is dry. Wait for at least 48 hours before using it again.