Rio Simpson National Reserve

This reserve owes its name to the Rio Simpson, the river which crosses the park on its journey westward, and which is one of the best rivers for fly-fishing.

The protected area is 40,452 hectares (88,994 acres) of rugged geography, with some peaks reaching higher than 1,600 m (5,248 ft) above sea level, creating valleys and narrow canyons that shelter the descending rivers. As well as the Simpson, there are the Correntosos and Cascada de la Virgen rivers, branches of the Simpson, both surrounded by beautiful scenery and lush vegetation.

In terms of vegetation, there are mainly forests of coigües, tepas, mañío, ciruelillo, canelo and tepú. There is also chilco, which is the most abundant tree of the zone. In terms of fauna, the huemul is found in the eastern sector, where the geography is rocky, and on the steep slopes of the Andean and Huemules hills. The puma, on the other hand, lives in areas of medium altitude, spending the summer at a higher altitude and the winter on the plains. Other species which live in the reserve are the pudú, fox, güiña, bandurrias, queltehues and a large variety of wild ducks.

Among the most beautiful areas of the park are, undoubtedly, the "Cascada de la Virgen" and the "Velo de Novia" (Bride's Veil) waterfalls.

Location

Región de Aisén, 32 kilometers (20 mi) northeast of Coyhaique where you will find the reserve's administration center. Puerto Aisén is 32 km (20 MI) northeast. Location

How to get there

Santiago-Coyhaique: by air.

When to go

Year round.

Other nearby attractions

Coyhaique National Reserve, Puerto Aisén.

Activities

Horseback riding, sea kayak, white water kayak, photography, wildlife observation, fishing, trekking. Activities Section

Climate

It has a rainy climate with an annual rainfall averaging between 1,500 mm and 2,500 mm (59 in. and 98 in.) in the westernmost part of the reserve, while the highest altitudes have snow, particularly in the winter. The average annual temperature is 6°C (43ºF) and the average in the summer varies between 15° and 17°C (59º and 63ºF).

Services

Rangers, environmental information, trails.

Price

Adults CLP $ 400 (in USD)