This is done with the aim of having conservation as well as an economically viable activity for the population, instilling in them the need to protect the environment and the biodiversity.

One of these activities is eco-tourism. In order to achieve its development, information centres have been built together with camping areas, cabins and cafeterias (under strict conservationist outlines), mainly on Gonzalo's Cove, the starting point for travelers visiting the Park.

Excursions bound for the fiord of Reñihué and a nearby concentration of seals leave from Gonzalo's Cove. It is also the starting point for the spectacular trekking circuits in Pumalín, which present different levels of difficulty and lead to the 60000 hs of leafy forests of Patagonian cypress, lenga beeches and cypresses.

One of the easiest routes is the so-called Trail of the Patagonian cypress (1 km long), which will make the traveller enjoy the richness of the forest and learning more about its biology and history. The route is well signalised.

The Thundering Trail is more defying. However, the ride is very amusing and includes the crossing of a hanging bridge. The hike ends at a mesmerizing lake. Another option is the Unexplored Trail, a very complicated three-day circuit that should be toured by skilled trekkers only.

Whatever route you choose, you will contemplate the natural settings of this region whose munificent geography presents marine corners, marshes and wetlands that seem to perfectly compete with the prairies and forests that adorn Pumalín.

After the exhausting trekking journeys, hikers will find in the thermal baths of Cahuelmó the best way of pampering their bodies, worn-out from excessive walking.

Hand in hand with the eco-tourist adventures, the production of cheese and honey has been lately encouraged amongst the populations in Pumalín, along with the manufacturing of woollen textiles, livestock breeding and the agariculture of organic market gardens, activities oriented towards the conservation of the environment and a sustainable development of its inhabitants.

On the route to Pumalín

The way to access Pumalín varies according to the time of the year. It has to be reached by sea in January and February, being the starting point Hornopirén, where the traveller will reach from Puerto Montt. The boats anchor at Gonzalo's Cove after a 30 km ride.

During the rest of the year, it is accessed by land. The distance between Gonzalo's Cove and Chaitén, the nearest Commune, is of 60 km. This locality is linked to the City of Puerto Montt and the Isle of Chiloé.

On the other hand, those who visit the Park should take into consideration that four types of climate have been identified here: Cool Marine in the northern zone; Patagonian Misty Marine, characteristic of the valleys and coastal plains; Polar Alpine Tundra on the mountain sectors; and the Misty of Cool Summer, proper of the Valley of the Ventisquero Stream.

Provided with a stunning setting, Pumalín Park offers travellers the opportunity to discover its huge forests, its glaciers, rivers and fiords; though most important of all, will sprinkle in their conscience the idea of preserving and protecting the natural areas on the planet.