Corcovado National ParkCorcovado National Park at a Glance
About Corcovado National Park
Corcovado National Park is a protected area in Chile’s Los Lagos Region established to conserve temperate rainforest and adjacent coastal and fjord environments. It includes the Corcovado Volcano and extensive forested slopes with high ecological value.
Backcountry wilderness, coastal fjord scenery and opportunities to see marine mammals, forest birds and large native trees; access typically requires boat travel or multi-day trekking. Trail networks and boat routes lead to viewpoints and coastal landing spots, and the park is used for hiking, wildlife observation and sea-based excursions.
The park was designated to protect a contiguous area of Valdivian temperate rainforest and the volcanic landscape around Corcovado Volcano, with conservation and limited sustainable use as management goals. Over time it has been the focus of efforts to balance access with protection of sensitive habitats.
It sits on Chile’s Pacific coast within Los Lagos Region, spanning forested slopes above the coastal fjords. The park is reached from regional coastal towns by boat or by road approaches where available.
- Core features: Contains the Corcovado Volcano and a mosaic of temperate rainforest, fjords and coastal marine habitats that are important for marine mammals and native forest species.
- Access and purpose: The park was created to protect a large tract of Valdivian temperate rainforest and adjacent coastal ecosystems and is accessed primarily by boat or by limited overland routes depending on the sector.
Best Time to Visit Corcovado National Park
Best visited in Chilean late spring to summer for calmer seas and longer daylight; weather can flip quickly year-round.
Weather & Climate near Corcovado National Park
Corcovado National Park's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 0°C to 17°C. Heavy rainfall (2254 mm/year), wettest in July.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 8° - 17° | 13° | 105 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 5.0 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 14.8h |
| February | Good | 8° - 17° | 12° | 109 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 4.4 m/s | 1.8 very high | 13.7h |
| March | Acceptable | 7° - 15° | 11° | 134 mm | partly cloudy | 86% | 4.1 m/s | 1.1 high | 12.2h |
| April | Poor | 5° - 12° | 6° | 195 mm | overcast | 90% | 4.3 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 10.7h |
| May | Poor | 3° - 9° | 3° | 283 mm | overcast | 93% | 4.2 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.5h |
| June | Poor | 1° - 7° | 1° | 287 mm | overcast | 96% | 4.2 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.8h |
| July | Poor | 0° - 6° | -1° | 301 mm | overcast | 96% | 4.1 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.1h |
| August | Poor | 1° - 7° | 1° | 248 mm | overcast | 94% | 4.3 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.2h |
| September | Poor | 2° - 10° | 3° | 181 mm | overcast | 89% | 4.3 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 11.6h |
| October | Poor | 4° - 12° | 5° | 125 mm | overcast | 87% | 4.7 m/s | 1.1 high | 13.1h |
| November | Poor | 5° - 14° | 7° | 138 mm | overcast | 85% | 4.8 m/s | 1.5 very high | 14.5h |
| December | Acceptable | 7° - 16° | 11° | 148 mm | overcast | 85% | 5.2 m/s | 1.9 very high | 15.2h |
How to Get to Corcovado National Park
Most access is by boat from coastal towns in Los Lagos Region-common embarkation points include Chaitén and Hornopirén. Private charters are typical; schedules depend on weather. Overland access is limited and often requires coordination with local communities and guides.
Tips for Visiting Corcovado National Park
- Arrange boat transport in advance from Chaitén or Hornopirén; schedules are weather-dependent.
- Bring a waterproof map and spare batteries-the coastline and weather eat electronics.
- Ask park rangers at the nearest CONAF post about tides if planning beach landings; some coves are accessible only at low tide.