Founded: July 11, 1983
Area: 617,051 acres
Donated area: 1,458 acres (in process)
Ecosystem: Puyuhuapi evergreen forest and deciduous alpine scrub
Estimated carbon sequestration: 159.97 million metric tons
Location: Aysén Region

Isla Magdalena lies between the Chilean mainland and the Guaitecas Archipelago, close to Puerto Cisnes. It is one of the largest islands south of Chiloé, and 80% of its surface is protected parkland. Its rugged landscapes, deep ravines, and scattered coasts make the island a perfect refuge for species like Magellanic penguins, cormorants, sea lines, and the endangered huillín (southern river otter).

History

In the 1960s, the Chilean government designated most of the island a forest reserve. In 1983, the land was reclassified as a national park. The park was expanded in 2018, as part of an unprecedented agreement between Tompkins Conservation Chile and the Bachelet administration radically expanding Patagonia’s protected park system.

Ecological Value

Highlights of the park’s flora include Magellanic and Chiloé coigüe, ciprés de la Guaitecas (Pilgerodendron), canelo, tineo, ciruelillo, luma, tepu, fiunque, and other tree species. Dozens of ferns and shrubs, including hardy fuchsia and chaura, also make up the lush jungle.

As for fauna, along the coastline, you’ll see southern river otters, coipos (coypus), chungungos (marine otters), South American fur seals, and dolphins, along with birds such as petrels, cormorants, and seagulls.

Find more information at https://www.rutadelosparques.org/en/parque-nacional-isla-magdalena/