Jan 20-21, 2019 – 98km Castro to Parque Tantauco
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I’d gotten all the information I needed at the Castro office for Parque Tantauco. I anticipated a first class operation. 🙂
For some reason cycling felt easy today. Perhaps the rest in Castro helped.
The ride was 80km of minor highway. Then 18km up a hilly gravel road. I didn’t stop for photos.
About 7pm I rolled up to the Park gates. Staff was playing with a family of foxes!
Too late in the day to make it to the first campground, friendly Rangers recommended I camp just outside the gates. For free.
Next morning I enjoyed a leisurely 20km ride stopping frequently to enjoy the sights. 😀
It’s not crowded. There are only about 8000 visitors a year. This is considered a remote part of Chile.
I didn’t think the 38km road to Lake Chaiguata was particularly difficult in dry weather. Apparently you need a 4-wheel-drive when it’s wet.
I carried up only what I needed for one night. Stashed the rest of my kit back by the Park gates.
Tantauco Park is an attractive ecotourist destination due to the remarkable biodiversity of its nearly untouched Valdivian temperate rainforest.
Chaiguata is one of two campsites. The other is accessible only by floatplane, boat … or 5-day walk.
The billionaire President of Chile developed this Park privately. I have to say it’s MUCH grander than if the government of Chile developed it.
Park entrance is C$7.
The campsites are fantastic. As good as anywhere in the world. At C$30 / night each, they are expensive for Chile. It was raining as I set up.
Unique are these domes available for rent.
There are hot tubs for rent too.
My favourite spot was the expensive restaurant.
I highly recommend visiting unique Parque Tantauco. It’s a memorable experience.
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Rick McCharles 