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Nature reserve · Punta Arenas, Magalhães e Antártica Chilena
Reserva Nacional Magallanes
A reserve of lenga and coigüe forests a few kilometers west of Punta Arenas, with hiking and mountain-bike trails and viewpoints over the city and the strait.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Reserva Nacional Magallanes
Reserva Nacional Magallanes lies west of Punta Arenas, less than 10 km from the center, and protects about 20,000 hectares of forests and peatlands. It was established in 1932 to preserve the basin of Laguna Lynch, the city's main water source, and is administered by CONAF.
The vegetation mixes lenga and coigüe forests with shrubs such as calafate, michay and romerillo. In spring, about 200 plant species bloom on the forest floor. The valley of the Rio de las Minas contains fossils and traces of former coal mining.
There are roughly 30 km of trails, some for walking and some for biking. The Las Lengas circuit, the longest, is about 10 km. From the high points you can see the rooftops of Punta Arenas, the Estreito de Magallanes and, on clear days, Tierra do Fogo.
The entrance is at the Las Minas sector, where the administration is located. It is the closest nature outing to the city, good for those with a free morning or afternoon.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Two to four hours, depending on the trail chosen.
Best time
October to April for walking; in spring flowers appear on the forest floor and in autumn the lenga trees turn reddish. In winter there may be snow at higher elevations.
How to get there
Leave the center via Avenida Salvador Allende heading west to the Las Minas sector. By car or taxi, the trip takes less than half an hour.
Tip
Bring water and a snack, as there are no services along the trails. Tell someone which route you plan to take and respect CONAF signage.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Reserva Nacional Magallanes
Is Reserva Nacional Magallanes far from Punta Arenas?
No. It is less than 10 km west of the city center, with access via the Las Minas sector.
What trails are there in Reserva Nacional Magallanes?
There are about 30 km of trails for walking and cycling. The longest is the Las Lengas circuit, about 10 km.
What can you see in Reserva Nacional Magallanes?
Forests of lenga and coigüe, peat bogs, calafate shrubs and viewpoints overlooking Punta Arenas and the Estreito de Magalhães.