Photo: stunning view from a new trail in Tierra del Fuego
mongabay.comApril 07, 2012
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Karukinka’s La Paciencia Valley. Photo © Wildlife Conservation Society
Conservationists are opening a 34 kilometer (21.3 mile) trekking trail in Chile's Tierra del Fuego.
The trail will connect stunning uplands to coastal areas in Karukinka Natural Park, a 294,999-hectare (728,960 acres) protected area on the island of Tierra del Fuego owned and managed by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) in Chile. The trail will be completed in December 2012 as part of an effort to make Karukinka more ecotourism-friendly.
WCS is sending an "expedition" to Karukinka from April 12-18. The area is known for spectacular landscapes and large colonies of penguins, elephant seals, and seabirds.
"[Karukinka] contains the world’s southernmost old-growth forest, globally significant peatlands, and spectacular wildlife including Andean condors, guanacos, elephant seals, dolphins, marine birds and the endangered culpeo fox," said WCS in a statement. "It is ideal for biking, fishing, trekking and kayaking."
The land was donated to WCS in 2004 by Goldman, Sachs & Co.
