Get your camera ready! You’re in the land of the huemules
Trail photos
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Trail stats
- Distance
- 11.64 mi
- Elevation gain
- 1,811 ft
- Technical difficulty
- Easy
- Elevation loss
- 1,824 ft
- Max elevation
- 1,833 ft
- TrailRank
- 58
- Min elevation
- 499 ft
- Trail type
- Loop
- Coordinates
- 2652
- Uploaded
- July 4, 2014
- Recorded
- July 2014
near Cochrane, Aisén (Chile)
Viewed 2222 times, downloaded 60 times
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Itinerary description
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The Tamango National Reserve
The 6,925 hectares of the Tamango National Reserve, located six kilometers from Cochrane, are estimated to be the home for approximately 40 huemules, one of the largest concentrations of huemules in all of Patagonia. It’s a big area and a small number so there’s no guarantee that you’ll see them, but the Reserve is a beautiful place to explore and you MIGHT be graced with the luck of a sighting. You can enjoy a variety of activities during your visit, including boating and sport fishing in the Cochrane River and Lake, and exploring the trails of Cerros Tamango, Tamanguito and Húngaro. The Tamango National Reserve plays a critical role in the protection of remaining habitat and is home to one of the larger remaining populations. In the Visitor Reception Office, you can find more information about this huemul population and learn about the studies and protective measures being taken by CONAF. It’s important that you join the efforts. Take special care that your presence on the trails and waterways of the Reserve do not interrupt the daily life and habits of the huemul! Remember to limit your interactions to photos, taken at a distance, so that you do not cause stress or shock. Armed with these simple tips you’ll be prepared to enjoy the incredible scenery and special fauna of the Reserve in a responsible and respectful manner.
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Conaf Oficces
The huemul is Chile’s most famous and well-known deer, even though the majority of Chileans have only seen one in photos or on the country’s national shield. You won’t see them in a zoo because they are very fragile creatures that do not survive in captivity. In fact, practically the only possibility for observing this shy creature is to venture to Patagonia. Once you arrive it’s still a challenge; you’ll need to have patience, know how to choose the right place, and be graced with a bit of good luck. How do I recognize them? The Huemul, or South Andean Deer, (hippocamelus bisulcus), is a mammal of the family Cervidae. It has a stocky build and short legs. Bucks can reach 165 cm in length, while does are a little smaller. Their thick and dense coat is beige or dark-brown, depending on the season. Their ears and tail are from 4 to 8 cm in length. The bucks have forked antlers that can reach 30 cm in length. They weigh between 40 and 100 Kg. The huemul is an herbivorous animal which feeds on bushes, grasses and tree sprouts, as well as the lichen found on rocks in mountainous areas. During much of the year, the male huemul ranges alone, while the does and their fawns live in small family groups of 2 or 3; however, this depends on the time of year and the mating cycle. There are a handful of local guides in Cochrane who offer trekking and huemul observation in the Reserve. Some also participate in local research led by Conaf, like the annual census in the Reserve. They can share their experience and knowledge as you hike, helping you to understand the habits of the huemul and the natural history of the area. Contact the Conaf offices in Cochrane for recommendations: Río Nef 417; (067) 2522164; www.conaf.cl/conaf/seccion-conaf-aysen.html.
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