PILLANMAPU GEOPARK
San Clemente Commune
A living territory where geology, biodiversity and local culture converge.
PILLANMAPU IN NUMBERS
4,500 km².
Extension
50.000
Inhabitants
20
Geosites
+250
Flora species
(native and endemic)
+100
Wildlife species
(native and endemic)
23
Archaeological sites recorded by the Geopark team
SOME EMBLEMATIC GEOSITES
BIOLOGIC GALLERY
The Maule Andes are a refuge of unique life, where forests, wetlands, and mountains host an extraordinary biodiversity. In this gallery, you can discover some of the species that inhabit the Pillanmapu Geopark and bring life to this territory, positioned at the crossroads of two major biological worlds.
CULTURAL GALLERY
The Pillanmapu Geopark is also a territory inhabited, traversed, and given meaning by generations. In this gallery, you will find expressions of local culture, archaeological heritage, and the arriero (mountain herder) tradition that shape the identity of the Maule Andes, connecting past and present within the same landscape.
DESTINATIONS
The Pillanmapu Geopark is organized into three large sectors:
1. Vilches and Altos de Lircay National Reserve: A journey that ascends from native forests to unique volcanic plateaus, where the Enladrillado, the Laguna El Alto and the “Climate and Crisis” room reveal the living history of the Andes of the Maule region.
2. Lower Pehuenche Pass: A stretch where mountain forests mingle with rivers, hot springs and natural viewpoints, revealing the transition between the valley and the first Andean heights through places like the Tricahue Park and the Termas del Medano hot springs.
3. Pehuenche Alto Pass: An ascent to the most untamed mountain range, where high altitude scrublands, volcanic rocks and extreme landscapes frame emblematic geosites such as the Inverted Waterfall, La Cárcel, the Valley of the Condors and the imposing Laguna del Maule.
ACTIVITIES IN THE GEOPARK
In the Pillanmapu Geopark it is possible to carry out a wide variety of sporting, recreational and educational activities, from hiking and mountaineering to wildlife observation, field geology and cultural experiences. While the geopark team does not offer its own guidance, we promote local development by recommending guides, operators and services that are part of the Geopark Stakeholders Network., The company's employees, who stand out for their seriousness, responsibility and deep respect for the territory.
Flora and fauna sightings
Discover the unique biodiversity of the Andes and observe native and endemic species in their natural habitat.
Snowshoeing and hiking
Explore snowy landscapes and winter routes that cross valleys and volcanic plateaus.
Astronomical tours
Experience exceptional night skies and learn about the constellations of the southern hemisphere in one of the places with the least light pollution in the country.
Hiking and excursions
It travels through trails that connect forests, volcanoes, rivers and emblematic geosites of the Pillanmapu Geopark.
Horseback riding with muleteers
Accompany local muleteers on traditional routes and get to know a living and authentic mountain culture up close.
EXPLORE OUR DOCUMENTARIES
We have produced nine short documentaries available on our YouTube channel—some filmed exclusively within the Pillanmapu Geopark territory, and others in different sectors of the Maule mountain range.
Pillanmapu
Pehuenche Pass
Maule Glaciers
Altos de Lircay National Reserve
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND COPYRIGHT
The Pillanmapu Geopark deeply thanks all the photographers, videographers, and audiovisual collaborators who have contributed to our mission of disseminating and promoting the natural and cultural heritage of the Maule Andes. Most of the material on this page is the property of the Geopark and has been produced by professionals whose work is duly compensated, recognizing the value and dedication involved in documenting this territory. Other images have been provided free of charge by their authors with explicit permission, but this does not make them public-domain material..
All audiovisual content presented here—whether commissioned, donated, or produced internally—is protected by copyright and by the applicable legislation. It is strictly prohibited to copy, reproduce, modify, or use any image without the explicit authorization of the Pillanmapu Geopark and/or the respective author.
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