National park · Chile
Isla Mocha National ReserveReserva Nacional Isla Mocha
Visit Isla Mocha for a day hike: take the coastal loop (8–10 h) for scenic beaches and villages, or a short mountain trek to the central lake (2–3 h); entry fee is minimal (check) and the best months are Dec–Feb for dry weather.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
48 km² (19 sq mi)19 sq mi (48 km²)
approximate
Established
2000
Best months
—
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 6Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the fir…
- South America ↗Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the first day light; sleep lower where you can (Sacred Valley before Cusco) and descend if headache comes with vomiting or confusion.
- South America ↗A yellow fever certificate is required on arrival in French Guiana, and asked for on some routes into Bolivia, Paraguay, Suriname and Guyana, or when arriving from Amazon areas — vaccinate at least 10 days before travel and carry the card.
- South America ↗Overnight buses are the norm in Argentina, Chile and Peru, but pick top-tier companies and keep valuables on your body; on-board thefts from overhead racks are the common loss.
- Chile ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Chile's National Migration Service or a Chilean consulate; keep the entry slip or digital record you receive.
- Chile ↗Torres del Paine: campsites and refugios on the W and O treks must be booked in advance, and the park requires an entry ticket bought ahead; check the official park (CONAF) channels.
- Chile ↗Chile strictly controls food imports: declare fruit, meat, dairy, seeds and honey on arrival, or throw them away before customs.
At a glance
- Country
- Chile
- Area
- 48 km² (19 sq mi)19 sq mi (48 km²)
- The reserve covers about 45 % of the island’s 48 km² area (approximate).
- Established
- 2000
- Best months
- —
- Permits
- Not needed
- Base
- Concepción
Isla Mocha National Reserve protects central mountains, coastal villages and marine zones on a remote island off southern Chile, offering beach loops, a short lake trek and birdwatching, with minimal entry cost.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- Special national siteMocha Island National Reserve covers ~45 % of the island.
Size and age
48 km² (19 sq mi)19 sq mi (48 km²) · national park since 2000
The reserve covers about 45 % of the island’s 48 km² area (approximate).
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Concepción.
Why go
- Coastal loop offers beaches, coves and historic shipwreck sites.
- Central mountain hike reaches a lake and views of the island’s interior.
- Wildlife includes pudú, pink‑footed shearwater and other birds.
When to go
- JanGo
- FebGo
- MarGo
- AprGo
- MayGo
- JunGo
- JulGo
- AugGo
- SepGo
- OctGo
- NovGo
- DecGo
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pudú (small deer)All year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Pink‑footed shearwater and other seabirdsOct–Mar | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| National Reserve core | Central mountains, lake, wildlife habitats. | Open; trails marked. |
| Coastal villages | Small settlements, stores, docks. | Open; respect private property. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates approximate, based on island centre.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reserve entry | Free | person | — |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Reserve entry no permit
Park rules
- Camping on beach
- Not allowed; tsunamis have caused accidents.
- Fire
- Open fires prohibited; use portable stoves.
- Litter
- Carry out all rubbish.
- Livestock
- Do not approach aggressive animals; keep distance.
Where to stay
Near the park
Local homestays
Simple rooms in villages; basic amenities.
In the park
Camping in fields
Pitch tent on private land only with permission.
Safety
Tsunami high
Livestock aggression low
Limited medical services medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Coastal loop includes uneven paths; not wheelchair‑friendly.
- Mountain lake trail has moderate grade; suitable for fit walkers.
Visiting lightly
- Bring your own food and water to reduce waste.
- Respect private land; ask before setting up a tent.
- Support local economy by buying supplies from village stores.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Isla Mocha?
There is no formal entry fee reported; visitors should check locally for any small contributions.
What are the best hikes in Isla Mocha?
The coastal loop (8–10 h) offers beaches and historic sites, while the short mountain lake hike (2–3 h) gives lake views and wildlife.
When is the best time to visit Isla Mocha?
December to February generally offers dry weather, but any month can be suitable with a weather check.
Can I camp on the beach?
No, beach camping is prohibited due to tsunami risk.
How do I get to Isla Mocha?
Take a bus to Carahue, then a small plane (≈US$30, 20 min) or arrange a private boat; flights do not run on Sundays.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Sources
Ask about Isla Mocha National Reserve
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