Skip to main content

Chile Aims to Save Patagonia with Stunning 11-million-acre “Route of Parks”

The Patagonian landscape is rugged, massive, and impossibly beautiful.

But its conservation has long been under threat — perhaps most surprisingly — by those tasked to protect it. For decades, federal administrators have hustled and bent over backward to convince local ranchers, farmers, and massive corporations to develop and exploit the world-famous region. Now, in a stunning landmark policy reversal, the Chilean government has announced more than 11 million acres will be forever preserved.

Related Videos

For the last 25 years, self-described “wildland philanthropists” Doug Tompkins (co-founder of the Patagonia outdoor brand) and Kristine McDivitt worked to collect and cultivate more than a million acres of Patagonia known as Parque Pumalín. The duo’s wish was to forever preserve the land by gifting it to the Chilean people. Sadly, Tompkins died in a kayaking accident in December 2015 and would never live to see his dream fulfilled. However, last month, the land was officially handed over to the country’s people, and Chilean president, Michelle Bachelet, issued an executive order to turn the previously private park into a national park. She noted, “Today, we are bequeathing to the country the greatest creation of protected areas in our history.”

With the stroke of a pen, Parque Pumalín became the single largest donation of private land to a government ever in Latin America. But, the story doesn’t end there. Bachelet — a long-time supporter of Tompkins’ vision — bolstered the donation by combining Parque Pumalín with 10 million acres of federal land. To put that into perspective, the combined space will be a staggering 5,000 times larger than Central Park in Manhattan. Combining both Yellowstone and Yosemite would occupy less than one-third of the preserved land. The new order will simultaneously create and interconnect five new national parks and be dubbed “The Route of Parks.” What’s more, the land has long been in use by adventurous travelers, so cabins, trails, and an overall tourism “infrastructure” already exists.

In an era where many countries squander their natural lands and resources, it’s a sign that some are beginning to recognize the importance of conservation. This move places Chile in contention with Costa Rica — a model for country-level conservation efforts — for having one of the greatest percentages of protected land relative to their size.

Travelers beware: These are the worst U.S. airports that lose the most baggage
There are two types of air traveler: Those who've had their luggage go missing, and those who will eventually
A man in a suit listening to music while hauling his luggage in the airport.

Flyin’ ain’t easy. Sure, modern air travel — especially long-haul flights — is a technical marvel, but it can be pretty awful, too. And, in the last three years since the pandemic, it’s only gotten worse. Ever-shrinking seats, constant COVID concerns, in-flight booze restrictions, and random air rage are all enough to make even the most patient air passengers crack under the pressure. Now, there’s one more worry to add to the mix: Lost luggage. A new report finds that there are two kinds of travelers: Those who’ve had their luggage lost and those who will eventually.

Price4Limo.com combed through an official report released last year by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Unless you’re really bored or have a strange fascination with airline industry statistics, we don’t suggest you comb through the 57-page document. But there are a few key takeaways. The first and most surprising is that a whopping 55% of air travelers have had the pleasure of an airline losing their luggage. That means your odds are better than half that, at some point in your flying career, your favorite new luggage is bound to go missing. What’s worse: Only one-third of those passengers ever see their luggage again. According to Price4Limo.com, the average wait time to get those bags back was almost a week. For most vacation travelers, that usually means being without their belongings for their entire time away.

Read more
Soria Moria Sauna: An architectural gem cleanses mind, body, and soul
If you love hidden gems that will help you relax, the Soria Moria Sauna in Norway is your next stop
A beautiful shot of the Soria Moria Sauna.

Forget about the same old tourist traps and try something a little more off-path for your next trip. When looking for a vacation spot, some people thrive on the constant go-go-go of sight-seeing and trying every local hang. Others want a special place that melts the stress away. If that's the kind of vibe you're looking for, we have the perfect place to go.

In gorgeous Norway, there's a beautiful gem that you'll want to add to your bucket list today. Called the Soria Moria Sauna, you'll find Instagram-worthy views that you'll never forget in a setting that will make you want to pinch yourself to make sure it's real. While you're there, you'll also find the peace and serenity you've longed for. Let's find out why this treasure in Eastern Norway is all too magical.

Read more
Here are the best beaches in San Diego for you to explore and enjoy
Planning a trip to San Diego? Check out these beaches
A waterfall forms as the waves hit La Jolla Cove in San Diego, California.

San Diego has plenty to captivate, excite, and inspire on dry land. But since you’re heading to one of America’s finest stretches of coastline, why not head to the beach?

Which beaches should you visit during your San Diego trip? Though there’s really no wrong answer, we have put together this list of the best beaches in San Diego to make the most of your time here. From the Mexican border to Camp Pendleton, here are some awesome San Diego beaches to explore and enjoy.
Why is San Diego such a spectacular beach city?
Photo by Andrew Davey Andrew Davey/The Manual

Read more