The Rio Clarillo area was upgraded from a National Reserve to a National Park in 2020, becoming the first National Park in the Santiago Metropolitan Region.
The park protects the 'sclerophyllous' forest, a unique ecosystem characterized by evergreen trees with leathery leaves designed to survive dry summers.
The Rio Clarillo river is notable for being one of the few high-quality, unpolluted water sources in the region.
The reserve serves as a sanctuary for the 'Carpintero Negro' (Magellanic woodpecker) and several species of endemic lizards.
Estacionamiento El Maitén serves as the primary parking facility for the Rio Clarillo National Reserve, located within the Mediterranean forest ecosystem of the Andes foothills in Pirque. The reserve is designated as a National Park, protecting the endemic flora and fauna of the sclerophyllous forest. El Maitén acts as the base point for the main network of hiking trails that lead deep into the interior of the protected river valley. Visitors park here to access the Quebrada Jorquera and Los Quillayes trails, which offer views of the Rio Clarillo riverbed. The area is situated in a transition zone between the central valley and the high mountains. Access to this parking area is managed by CONAF, the Chilean national forest service.
The wooden bridge near the start of the trailheads located adjacent to the parking zone.
Arrive early in the morning, as vehicle capacity is strictly limited and entry may be denied once the parking area reaches its limit.
Purchase your entry permit online via the official government portal before traveling to ensure guaranteed access.
Carry all trash out of the park, as there are no bins provided inside the reserve to maintain ecological integrity.
Do not attempt to access the park without a pre-purchased reservation, as walk-ins are not permitted when the park is at capacity.
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays throughout the year for maintenance and conservation efforts.
Strictly follow the 'Leave No Trace' principles; feeding wildlife is prohibited and smoking is strictly forbidden due to high wildfire risk.
