Between the sea and the Cordillera de la Costa Mountain Range, Quirilluca Park protects a unique ecosystem where boobies, northern acorns and the permanent work of park rangers coexist. Its conservation is a daily effort to keep alive this natural heritage of Puchuncavi.

Between Campiche and Campiche, in the commune of Puchuncavi, there are more than 125 hectares of high ecological and geological value in the central coast. In this environment is the Quirilluca Park, a conservation area that has become a regional and national reference thanks to the work of the Maratue team, the park rangers and various specialists dedicated to safeguarding an ecosystem as fragile as it is valuable.

The park’s landscape is marked by its cliffs, a geosite that concentrates key information on geological evolution. ‘The Quirilluca cliffs are a true research center of great value, providing essential information on the history of the geological formation of Chile’s central area,’ Quirilluca explains, who is the Sustainability Manager of the Maratue project, and is in charge of its conservation.

In addition to its geological value, the park is home to one of the few surviving coastal sclerophyllous forests in central Chile. Among boldos, litres, peumos and maitenes grow specimens of northern acorns, an endemic species classified as vulnerable, declared a Natural Monument and here it reaches its southernmost coastal populations.

This ecosystem is highly vulnerable, is historically fragmented, and is especially susceptible to the negative effects of climate change,’ Juan José Sáez explains, Biologist in charge of monitoring the park’s flora and fauna. ‘Without protection measures, we run the real risk of losing this unique plant formation,’ he adds. Conservation efforts are also reflected in the fauna. Piqueros (blue-footed boobies, which are seabirds) migrate every year to nest on Quirilluca cliffs.

In addition, there are resident species such as the chungungo (marine otter), a small marine mammal, and the northern acorn itself. Probably, Quirilluca Park is ‘the only locality where all three converge’ –piqueros, chungungos and acorns-, Sáez emphasizes. ‘This confluence demonstrates the need to implement and maintain conservation measures and systematic monitoring programs over time to ensure the preservation of its environmental values,’ he adds.

The Role of Park Rangers

The conservation of Quirilluca Park does not depend solely on scientific studies. Park rangers play a central role in this task: To educate, orient, and protect. And in addition to guiding delegations and providing information, they carry out patrols, clean-up patrols, and participate in flora and fauna monitoring.

Access to the park is free throughout the year, but is governed by clear rules that seek to ensure responsible use: No pets, no camping, no fires or flying drones, are some of the measures that are not arbitrary prohibitions, but actions necessary to protect a living and vulnerable ecosystem.

An example of the importance of responsible visitation is the restriction on the entry of dogs, since they disturb wildlife, and even their feces can transmit diseases. ‘It is important that visitors respect these measures and understand that they are entering an ecologically vulnerable place.

It is everyone’s responsibility to collaborate in the conservation of the ecosystem,’ Venegas says. Signage, briefs, and infographics reinforce this message, turning each visit into an educational experience. ‘It is essential to protect this area, as it is a significant representation of the coastal sclerophyllous forests,’ Sáez says.

Orderly access and the presence of professionals allow ‘direct observation of the Chilean flora and fauna, which is fundamental for the development of quality environmental education for the communities,’ he adds.

Quirilluca Park is a natural space, a living heritage of biodiversity, a refuge for unique species and a meeting point between nature and society. This area gives territorial identity to the commune, so preserving it is a shared responsibility that ensures that the next generations will also be able to know and learn from this unique corner of the central coast.