Ecoregions of Chile

The Central Andean Dry Puna, an arid haven in the high southern Andes of Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina, captivates with arid landscapes, salt flats, and ancient sea remnants. Unique vegetation adapted to extreme conditions and diverse fauna, from Andean camelids to elusive predators and unique birds, thrive in this high-elevation ecoregion. As a mosaic of arid splendor, the Central Andean Dry Puna unfolds a captivating story of adaptation and conservation.

Located on the west coast of South America, the Chilean Matorral is a terrestrial ecoregion of central Chile. It contains most of Chile's population and is typically characterized by a temperate Mediterranean climate. It is home to Chile's renowned wine and agricultural regions.

The Magellanic subpolar forests are a terrestrial ecoregion of southernmost South America, covering parts of southern Chile and Argentina. Lying west of the Andes Mountains, this temperate broadleaf and mixed forests ecoregion is the world's southernmost forest.

The Southern Andean steppe ecoregion is found in the higher elevations of the Chilean and Argentine Andes, the southern portion of the Andes range, and features a cold desert climate. It is part of the Montane grasslands and shrublands biome.

The Patagonian Grasslands ecoregion is situated in the southern part of Argentina. It is an example of nature's resilience in challenging conditions. This area falls under the biome of temperate grasslands, savannas, and shrublands, which spans across the Neotropical realm. The region is a testament to the stunning beauty and biodiversity of the southern landscapes of Argentina.

The Valdivian temperate forests ecoregion is located in the Southern Cone of South America. It covers a narrow strip between the western slope of the Andes and the Pacific Ocean. The forests are characterized by their dense understories of bamboo, ferns, and evergreen trees.