The initiative, led by the Maratué project, seeks to preserve this 125-hectare green space, promoting learning and ecological awareness among students, social organizations, and nature enthusiasts. Visitors can find information about the Northern Belloto tree, the Quirilluca Cliffs geosites, birds like the Peruvian booby, and a variety of native fauna species that are under constant monitoring and protection.
Franco Venegas, Maratué’s Socio-Environmental and Territorial Manager, explains that the area has undergone a significant transformation. Previously, this land was exposed to campfires and fires, the presence of dogs, and other activities that endangered the environment. Now, the park has implemented trails and basic conservation rules to manage visits, restrict certain activities, and protect more vulnerable areas, with the addition of marked paths and the support of park rangers.
From an educational perspective, the park has become an open-air classroom. Juan Pedro Figueroa, director of the General Velásquez School, explains that Quirilluca is a meeting place for the residents of the Puchuncaví district, and it has gained even more importance recently due to the appreciation of its unique geological features and the presence of its natural environment in the central region. These are conditions that the school highlights because of its proximity to this park, which is open to learning.
“To this end, we work in an interdisciplinary way. Physical education provides the necessary knowledge for a trek of this kind and emphasizes the importance of sport for a healthy life. In the gastronomy program at the school, teachers provide knowledge about healthy eating and the necessary ingredients for the activity,” Figueroa says.
He adds, “In English, students are taught to promote this natural space in another language. In science, they work with the local flora and fauna. In history and geography, the focus is on local history and the geographical location of our district.”
In this sense, he indicates that in addition to the conservation efforts taking place in the area, the project includes inclusive conditions for education. “Even the youngest children participate in these activities. They arrive by bus, thanks to the road leading to the park, and have a spectacular experience with nature. Teachers and educational assistants also take the walk as part of their professional development, where time spent in nature helps maintain emotional well-being.”
Quirilluca Park continues to solidify its position as a hub for environmental education. According to Venegas, they are currently forging partnerships with various organizations to improve its infrastructure, add more informative infographics, and install educational stations that enhance the experience for both students and teachers.
Fabrizio Valenzuela, head of tourism activities for the municipality of Puchuncaví, emphasized the importance of these types of awareness-raising spaces, given that for years the town had been associated with pollution as a sacrifice zone.
“We have a wealth of scenic wonders. It’s important that the people of the community know about their natural heritage, and these spaces provide us with knowledge and history; it’s a whole cycle of sustainable work over time, and with the capital of sustainable sports tourism, we aim to involve the entire community,” he stated.
It’s worth noting that Quirilluca Park is a conservation area located on the former Quiliruca Estate, open free of charge to the entire community. The park is part of the territorial planning carried out by Maratué, which reinforces its commitment to protecting this valuable ecosystem with each visit.