Located in the Los Lagos Region, Alerce Andino National Park is home to one of the oldest species on the planet: the alerce, a millenary tree that gives both its name and spirit to this enchanted park.

In the green heart of the Los Lagos Region, where mountains are mirrored in crystal-clear lagoons and the air smells of rain and ancient wood, lies the Alerce Andino National Park. This natural sanctuary, created on November 17, 1982, spans more than 39,000 hectares of temperate forests and is one of the most fascinating corners of southern Chile, home to alerce trees that are over three thousand years old.

The park is located in the province of Llanquihue, within the municipalities of Puerto Montt and Cochamó. It is part of the Temperate Rainforest Biosphere Reserve of the Southern Andes, a designation that reflects its extraordinary ecological value.

How to Get to Alerce Andino National Park

From Puerto Montt, the most common access point, you can take Route V-65 toward Correntoso and Lago Chapo, a journey of about 46 kilometers. You can also enter through the Lenca sector, following the Carretera Austral (Southern Highway), or through the Chaicas River Valley, where gravel roads and lush vegetation prepare visitors for immersion in an untouched landscape.

There are several transportation options:

  • By private vehicle: Take Route V-65 toward Correntoso–Lago Chapo, a trip of about 46 km, or via Lenca, around 36 km along the Carretera Austral.
  • By public transport: Fierro, Jordán, and Quillaipe buses run routes to Chaicas and Caleta La Arena, while JB and Fierro buses connect Puerto Montt with the Correntoso–Lago Chapo sector.

For adventurers seeking a full experience, a four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended, especially to reach the inner trails leading to Chaiquenes Lagoon or higher areas of the park.

The Realm of the Alerce

The alerce (Fitzroya cupressoides) is the jewel of the park, a species that can live for over 3,000 years and reach up to 50 meters in height. It is estimated that nearly 20,000 hectares of the park are covered by these giants, coexisting with other species such as coigüe of Chiloé, tineo, mañío, and canelo.

The different layers of the forest display an infinite palette of greens: the evergreen forest, which stretches from sea level to 900 meters above sea level, glows with tepales, coigües, and ulmos, while ferns and climbing lianas create an almost magical environment. At higher elevations, above 800 meters, appear Magellanic coigüe and lenga forests, adapted to the cold and southern winds.

Things to Do in Alerce Andino National Park

The park is an ideal destination for trekking lovers, photographers, and those who enjoy nature in its purest form. Among the most recommended trails are those leading to Chaiquenes and Triángulo Lagoons, where the landscape blends between forest and turquoise waters. Another must-see is the Sargazo Lake Trail, featuring a panoramic viewpoint that offers an unforgettable view of the surroundings.

In the Sargazo and Chaica sectors, visitors can enjoy picnic areas, perfect for relaxing while surrounded by the murmur of the forest. Fishing is not permitted within the park, but that doesn’t diminish the deeply immersive experience — walking, breathing, listening, and contemplating are enough to feel part of the ecosystem.

Wildlife: The Secrets of the Forest

The small and charming pudú, the world’s smallest deer, can be seen among the ferns of Alerce Andino National Park; the puma, silent and stealthy, roams the hills; and the monito del monte, a unique marsupial, lives among the damp branches.

The sky also tells its story: soaring over the mountains are the Andean condor, the Magellanic woodpecker, the kingfisher, and the hued-hued, each with its distinctive call. In the cold waters, native species such as the percatrucha swim alongside introduced rainbow trout and brown trout, drawing the attention of those who love wildlife observation.

Tips for a Perfect Visit

  • The best time to visit Alerce Andino National Park is between November and March, when the weather is more stable and the trails are in optimal condition. However, even in summer, the Patagonian climate is unpredictable rain is frequent, so bringing warm and waterproof clothing is essential.
  • The park is open daily, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with last entry allowed until 3:00 p.m.. Tickets can be purchased directly at the entrance or in advance at pasesparques.cl.
  • It is important to register your hike with the park ranger, indicating your route and estimated return time to ensure a safe experience. The nearest services include first aid stations in Correntoso, Lenca, Lago Chapo, and Chaicas, as well as food stores in Correntoso, Lenca, and Metri.

Travel south and discover the Alerce Andino National Park!

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