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National park · Puerto Montt, Los Lagos
Parque Nacional Alerce Andino
CONAF park southeast of Puerto Montt with alerce forests up to 3,000 years old, about 50 lakes and ponds, and trails in the Correntoso, Sargazo and Chaicas sectors.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Parque Nacional Alerce Andino
Alerce Andino National Park was created in 1982 to protect one of Chile’s largest alerce forests. It covers about 393 km² of mountains between Lago Chapo to the north and the Reloncaví Estuary to the south, a few dozen kilometers from Puerto Montt.
The alerce is a native conifer that grows very slowly and can live more than 3,000 years, reaching roughly 50 meters in height. Because of its durable wood it was heavily logged in the past; today it is protected. In the park, alerces cover about 200 km², alongside coigues, tepas and giant ferns. Pudus, small southern deer, and the monito del monte, a tiny marsupial, live there.
There are three main sectors. Correntoso and Sargazo in the north have short forest trails and the walk to Laguna Sargazo, with a viewpoint. Chaicas in the south, near Lenca, has the trail to the Chaica River waterfall and to a millenary alerce, as well as the Chaiquenes and Triángulo lagoons, open in summer.
The region is one of the rainiest in the country, and the trails are often muddy and root-filled. The reward is a dense, silent forest, very different from the open lake landscapes.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half a day for the short trails; a full day to reach the higher lagoons.
Best time
From November to March the rain usually eases, but it's wise to expect it even in summer. Start early, because the last admission is in the early afternoon. Check the operating status of each sector before you go.
How to get there
For Chaicas, go from Puerto Montt via the Carretera Austral (Route 7) to Lenca, about 36 km, and take the valley road. For Correntoso, follow route V-65 toward Lago Chapo, about 46 km. Local buses reach near both entrances.
Tip
Bring a raincoat, waterproof boots and a snack: there is little infrastructure inside the park. Register your trail and return time with the park ranger before leaving.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Parque Nacional Alerce Andino
How old are the alerces in Parque Alerce Andino?
The oldest specimens exceed 2,500 to 3,000 years. The Chaicas sector trail leads to a millenary alerce.
How to go from Puerto Montt to Parque Alerce Andino?
By car, via the Carretera Austral to Lenca for the Chaicas sector, or via route V-65 for Correntoso. There are local buses to both entrances.
Which trail to do in Alerce Andino in one day?
The one to Laguna Sargazo in the north and the Chaica River waterfall with the millenary alerce in the south can be done in a day. The Chaiquenes and Triángulo lagoons require more time and open only in summer.