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Alerce Andino National Park: Ancient Forests and Pristine Lakes

Discover ancient Alerce forests, pristine lakes, and breathtaking mountain scenery in Chile's Alerce Andino National Park. A haven for nature lovers.

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Alerce Andino National Park, nestled in the Los Lagos region of Chile, is a sanctuary of ancient Alerce trees, some over 3,000 years old, and stunning landscapes featuring evergreen forests, pristine lakes, and rugged mountains. Established in 1982, the park offers a network of trails for hikers to explore its diverse ecosystems and breathtaking scenery.

A brief summary to Parque Nacional Alerce Andino

Local tips

  • Purchase park entrance tickets online in advance at pasesparques.cl to ensure entry, especially during peak season.
  • Wear appropriate rain gear and sturdy hiking boots, as the weather can be unpredictable, and trails can be muddy.
  • Bring your own food and water, as there are limited services within the park.
  • Be prepared for changing weather conditions, even in summer.
  • Pack out all your trash, as there are no waste disposal facilities within the park.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Puerto Montt, take a Buses Fierro, Jordán, or Quillaipe bus towards Chaicas or Caleta La Arena. These buses leave from the main terminal in Puerto Montt. Ask to be dropped off at Chaica, which is about 35 km south of Puerto Montt on Route 7. From Chaica, it's approximately 4 km to the park ranger station. Buses to Chaica cost around $3.50 USD. Keep in mind that the bus may leave you 4km away from the park entrance.

  • Driving

    From Puerto Montt, head south on Route 7 towards Carretera Austral. After approximately 35 km, you'll reach Chaica, where a sign indicates the road to the park entrance on the left. The park ranger station is open from 9 am to 5 pm. Alternatively, to reach the Lago Chapo sector, continue south on Route 7 for about 9 km to Chamiza. Before the bridge, turn left towards Correntoso and drive 19 km to the park entrance. Note that the road to the park can be gravel in some sections.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available from Puerto Montt to Alerce Andino National Park. The journey takes approximately 1 hour to Correntoso. Consult with the taxi service for exact fares, as prices may vary.

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Discover more about Parque Nacional Alerce Andino

Alerce Andino National Park, located in the Los Lagos Region of Chile, is a natural treasure encompassing nearly 40,000 hectares of mountain landscapes, Valdivian temperate rainforest, and numerous lakes and lagoons. Established in 1982, the park is named for the majestic Alerce trees (Fitzroya cupressoides) that dominate its forests. These ancient conifers, often compared to sequoias, can live for thousands of years, making them some of the oldest living organisms on Earth. The park is divided into several sectors, each offering unique hiking trails and natural attractions. The Sargazo sector, near Lago Chapo, features the Laguna Sargazo Trail with a suspension bridge and the Los Ulmos Trail through a stunning rainforest. The Chaicas sector offers trails like Salto Río Chaica, leading to a waterfall, and Alerce Milenario, where you can witness 3,000-year-old Alerce trees. Other notable trails include El Encanto, Los Canelos, and Laguna Triángulo, each providing different perspectives of the park's diverse ecosystems. Alerce Andino National Park is part of the Reserva de la Biósfera Bosques Templados Lluviosos de Los Andes Australes (Southern Andes Temperate Rain Forest), recognized for its biodiversity and ecological significance. The park's diverse flora includes evergreen beech, mañío, canelo, ulmo, tepa, and coigüe, creating a lush understory with ferns and climbing vines. The park is also home to various animal species, including the monito del monte, pudú, güiña, gray fox and black-necked swans. Visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and simply immersing themselves in the tranquility of nature. The park's mountainous terrain offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes.

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