Lahuen Ñadi National Reserve

The destination

The oldest alerce tree
in Chile's central valley

Just minutes from the city boundary lies the Natural Monument Lahuen Ñadi, a 200-hectare ecological sanctuary protecting the last relict alerce forest in Chile's central valley. Its name comes from Mapudungun: 'lahuen' (alerce) and 'ñadi' (waterlogged volcanic soil).

It stands out nationally for its inclusive design: the Los Chucaos trail has a 1.07-metre-wide boardwalk suitable for wheelchairs. IMPORTANT: access is through the private Lagunitas estate — call CONAF before visiting: +56 65 2 486400.

Unlike their Andean counterparts, these alerce trees adapted to survive in lowland waterlogged peat bogs, creating a fundamentally different and extremely fragile ecosystem. Its centrepiece is a living alerce over 1,800 years old.

The place

Sendero Los Chucaos pasarela de madera acceso universal Lahuen Ñadi Puerto Montt

Bosque relicto de alerce en suelo ñadi Lahuen Ñadi Puerto Montt

Bosque de alerces milenarios en el Monumento Natural Lahuen Ñadi Puerto Montt con pasarelas de madera

What to do

Activities &
trails

Los Chucaos Trail

A 600-metre wooden boardwalk, fully obstacle-free with tactile guides and handrails. The 1,800-year-old alerce tree is just minutes from the entrance. Wheelchair accessible.

Acceso universal 0,6 km ~30 min

0,6

km

Los Carpinteros Trail

An immersive circuit ideal for families that ventures into the evergreen forest. The route allows observation of different stages of ecological succession.

Easy 2 km ~2 hrs

2

km

Nature

Wildlife, flora &
natural highlights

Chucao Tapaculo

The endemic bird that gives the main trail its name. Curious, territorial and owner of the most iconic call in the austral forest.

Magellanic Woodpecker

Spectacular bird that gives the second trail its name. Its perforations in the trunks are visible throughout the walk.

Monito del Monte

Tiny endemic nocturnal marsupial that uses the hollows of old alerce trees as a refuge.

Pudú

The smallest deer in the Americas, a silent inhabitant that blends into the dense quila vegetation flanking the trails.

Thorn-tailed Rayadito

A small, very restless and acrobatic insectivorous bird, easy to observe moving quickly along native trunks.

Choroy Parakeet

A noisy and gregarious parrot of southern Chile, frequently spotted or heard feeding in the high canopy.

Before you go

What you need
to know

Practical tips

→IMPORTANT: call CONAF Puerto Montt before visiting (+56 65 2 486400) to ensure the private estate gate is open.

→It is only 3 km from El Tepual Airport — a perfect stop before catching a flight or right after arriving.

→The Los Chucaos trail has universal access and is suitable for wheelchair users and elderly visitors.

→The ñadi soil microclimate is very damp — wear waterproof clothing even if it is sunny in Puerto Montt city centre.

→The 1,800-year-old alerce is on the Los Chucaos trail, just minutes from the entrance.

How to get there

From
Apart Hotel Colón

Take Route 226 towards El Tepual Airport. In the Lagunitas area, look for the access to the private estate where the CONAF gatehouse is. 13 km from the centre, approximately 20 minutes by car. Call ahead: +56 65 2 486400.