A forest that has
existed for 3,000 years
Alerce Andino National Park is one of the most singular parks in southern Chile. Its 40,000 hectares protect the last ancient alerce forests on the planet — a tree that grows barely a centimetre every fifteen years and can live over 4,000 years. The Chaicas sector is the main entrance, the most accessible from Puerto Montt.
The park is part of the Southern Andes Temperate Rainforest Biosphere Reserve, one of the most biodiverse areas in South America. The alerce —Fitzroya cupressoides— is the second longest-living tree on Earth after the American sequoia, and has been listed as a threatened species since 1976.
The park is part of the Temperate Rainforest Biosphere Reserve of the Southern Andes. The alerce — Fitzroya cupressoides — is the second longest-lived tree in the world, listed as a threatened species since 1976.
Senderos del
sector Chaicas
The Chaicas sector has trails open year-round, making it the ideal gateway to discover this ecosystem at any time of year.
Alerce Milenario Trail
The most iconic trail in the sector. It leads to an alerce over 3,000 years old. Crosses humid temperate forest with ulmo, arrayán and coihue trees. Suitable for all.
Easy
8 km ida y vuelta
~2 hrs
Salto Río Chaicas Trail
The park's highest-rated trail (4.5 stars on AllTrails, 84 reviews). Leads to a waterfall between dark rocks and ancient alerce trees. Photography viewpoints along the route.
Moderate
7,7 km
~1h 47 min
Los Canelos Trail
Short environmental interpretation trail. Ideal for families with children or as an introduction to the ecosystem.
Easy
~2 km
~1 hr
Laguna Chaiquenes & Laguna Triángulo
Summer only (Dec–Mar). Requires fording the La Plata river and crossing 3,500-year-old alerce forest. Laguna Triángulo at the end with deep blue waters.
Difficult
15,8 km
Día completo
Fauna y flora
del parque
In the Chaicas sector you will find trails open year-round, picnic areas and access to the two most iconic experiences: the Millennium Alerce and Salto Río Chaicas waterfall.
Pudú
The world's smallest deer. Endemic to southern Chile and Argentina. Shy and rarely seen, but present in the park.
Monito del Monte
A unique nocturnal marsupial, survivor of Gondwanan fauna. Lives in the hollows of ancient alerce trees.
Magellanic Woodpecker
The largest woodpecker in South America. Easy to detect by its unmistakable call and the holes it leaves in tree trunks.
Kodkod (Güiña)
The smallest wild cat in the Americas. Nocturnal and elusive. This park is one of the few places with a stable population.
Chucao Tapaculo
A ground-dwelling bird of the austral forest. Its call is the most characteristic sound of southern Chile. Heard before seen.
Black-necked Swan
Found on the park lagoons. Its black neck and white body make it unmistakable.
What you need
to know
Practical tips
→Always bring waterproof gear. Southern weather can change within hours, even on a sunny morning.
→Proper footwear is essential. Trails have mud and roots. Ankle-support boots with good grip.
→No pets allowed in national parks.
→No fires. Gas stoves only if you need to cook.
→Bring snacks and water. There are no food services in the Chaicas sector.
→Book your entry ticket in advance at pasesparques.cl, especially in high season.
→Book your entry ticket in advance at pasesparques.cl, especially in high season.
From
Apart Hotel Colón
From the hotel at Calle Pedro Montt 65, take Route 7 (Carretera Austral) south. Turn onto Route V-701 and follow 7 km of gravel road to the Chaicas sector. Approximately 45 minutes by car.
By car: From Puerto Montt take Route 7 (Carretera Austral) south towards Caleta La Arena. Cross the Lenca bridge and 1 km later turn left onto Route V-701. Follow 7 km of gravel road to the Chaicas sector.
Guided tour: Several agencies operate from Puerto Montt with guide and transport. The hotel can advise on available options by season. Usual departure 9:30 am, return 5:00 pm.
