Alerce Andino National Park · Sargazo

The destination

The most secluded
corner of Alerce Andino

The Sargazo sector is the northern entrance of Alerce Andino National Park and offers a far more secluded and wild experience than Chaicas. With fewer visitors, you can immerse yourself in the deep silence of the temperate rainforest — a unique ecosystem within the Southern Andes Biosphere Reserve.

The combination of a rustic refuge with only 12 places, a pebble beach on the lagoon shore and the dense vegetation make this the ideal destination for those seeking complete disconnection in the austral wilderness.

The main draw is the serene Laguna Sargazo, accessed via wooden boardwalks over wetlands. This corner of the park is presided over by the Alerce Madre, a monumental tree over 2,500 years old.

The place

Laguna Sargazo Parque Nacional Alerce Andino sector Sargazo Puerto Montt

Alerce Madre de 2.500 años sector Sargazo Parque Alerce Andino

Sendero con pasarelas de madera entre alerces milenarios en el sector Sargazo del Parque Nacional Alerce Andino

What to do

Activities &
trails

Laguna Sargazo Trail

The main trail in the sector. Follows the Chamiza river through wetlands on wooden boardwalks. Halfway along: the Alerce Madre. The trail ends at a pebble beach on the lagoon shore.

Moderate 8,2 km 2–3 hrs

8,2

km

Los Ulmos Trail

A short interpretive circuit. Ideal for families with children or as an introduction to the ecosystem before tackling longer routes.

Easy 0,8 km ~30 min

0,8

km

Cathedral of Alerces – Laguna Fría

The most demanding route in the Sargazo sector: 566 metres of elevation gain through ancient alerce forest. The pristine Laguna Fría rewards the effort.

Difficult ~12 km Día completo

~12

km

Radal Trail

A mid-distance route with two wooden viewpoints overlooking the Chamiza river valley.

Moderate 2,3 km ~45 min

2,3

km

Nature

Wildlife, flora &
natural highlights

Pudú

The world's smallest deer, endemic to the southern forests. Moves timidly through the dense quila undergrowth.

Magellanic Woodpecker

The largest woodpecker in South America. Unmistakable by the red head of the male and the sound of its hammering.

Chucao Tapaculo

A small ground-dwelling bird with a rufous breast. Its loud, melancholic call is the unmistakable soundtrack of the Valdivian forest.

Monito del Monte

A unique nocturnal marsupial, considered a living fossil from the Gondwana era. Plays a vital role in seed dispersal.

Huet Huet

An elusive bird of the densest, darkest forest. Hard to see, but its deep call quickly alerts hikers to its presence.

Grey Fox

Native canid frequently spotted prowling the edges of the gravel road at dawn or dusk.

Before you go

What you need
to know

Practical tips

→The rustic refuge has only 12 places.

→Bring all your food and water for the day — there are no shops or services in this sector.

→Use hiking boots with good grip — the boardwalks and root-covered paths stay slippery due to constant moisture.

→Swimming in Laguna Sargazo is prohibited. In summer, bring insect repellent — horseflies can be a nuisance.

→Pets are not allowed in the park.

→Contact the park ranger before visiting in low season — heavy rain can affect access roads.

How to get there

From
Apart Hotel Colón

Take Route 7 (Carretera Austral) south, before the Chamiza bridge turn onto Route V-65 towards Correntoso (19 paved km), then 9.5 km of gravel to the park entrance. Approximately 55 minutes by car.