×

Chile🇨🇱 | national parksAlerce Andino National Park3,000-year-old alerce, boardwalk forest, drizzle, Lago Chaiquenes | things to do and best time to go

Explore Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National ParkExplore Queulat National Park

Backpacking in Alerce Andino
🌟 Highlightnational park ranked #7
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 19, 2026

Alerce Andino sits in the Los Lagos Region of southern Chile, about 40 km from Puerto Montt, and its famous giant trees grow in only one small, easy-to-reach corner of a much larger wild park. Most people never get past that corner, because road access ends at the two sectors, Sendero Alerces and Lago Chaiquenes, and the interior has no through route. Rain falls most of the year, which is why the forest is so thick, so smart hikers plan around drizzle rather than against it. After a wet walk I paid about US$3 for a thermos-hot coffee and a warm sopaipilla at a roadside stand, and it beat any café in town. Compared with nearby Vicente Pérez Rosales, it is quieter and more forested, with no volcano views.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Chile Travel Guide.


example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for Chile
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for Chile
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for Chile
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for Chile
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for Chile
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for Chile
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for Chile
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for Chile
Loading the map 🌍
CLICK TO FILTER
cities
towns
villages
landmarks
national parks
hikes
beaches
attractions
festivals
regions
SHOW COUNTRY’S BESTSHOW ALL

✨ Why go?
Ranked #7 national park in ChileReasons people choose to explore here

Alerce Andino National Park suits independent hikers because the useful part of it is compact and needs no guide. Rangers at each sector hand out simple maps, trails are marked, and you can walk in without booking a tour. The main draw is the Alerce Milenario, a tree estimated at over 3,000 years old, reached on a short forest path where trunks reach several meters wide. The park also holds Lago Chaiquenes, a calm lake with basic campsites and beach spots where few people show up on weekdays. Many backpackers use Puerto Montt as a base, then reach the park with local buses and a short walk. The park rewards those who bring rain gear, because the dense, moss-covered Valdivian rainforest looks best when damp. If you like quiet trails and big trees without crowds, this is a sensible detour from the usual Patagonia route.

💡 HighlightsWhat this place is best known for

  1. Alerce Milenario: The park’s best-known tree, a giant alerce estimated at more than 3,000 years old, reached by a gentle boardwalk-style forest path.
  2. Sendero Alerces: A loop through old-growth alerce forest with huge trunks, ferns and thick moss, suited to anyone.
  3. Lago Chaiquenes: A quiet lake in the Chaiquenes sector, with a small beach and simple camping, good for a calm afternoon.
  4. Laguna Fria: A remote lagoon in dense forest, rewarding for hikers who want solitude and a longer walk.
  5. Sendero Cascadas: A short trail to small waterfalls, best after rain when the water runs strong.
  6. Río Chaicas valley: Clear, cold river sections with forest views, useful for photographers and quiet picnics.
  7. Lago Sargazo viewpoint: A scenic lakeside spot for views of the water edged with evergreen forest.
For a first … read more 👉
  1. Alerce Milenario: The park’s best-known tree, a giant alerce estimated at more than 3,000 years old, reached by a gentle boardwalk-style forest path.
  2. Sendero Alerces: A loop through old-growth alerce forest with huge trunks, ferns and thick moss, suited to anyone.
  3. Lago Chaiquenes: A quiet lake in the Chaiquenes sector, with a small beach and simple camping, good for a calm afternoon.
  4. Laguna Fria: A remote lagoon in dense forest, rewarding for hikers who want solitude and a longer walk.
  5. Sendero Cascadas: A short trail to small waterfalls, best after rain when the water runs strong.
  6. Río Chaicas valley: Clear, cold river sections with forest views, useful for photographers and quiet picnics.
  7. Lago Sargazo viewpoint: A scenic lakeside spot for views of the water edged with evergreen forest.
For a first visit, start with the Alerce Milenario, since it is the park’s signature sight and takes little time to reach.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do near Alerce Andino National Park

Shore Excursion: Petrohue Waterfalls, Frutillar & Puerto Varas

Shore Excursion: Petrohue Waterfalls, Frutillar & Puerto Varas

4.4(603) 6h
From €77
per personViator
Private Day tour Petrohue Falls, Osorno Volcano & Puerto Varas

Private Day tour Petrohue Falls, Osorno Volcano & Puerto Varas

4.9(52) 7h
From €245
per personViator
Cruise Shore Private Excursion Osorno Volcano & Petrohué Falls

Cruise Shore Private Excursion Osorno Volcano & Petrohué Falls

5.0(43) 6h
From €232
per personViator
Osorno Volcano and National Park Shore Tour for Cruisers

Osorno Volcano and National Park Shore Tour for Cruisers

4.3(39) 5h
From €82
per personViator
Puerto Montt: Full day Chiloe Island visiting Penguins in Puñihuil

Puerto Montt: Full day Chiloe Island visiting Penguins in Puñihuil

4.2(41) 10h
From €68
per personViator
Private Tour: Puerto Montt, Puerto Varas and Vicente Peres Rosales National Park

Private Tour: Puerto Montt, Puerto Varas and Vicente Peres Rosales National Park

4.5(33) 7h
From €299
per personViator
Shore Excursion Frutillar, Petrohue Falls and Puerto Varas

Shore Excursion Frutillar, Petrohue Falls and Puerto Varas

5.0(21)
From €63
per personViator
Osorno Volcano, Petrohue Falls and Puerto Varas Shore Excursion

Osorno Volcano, Petrohue Falls and Puerto Varas Shore Excursion

4.2(35) 6h
From €86
per personViator
Private Shore Excursion Tour to Puerto Montt, Puerto Varas and Frutillar

Private Shore Excursion Tour to Puerto Montt, Puerto Varas and Frutillar

4.7(18) 6h
From €260
per personViator
Shore excursion Frutillar Petrohue and Puerto Varas

Shore excursion Frutillar Petrohue and Puerto Varas

5.0(8)
From €63
per personViator

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?Best time to explore Alerce Andino

  • Summer (December to February): Driest and warmest, with highs of 18 to 22°C (64 to 72°F) and lows around 8°C (46°F). Long daylight, firm trails and the biggest crowds, so book cabins ahead. Rain still falls on many days.
  • Autumn (March to May): Highs of 10 to 17°C (50 to 63°F), more rain and fewer hikers. Beech forest colors turn in April.
  • Winter (June to August): Cold and wet, 3 to 9°C (37 to 48°F), short days, and snow on higher ground. Some trails turn to mud and the Alerce Milenario path can be slick. Lodging is cheapest.
  • Spring (September to November): Highs of 11 to 17°C (52 to 63°F), swollen rivers, rising light and thin crowds. Prices climb toward December.
Go in late January or February for the best odds of dry boots, and carry rain gear in any month.

source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: excellent for travelingFEBFebruary: excellent for travelingMARMarch: good for travelingAPRApril: fair for travelingMAYMay: fair for travelingJUNJune: below average for travelingJULJuly: below average for travelingAUGAugust: below average for travelingSEPSeptember: fair for travelingOCTOctober: good for travelingNOVNovember: highly recommended for travelingDECDecember: excellent for traveling
chile-national-park-alerce-andino-national-park
© Google |

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutChile Travel Guide

An offline-friendly backpacking guide with optimized travel routes, ranked highlights, transport advice, and the best areas to stay.
example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for Chile
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for Chile
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for Chile
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for Chile
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for Chile
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for Chile
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for Chile
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for Chile
The digital guide (333 pages) contains:
✅ 107 highlights, ranked by travel appeal
✅ Optimized 7, 14 & 21-day travel routes
✅ Cities, national parks, landmarks, beaches
✅ How to get around
✅ Offline-friendly for travel without Wi-Fi
👉 Click to see all 30+ guide features

📅 Plan smarter in minutes, not weeks
✅ Month by month travel advice
✅ Festivals & national holidays
✅ Budget expectations

🗺️ Go to the right places, skip the overrated ones
✅ Honest pros & cons of destinations
✅ Top hikes, parks & viewpoints
✅ Lesser-known places most travelers miss
✅ Clear “worth it vs skip it” guidance

🛏️ Travel smoothly without rookie mistakes
✅ Best areas to stay
✅ Transport systems explained simply
✅ Common scams & safety advice
✅ SIM cards, money & practical tips

🌍 Understand the country, not just visit it
✅ Culture & traditions
✅ 52 Essential phrases & customs
✅ Festivals worth planning around
✅ Traveler-friendly historical context
✅ Insights that make places more meaningful

📱 Built for real travel conditions
✅ Fully downloadable PDF
✅ Works completely offline
✅ Optimized for phone use
✅ Useful in remote areas & buses
✅ Everything in one place
Stop searching, start planning
Get instant access to your full guide. 30‑day money-back guarantee.
+ Add another guide for just

By proceeding you agree to our terms.
Sent to your inbox immediately after payment • 100% Secure Checkout
Best Backpacking Travel Advisor 2025 tourism awardBest Backpacking
Travel Advisor
2025
What others say about Take Your Backpack Guides:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fantastic, amazing amount of information!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My goodness this is amazing, it's what I've been looking for hats off too you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I think this is absolutely BRILLIANT
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Very complete and informative. It's still missing places, but I gotta to commend you
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is truly amazing, thank you, can't wait to explore it with my kids!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Awesome resource, thank you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is amazing! Can't wait to explore the ones I haven't seen
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I love this! Well done, great idea.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thanks for taking the time to make this gem!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This might be the best website I've ever seen.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Congratulations, and thank you so much for your work; it's incredibly valuable.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
In all seriousness I think you did a great job pointing out the important spots
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
10/10 very good
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
As someone who's only just starting to visit regularly this is awesome, thank you.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you very much! I'm going to visit my dad, it's going to be very useful!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is really cool! We'll be travelling for the first time and this definitely come in handy.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
You are now our minister of culture, congratulations 👨‍💼
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Just wanted to tell you that this is a pearl! Going to follow your recommendations.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is so cool. I'll definitely be using the resource for my travels soon.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is very impressive! Good work.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is an amazing and informative site. Very well done!

🛏️ Where to stay?Choosing the right base

Most backpackers sleep in Puerto Montt, about 40 km (25 miles) away, or in the village of Correntoso and along the road toward Lenca. Inside the park, Sector Chaica has a campground near the Chaica entrance, and Sector Sargazo has a campground at Lago Sargazo. Both are basic, with cold-water facilities, and cost roughly US$10 to 20 per site. Sector Correntoso has a few simple cabins and camping run by private operators, from about US$40 to 80 for a cabin. Rooms in Puerto Montt are the budget choice: hostels run US$15 to 30 for a dorm bed and US$40 to 70 for a private room, and the city has the … read more 👉
Most backpackers sleep in Puerto Montt, about 40 km (25 miles) away, or in the village of Correntoso and along the road toward Lenca. Inside the park, Sector Chaica has a campground near the Chaica entrance, and Sector Sargazo has a campground at Lago Sargazo. Both are basic, with cold-water facilities, and cost roughly US$10 to 20 per site. Sector Correntoso has a few simple cabins and camping run by private operators, from about US$40 to 80 for a cabin. Rooms in Puerto Montt are the budget choice: hostels run US$15 to 30 for a dorm bed and US$40 to 70 for a private room, and the city has the supermarkets, ATMs and bus terminal you need for supplies. Chaica is also a short drive from Puerto Montt by bus and taxi, so it works as a base for day hikes. Anyone with a tent should camp inside, since the forest at night is quiet and the early start on the Alerce Milenario trail is worth it. Book cabins ahead from December to February.
Best hostels in Chile


Best quality hotels in Chile

👛 Costs (as of 19 October 2026)What things cost and how to budget

Expect to spend about US$65 a day at high-season rates for a mix of camping, self-catering and public transport. Budget travelers can go lower by camping and cooking their own food.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entrance feeUS$8 to 12Foreign adults pay a higher fee than Chileans, in Chilean pesos, per sector entered.
Accommodation (high season)US$10 to 25Campsites cost US$10 to 20 per site. Hostel dorms in Puerto Montt run US$15 to 30.
Accommodation (low season)US$8 to 20Winter brings lower prices, but some cabins close.
Local transportUS$10 to 20Colectivos and buses from Puerto Montt reach Correntoso and Lenca. A taxi or transfer to Chaica costs more.
Food and suppliesUS$10 to 20Buy groceries in Puerto Montt. Few shops exist near the park entrances.
ExtrasUS$5 to 10Gas canisters, rain gear and
… read more 👉
Expect to spend about US$65 a day at high-season rates for a mix of camping, self-catering and public transport. Budget travelers can go lower by camping and cooking their own food.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entrance feeUS$8 to 12Foreign adults pay a higher fee than Chileans, in Chilean pesos, per sector entered.
Accommodation (high season)US$10 to 25Campsites cost US$10 to 20 per site. Hostel dorms in Puerto Montt run US$15 to 30.
Accommodation (low season)US$8 to 20Winter brings lower prices, but some cabins close.
Local transportUS$10 to 20Colectivos and buses from Puerto Montt reach Correntoso and Lenca. A taxi or transfer to Chaica costs more.
Food and suppliesUS$10 to 20Buy groceries in Puerto Montt. Few shops exist near the park entrances.
ExtrasUS$5 to 10Gas canisters, rain gear and snacks.
Total Daily BudgetUS$53 to 87About US$65 for a typical day.
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🥾 TrailsScenic routes and wildlife spotting in Alerce Andino

Alerce Andino National Park is made up of two main sectors, and most walking happens on short to moderate forest trails with muddy, root-covered ground. Wet weather is common, so waterproof boots help a lot.
  • Sendero Alerces: About 1 km, 30 to 45 minutes, easy. A boardwalk and dirt path through old-growth forest, ending at the Alerce Milenario.
  • Sendero Laguna Fría: About 6 km round trip, 3 to 4 hours, moderate. Muddy forest and a quiet lagoon, with a steady climb.
  • Sendero Lago Chaiquenes: A shorter lakeside walk, around 1 to 2 hours, easy to moderate, with lake views and small beaches.
  • Sendero Cascadas:
… read more 👉
Alerce Andino National Park is made up of two main sectors, and most walking happens on short to moderate forest trails with muddy, root-covered ground. Wet weather is common, so waterproof boots help a lot.
  • Sendero Alerces: About 1 km, 30 to 45 minutes, easy. A boardwalk and dirt path through old-growth forest, ending at the Alerce Milenario.
  • Sendero Laguna Fría: About 6 km round trip, 3 to 4 hours, moderate. Muddy forest and a quiet lagoon, with a steady climb.
  • Sendero Lago Chaiquenes: A shorter lakeside walk, around 1 to 2 hours, easy to moderate, with lake views and small beaches.
  • Sendero Cascadas: A short walk of about 1 hour to small waterfalls, easy with some slippery sections.
Wildlife is hard to spot in the thick forest, but you may see the pudú (a tiny deer), foxes, and many birds such as the Chucao tapaculo, heard more often than seen. Terrain is steep in places and the air stays damp, so expect mud even in summer.
Public transport reaches the park from Puerto Montt through local buses toward Correntoso, and a walk or hitch covers the last stretch. A car makes the Chaiquenes sector much easier. Crowds stay light, with weekends in summer the busiest. There is an entrance fee of roughly US$5 to 10 for foreign visitors, payable at the ranger station in Chilean pesos, so bring cash.
⚠️ Hiking info can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate. Before you hit the trail, check the latest conditions with locals. If you do spot anything that's off, I'd love to hear from you, so I can update it for fellow travelers.

🛡️ SafetyTraveler Safety Guide

Alerce Andino is a well-managed park, and the real hazard is weather. Rain is common even in summer, so trails turn to mud, and wooden boardwalks and roots get slippery. Wear boots with good grip and carry a proper rain shell, since cotton fails fast here. Daylight and temperature drop quickly in the valleys, so start early and pack a headlamp. Rivers swell after heavy rain, which can complicate crossings on longer routes such as the Lago Chaiquenes area. Trails are marked, but fog can hide junctions, so download an offline map. There are no dangerous large animals. Pumas exist but are rarely seen. Ticks and horseflies are minor annoyances in summer. Never carve or touch the old alerce trunks, and stay on the boardwalks to protect their shallow roots. Tell the rangers at the entrance your route, because phone coverage is patchy.
Check Country Safety

FAQCommon questions from travelers

Plan on two days for Alerce Andino National Park, one for the Alerce Milenario trail and one for a lake or river sector. The Alerce Milenario hike takes about 1 to 2 hours round trip, while longer routes around Laguna Sargazo or Chaica take 3 to 6 hours. With a third day you can try the multi-day route in the Lenca and Correntoso area. Most visitors base in Puerto Montt, about 40 km away.
Yes, Alerce Andino National Park is reachable without a car, but it takes planning. Buses and colectivos run from Puerto Montt toward Correntoso and Lenca, roughly 1 to 1.5 hours, and you walk or hitch the last stretch. Taxis or tour transfers from Puerto Montt to the Chaica sector cost roughly US$40 to 70 each way. Buses are less frequent in winter, so check the return time.
Yes, Alerce Andino National Park charges an entrance fee, paid on site at the ranger station in Chilean pesos. Foreign adults typically pay about US$8 to 12, with lower prices for children and Chileans. No permit is needed for day hikes, but camping costs about US$10 to 20 per site. CONAF manages the park, and fees are often cheaper outside the summer peak.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Chilean national parks near Alerce Andino

Explore more nearby:


💡 Not sure where to go next?
Create a personalized itinerary for Chile including Alerce Andino and the places that fit your trip.

Generate my itinerary

👉 Discover all national parks

Or checkout all Chile has to offer (think cities, towns, villages, national parks, hikes, beaches, festivals)
Explore Chile
Country photo of Chile
© Google Images

We 💚 feedbackIs it worth it?

Alerce Andino National Park has two sectors, and most first-timers only see the Alerce Milenario trail in the Chaica sector. I would also walk the Sargazo side, where the forest feels quieter and the lakeside camping spots sit under dripping coigüe and tepa. Bring a real rain shell and expect mud even in January. The ancient trees are slow, wet and worth the soaking.

✈️ When did I visit Chile?
I have visited Chile, together with Argentina, in September 2012.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Chile, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



🙋‍♂️ Give feedback

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

Read the full story