Alerce Andino National Park: Ancient Forest & Lake Hike
Discover one of Chile's most ancient forests on this full-day hike in Alerce Andino National Park, part of a UNESCO Temperate Rainforest Biosphere Reserve. Walk among towering Alerce trees, the Southern Hemisphere's longest-living species, with specimens thousands of years old and up to 50m tall. Trek through lush rainforest to the Millennial Alerce and Chaiquenes Lagoon, then stop at Puerto Montt's Manuel Montt viewpoint for the region's geography, history and local stories.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Puerto Varas
- Pickup at your hotel or accommodation in Puerto Varas. The exact meeting point will be confirmed after booking.
Alerce Andino National Park
Drive along the Carretera Austral to Alerce Andino National Park, about 40 km east of Puerto Montt. Enter through the Sargazo/Las Chaicas sector, one of the best-preserved ancient Alerce forests in Chile and part of a UNESCO Temperate Rainforest Biosphere Reserve.
Ancient Alerce Forest Hike
Set out on a roughly 4-hour guided hike through lush temperate rainforest to reach a millennial Alerce tree, one of the oldest living specimens in Chile, or continue to the peaceful Chaiquenes Lagoon to rest before the descent. Along the way we learn about the park's flora, fauna and conservation.
Manuel Montt Viewpoint, Puerto Montt
On the way back we stop at the Manuel Montt viewpoint in Puerto Montt for panoramic views over the Reloncaví Sound and a short talk about the region's geography, history and settlement, before returning to Puerto Varas.
Ending Point
Puerto Varas
Want to personalize this tour?
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/43050/04f3f7d9-47a5-4210-97bd-857b903ae694.png)
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
• English-speaking driving guide
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Puerto Varas
• Private transportation (SUV, up to 4 passengers)
• Gasoline, tolls and parking
• Alerce Andino National Park entrance fee
• Box lunch
• Bottled water
• Gratuities (optional)
• Personal expenses and souvenirs
• Meals and drinks not mentioned
• Travel insurance
Tour Important Information
* This is a full-day nature tour with about 4 hours of hiking on forest trails. Please wear comfortable hiking shoes.
* Weather in the temperate rainforest is changeable; bring a rain jacket, warm layers, water, sunscreen and insect repellent.
* A moderate level of fitness is required. Not recommended for guests with severe back or knee problems, or limited mobility.
* Box lunch is included. Please let me know in advance about any food allergies or dietary restrictions.
* Park entrance fees are included. Bring some cash for any optional extras.
* The itinerary may be adjusted due to weather or trail conditions.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
About Tour Guide Francisco hanu U.
Hello, it is a pleasure to greet you. I'm Hanu, I'm a tour guide, graduate in tourism and entrepreneur, I have guided all over Chile, with a career of 20 years now. I specialize in tailor made private programs and I love this job. The vocation in tourism has to do with enjoying being a host and I love showing my country and sharing unique experiences with our visitors. The visitor is someone very important to me, and I want your trip to be the best possible experience for everyone involve. In Latin America, not everyone thinks like that, but I grew up with an education that taught me to try to do our best.
I speak English, French and of course Spanish. And today I am dedicated to offering daily excursions around Puerto Varas, but also programs from Pucon to Chaiten. For other parts of Chile I could also join you when planned in advance. I work aswell with colleagues and other micro-entrepreneurs to be able to offer all kinds of experiences. If we work together, we will gradually put together a program just for you.
Reviews
Daniel S.
“History, Culture, and Nature”
Hanu guided my wife and me for two days in the Lago Llanquihue area. We enjoyed beautiful weather, which allowed Hanu to show us a mix of the lakeside towns and areas of nature. Speaking excellent English, Hanu was enjoyable to be with and his knowledge provided depth and insight into the area.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/43050/04f3f7d9-47a5-4210-97bd-857b903ae694.png)
Francisco hanu U.
Hello Daniel, thank you very much for your comments, It was very enjoyable to share with you for me too. Wish you the best
Stefan W.
“Personal, competent, fun”
Even privor anchoring in Puerto Montt I was in contact with Hanu, our tourguide. He showed us the good spots of this region with excellent views. He is an expert with lots of background information. We enjoyed the interaction with him and his flexibility and can recommend Hanu as a very good and very reliable tourguide. We had a great day! Thanks Hanu! Stefan from Switzerland
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/43050/04f3f7d9-47a5-4210-97bd-857b903ae694.png)
Francisco hanu U.
Thank you guys for choosing me. We had a great time, manage to visit all and more. I wish you the best and have great trips and adventures. Kind regards, Hanu
$610/ per group
More tours by Francisco hanu U.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/11041/157721.jpg)
HIGHLIGHTS FOR CRUISES
This is an excursion designed for cruise passengers who dock in Puerto Montt and want to visit the most beautiful places in the region according to their times. We will visit the Petrohue Falls and the Osorno Volcano, on the way we will see the city of Puerto Varas and the great Llanquihue Lake and we will be able to appreciate the exuberant vegetation of the Los Lagos Region. And if we have extra time we can also visit the Angelmo Market before returning to the port.
HIGHLIGHTS FOR CRUISES
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/10886/155429.jpg)
PRIVATE TOUR PUERTO VARAS HIGHLIGTH
Petrohue waterfalls + Osorno Volcano + Todos Los Santos lake + Viewpoint “ Entre Volcanes” in Cochamó Long day trip Modality: landscape It is a very complete excursion that brings together the most important points to visit in the area and a little more. We visited the Petrohue waterfalls first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds. In Osorno volcano we take a short walk to find our intimacy with nature and in the beautiful viewpoint of Cochamo there are always very few visitors.
PRIVATE TOUR PUERTO VARAS HIGHLIGTH
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/11042/157731.jpg)
Chiloé: Ancud museum and penguin colony of Piñihuil
This day we will cross from the mainland to the largest island in Chile, Chiloe, a crucial territory in the history of the country and the region. This time we will visit the north of the island mixing history and culture in the city of Ancud, and nature in the Puñihuil cove
Chiloé: Ancud museum and penguin colony of Piñihuil
Other Popular Nature & Outdoor Tours in Puerto Varas
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/14508/e18bb96b-75f2-47d5-8890-d945eee3b4d7.jpg)
Desolacion Hike. Osorno, Petrohue
A great day hike to explore the different environment of the National Park Vicente Perez Rosales on a 12 kms hike from A to B. Beginning at La Picada Sector. About 2 hours drive from Puerto Varas.
Desolacion Hike. Osorno, Petrohue
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/35011/07ff2294-5511-426c-b83b-5403e133e8a4.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/14507/1489825a-747c-445b-bab6-4fc1adea90e7.jpg)
Solitario Hike and Volcan Osorno Petrohue Falls.
A great day hike to explore the different environment of the National Park Vicente Perez Rosales. This unique hike encompassed good views of : Red Crater ( 1300 mts asl) Volcan Osorono, Solitario Hike lenght : 6 kms long and finally visit the Petrohue Rapids
Solitario Hike and Volcan Osorno Petrohue Falls.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/35011/07ff2294-5511-426c-b83b-5403e133e8a4.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/24495/684ea622-6f4a-43eb-a2df-499e520650ef.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/24495/336a9f44-cef5-4d99-ba70-45a946ee04f2.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/24495/3b397984-abfe-4f36-a16c-82f5c8c36b0f.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/24495/82e49128-878e-40cc-9336-e93051ed3f8c.jpg)