Full Day Hike to the Alerce Andino National Park

Spend a whole day out in the trails visiting ancient and giant Alerce pine trees – protected Chilean Natural Monuments that can grow up to 147 feet (45 meters) tall and 13 feet (4 meters) wide, the Alerce Andino National Park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

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We will depart from the hotel and take the route Carretera Austral southwards, winding around the beautiful forested fjord of Reloncaví, beneath its snow-capped Andean mountains. The Carretera Austral is also known as Rte. 7, and it begins just outside the city limits of Puerto Montt, following the coast of Reloncaví Sound to the southern most hamlet called Villa O’Higgins.

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We will reach Parque Nacional Alerce Andino. This 39,255-hectare (96,960-acre) park is home to the alerce (fitzroyacupresoides), which is often compared to the sequoia for its thick diameter and height. These venerable giants can live more than 3,000 years, making them the second-oldest tree, after the American bristlecone pine. Other species in the park include evergreen beech, mañío, canelo, ulmo, and thick crops of ferns. It can get pretty wet here year-round, so bring rain gear just in case. After 1 hour drive, we will begin the walk from the park ranger ticket office.

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Timing and distance:

We offer 2 type of hikes in this Park. We accommodate the day to the clients'interests.

・We normaly can do a 3 hours return hike to the Laguna Sargazo exploring different trails on the way which lead to the main one.

・Or the 19 kilometers, or 11,8 miles. hike to Laguna El triangulo 1.30 hours to the Waterfall of the Rio Chaicas and 1.15 hours more walk to the laguna Triangulo, 2-½ hours back down to the park ranger’s office.

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Difficulty level:

To the waterfall and Laguna Sargazo: Easy.

To the Laguna Triangulo : </b>Demanding.

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Duration:

3 hours hike to Laguna Sargazo.

8-9 hours total, to Laguna Triangulo.

1.10 hours drive from Puerto Varas or 40 minutes from Puerto Montt to the park.

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Equipment you need: Water bottle, trekking shoes, rain jacket, sun protection (sunglasses, hat) wind and/water-proof clothes according to the season and weather.

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