Among the most pristine parks in Chile and the closest to Puerto Montt is Parque Nacional Alerce Andino, a short drive from the small city. The park's 40,000 hectares include river valleys, and more than 40 lakes and lagoons, with miles of hiking trails through old-growth alerce forest. Animals in the Alerce Andino forest include deer, cougars, pumas, condors, foxes, skunks, ducks, geese, and plenty of rainbow trout.

The alerce tree, so common in Chilean house construction until the mid-1980's that it needed to be protected in order to persist, rivals the California Redwood in size-it can grow up to 130 feet tall and 13 feet wide. Its soft reddish bark and evergreen leaves are majestic. While the tree only grows about one centimeter every fifteen years, the oldest survivors are believed to be between three and four thousand years old.

A number of agencies in Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas arrange day hikes with knowledgeable guides who can point out distinctive flora and fauna and educate you about the area. The park is open year-round with snow common in the winter months of July and August, often accumulating at about 2,200 feet about sea level. The rustic Alerce Mountain Lodge lies outside the park, and can only be accessed by 4X4 vehicles. We recommend pitching a tent at one of the park's campgrounds if you're interested in staying overnight.

 Northern Patagonia

  Towns and Cities:
  Puerto Montt
    Puerto Montt Dining

  Pucon
    Highlights
    Sports Activities
    Lodging
    Dining
    Shopping

  Puerto Varas
  Validivia
  Temuco

  Highlights:
  Chiloe
  Frutillar
  Alerce Andino Park
  Laguna San Rafael
  Lake Crossing