Introduction

The national park Parque Nacional Alerce Andino can be found in the Lakes Region of Chile, more specifically in the Llanquihue province. Under the protection of the Corporación Nacional Forestal (Conaf) since 1982, this park is home to a large area of native woodland made up mainly by Alerce or Chilean Larch (in fact approx. 50% of the area is covered by this species, and hence giving the park its name), with a number of other native trees including Coihue, Lenga, Mañío and Arrayan. Regarding the fauna that inhabit this zone, the most notable are the puma, pudú, monito del monte, condor, black woodpecker and the huet-huet.

This protected area contains various bodies of water, one of the most well-known being Laguna Sargazo which stands out because of its natural beauty and easy access.

Appropriate season

The Parque Nacional Alerce Andino is open all year round apart from on stormy days (rain and wind can cause trees to fall). This route is particular can be completed at any time of year as it is gravelled and wooden footbridges have been installed to make access easier. That said, the surrounding areas are most beautiful during spring and summer.

Access

From Puerto Montt, follow route 7 (Carretera Austral) which borders the Gulf of Reloncaví and for the first 9km leads towards the village of Chamiza. From here, and before reaching the Chamiza bridge, take the turning on the left onto a paved road that heads towards the village of Correntoso. After about 19km and after having passed Correntoso, take a signposted turning on the right to the Parque Nacional Alerce Andino. Just a few metres after the turning and just before the bridge crossing the river Chamiza, the paved road ends and becomes gravelled. To the south of the bridge you will find the park entrance named Guardería Correntoso (approx. 21km from Chamiza; water; toilets; self-guided trails with information on surrounding area; picnic area beside the river). Continue south for 2.5km until you reach the Sargazo Bridge, after which you should take the road that turns left (east) and continue for 9.5km until the Sargazo guardpoint (339m; 1h-1¼h via private transport from Puerto Montt; water; toilets; picnic area; self-guided trails with information on surrounding area).

Permits / Prices

• General entry price: CLP$1.500 p/p (approx. USD$3). Children under 12 years enter for free.
• Open all year round apart from stormy days as the wind and rain can cause trees and-or branches to fall.
• Opening hours: between 9:00am and 6:00pm. The latest entry time if completing the route to Laguna Sargazo is 4:00pm so that all visitors leave the park by 6:00pm. 

Accommodation / Facilities

Camping inside the park is prohibited. However, Conaf has a communal refuge beside the Sargazo guardpoint with beds for a maximum of 12 persons. It costs CLP$5000 (approx. USD$10) per person per night. There is no telephone, email or electricity in the park, but you can reserve beds in the refuge by sending a text message to the park warden Omar Vega Toledo on his number +56-9-7683-9106, who checks his messages every night.

Recommendations

• This route is perfect for all the family as it is suitable for both children and the elderly.
• Pets are not allowed in the park.

Gear

• Trekking boots or high-ankle boots.
• Water bottle
• Sun hat
• Sun glasses
• Trekking poles

Schedule

1. Puerto Montt - Laguna Sargazo - Puerto Montt