Introduction

This beautiful route is found in the eastern part of the Parque Nacional Alerce Costero, and goes deep into a wood of full grown native Alcerce (fitzroya cupressoides) trees. It leads the walker to a 3500 year old Alerce tree, this being the namesake of the route, Alerce Milenario. This park is located in the Los Ríos region of Chile and was created in October 2010 to protect and conserve the various native species of flora of fauna, with special attention for the safeguarding of the Alerce.

The Alerce is an evergreen tree which can reach heights of up to 45m. It grows in the Los Ríos and the Los Lagos regions of Chile and although rare, it can be found in small numbers in Argentina. Its wood is extremely resistant to the wet climate in the south of Chile, and with its distinct and beautiful ring design it has been used in carpentry for centuries, which led to its over-exploitation in the past. Now this tree is considered to be an endangered species in Chile and was declared a Natural Monument in 1976, so that now the cutting down and commercialisation of any living tree is forbidden in Chilean territory.

All around this part of the park which protects a large area of native woodland it is possible to see other trees apart from the magnificent Alerce. These other native species make up the typical “Valdivian forest” and include Coihue, Lenga, Mañío and Arrayán. Among the fauna that inhabit in the area are the puma and the pudú – the world’s smallest deer.

Appropriate season

The Parque Nacional Alerce Costero and this route are open all year round. In Autumn and Winter the temperatures are lower and there is much more rain, especially in this area.

Access

This part of the Parque Nacional Alerce Costero is only accessible via private transport. From the village of La Unión, follow route T-80 towards a beach called Hueicolla, located within the reserve Reserva Costera Valdiviana. You can see how to get to La Unión here.

The distance between La Unión and the Parque Nacional Alerce Costero is 48km of well-maintained gravel road, and this journey takes around 1h. Due to the heavy rains during Autumn and Winter, we recommend that you only travel to the park in a car with four-wheel drive.

After arriving at the entrance located on the right hand side (east) of the road, you will need to pay the entrance fee and then park the car in a safe spot. There is no public transport to the start of the route.

Permits / Prices

At the entrance to the park you will need to pay the relevant entrance fee to the reserve: Chilean adult CLP$1000 (approx. US$2), Chilean child CLP$500 (approx. US$1), foreign adult CLP$2000 (approx. US$4), foreign child CLP$500 (approx. US$1).

Accommodation / Facilities

As the route is generally completed in one day, there is no area or amenities to camp or to spend the night in the park. There are toilets close to the park entrance and along the route there are wooden benches where you can rest.

Recommendations

• This route is a good choice to complete as a family as it is suitable for children as well as adults.
• Pets are not allowed in the park.

Gear

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

Schedule

Normal Itinerary

1. La Unión - Alerce Milenario - Lañilahual - La Unión

Alternative Itinerary

1. La Unión - Alerce Milenario - La Unión