Introduction

The Chaihuín viewpoint circuit is a route 1km in distance found in the Parque Nacional Alerce Costero. 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

Public Transport

From Valdivia, take the N°20 local bus (CLP$600; approx. USD$1) towards the village of Niebla, some 16km away. Get off once you reach the quay. Here you will need to take the ferry (CLP$700; approx. USD$2) to the village of Corral. After disembarking, from the bus stop beside the quay in Corral take another local bus (CLP$800; approx. USD$2) towards the village of Chaihuín which is the end of bus’s route and where you should get off. From here continue on foot along a gravel road heading east for approx. 1.5km until you reach the Parque Nacional Alerce Costero. The entire route should take just under 2h.

Private Transport

From Valdivia follow route T-350 towards the village of Niebla, some 16km away, until you arrive at the quay from where you can take the ferry to Corral. The ferry runs from 7:00 to 24:00; on the even hours (8:00, 10:00, etc.) the ferry leaves Niebla and on the odd hours (7:00, 9:00, etc.) it leaves Corral. Once you reach Corral, follow the route T-450 heading south towards the village of Chaihuín. On this route you will pass the villages of Amargos, San Carlos, Los Liles, Palo Muerto, Huape and after 27km you will reach Chaihuín. Just before crossing the bridge over Chaihuín River, turn south and continue for approx. 100m and then head east onto a gravel road for 1.5km until you reach the entrance point See photo 1 of the Parque Nacional Alerce Costero. You can leave your car by the entrance point in a suitable location.

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

1. Valdivia – Chaihuín Viewpoint - Valdivia