Introduction

Los Melíes is a short route 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, a Patagonian cypress tree.

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 colectivo bus Nº20 (CLP$600 / approx. US$1) towards the village of Niebla, some 16km away, and you will need to get off by the dock. Here, take the ferry (CLP$700 / approx. US$2) towards the village of Corral. After disembarking, take a local bus (CLP$800 / approx. US$2) from the bus stop beside the dock in Corral, heading towards Chaihuín which is the last stop on the route and where you should get off the bus. Now continue on foot along a gravel road heading east for approx. 1.5km until you reach the entrance of the Parque Nacional Alerce Costero. The journey can take up to two hours.

From the entrance point, continue west. After a little while you will reach a turning heading south, and which signposts the Los Melíes route – follow this road, leading towards the village of Cadillal. Keep walking for 1.3km until you reach the start of the route, approx. 30 minutes.

Private Transport

From Valdivia, take the route T-350 towards the village of Niebla. Continue for 16km until you reach the dock where you will find the point where the ferries take you across to Corral. The ferries run from 7:00am to midnight; on the even hours (8:00, 10:00, etc.) the ferries leave Niebla and on the odd hours (7:00, 9:00, etc.) they leave Corral. Once you arrive in Corral, take the route T-450 south towards Chaihuín; you will pass by the settlements of Amargos, San Carlos, Los Liles, Palo Muerto, Huape and after 27km you will reach village of Chaihuín. Just before crossing the bridge over the river with the same name as the village, turn south and continue for another approx. 100m and then turn east and continue along a gravel road for approx. 1.5km until you reach the entrance to the Parque Nacional Alerce Costero.

From the entrance point, continue west. After a little while you will reach a turning heading south, and which signposts the Los Melíes route – follow this road, leading towards the village of Cadillal. Keep walking for 1.3km until you reach the start of the route, and about 50m on you will find an area where you can safely park your car See photo 2.

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.
• Even though the route is equipped for disabled access, remember that when it is raining the path can be very muddy or be impeded by fallen branches.
• 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 – Los Melíes - Valdivia