Introduction

Darwin’s Route (in Spanish, la Ruta de Darwin) is a circuit some 4.6km in distance, located to the northeast of the Parque Nacional Alerce Costero, in the sector of Catrileufu. 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 Parque Nacional Alerce Costero 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. This route was named as a dedication to the English naturalist Charles Darwin who, during his travels in Chile, observed at least 49 new species. Some of these species can be seen in the park, including the Patagonian tyrant (coloramphus parvirostris), Darwin’s frog (rhinoderma darwinii), Darwin's fox (lycalopex fulvipes), Patagonian sierra finch (phrygilus patagonicus), the spotted frog (batrachila leptopus) and the olive grass mouse (abrothrix olivaceus).

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 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. 6.4km from the quay, take the turning onto route T-720 which leads east to the village of Catrileufu. The road is gravelled and in good condition, so in summer it is suitable for all vehicles. However, in winter take necessary precautions due to the rain. From the turning continue for approx. 20km until reaching a house to the west, which is the park rangers’ refuge in the area See photo 1. On one side of this house you will find the start of the trail, which leads north and is marked by a sign with a description See photo 2. You can leave your car at the side of the road. It should take approx. 1½h to this point from Valdivia.

There is no public transport to the start of the route.

Permits / Prices

This area of the park does not have an official entrance, so at the moment you do not have to pay an entrance fee. All the same you should respect the park rules such as: only walk along marked routes, no pets allowed, do not light fires and do not camp in the park.

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 no toilets along this route.

Recommendations

• This route is a good choice to complete as a family as it is suitable for children as well as adults.
• The route crosses a river from which you can get drinking water.
• Pets are not allowed in the park.
• If you have enough time and energy, you can also visit the Renovales de Alerce and La Selva Valdiviana routes.

Gear

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

Schedule

Normal Itinerary

1. Valdivia – Darwin’s Route – Valdivia

Alternative Itinerary

1. Valdivia – La Selva Valdiviana – Darwin’s Route – Renovales de Alerce – Valdivia