Location: Los Lagos Region
Area: 393 km²
Alerce Andino National Park (Parque Nacional Alerce Andino) is a protected area in the Los Lagos Region of southern Chile, established to safeguard one of the world's oldest temperate rainforests, dominated by ancient alerce trees (Fitzroya cupressoides). Covering approximately 39,255 hectares (97,001 acres), the park lies in the Andean foothills and serves as the northern gateway to Chile's Route of Parks, a 2,800-kilometer network of 17 national parks spanning from Puerto Montt to Cape Horn. Designated in 1982, it forms part of the Temperate Rainforests of the Southern Andes Biosphere Reserve, recognized by UNESCO for its ecological significance. The park protects pristine Valdivian temperate rainforests, featuring over 50 small lagoons, waterfalls, and diverse habitats that support endemic species. It is managed by Chile's National Forestry Corporation (CONAF) and emphasizes conservation of the alerce, a slow-growing conifer that can live up to 4,000 years, often compared to California's redwoods.
The park is situated in the Andes at coordinates approximately
41°30′S 72°37′W, about 46 kilometers southeast of Puerto Montt. It
stretches from the Reloncaví Estuary in the west to the Petrohué River
in the east, encompassing rugged mountainous terrain with elevations
ranging from 150 to 1,558 meters above sea level. The landscape includes
deep valleys, glacial moraines, and a network of over 50 small mountain
lakes and lagoons, such as Sargazo Lagoon and Chaica Lagoon, fed by
rivers like the Correntoso and Chaica. The geology features volcanic
influences from nearby peaks like Calbuco Volcano, with soils rich in
organic matter supporting dense forest cover.
The climate is oceanic
temperate, characterized by high humidity, mild temperatures, and
abundant rainfall averaging 4,000 mm (157 inches) annually, making it
one of the wettest regions in Chile. Precipitation is year-round but
peaks from May to August (winter), with monthly totals up to 500 mm,
often falling as snow at higher elevations. Summers (December–February)
are cooler and drier, with averages around 15–20°C (59–68°F), while
winters hover at 5–10°C (41–50°F), with occasional frosts. This regime
fosters the Valdivian rainforest ecosystem, with frequent mists and fog
contributing to epiphytic growth. The park's position in the Southern
Andes creates microclimates, from wet coastal influences to drier inland
slopes, enhancing biodiversity but also increasing vulnerability to
extreme weather events.
The area has been inhabited by indigenous Mapuche-Huilliche
communities for centuries, who revered the alerce as a sacred tree used
in construction and medicine. European exploration began in the 19th
century, but intensive logging of alerce forests for timber—prized for
its durability—peaked in the early 20th century, leading to severe
deforestation. By the 1970s, the alerce was declared a national monument
in Chile to curb exploitation, prompting conservation efforts.
The
park was officially created on November 17, 1982, by Decree No. 490 of
the Ministry of Agriculture, initially covering 20,000 hectares focused
on alerce protection, later expanded. This establishment was part of
broader initiatives to preserve Patagonian ecosystems amid growing
environmental awareness. In 1995, it was integrated into the Temperate
Rainforests of the Southern Andes Biosphere Reserve. More recently, in
2018, it became the northern anchor of the Route of Parks, a
conservation corridor donated by philanthropists Kris and Doug Tompkins
through Tompkins Conservation, enhancing connectivity with other
protected areas. Historical logging scars remain, but natural
regeneration has been a focus, with the park now symbolizing Chile's
shift toward sustainable management.
Alerce Andino is a biodiversity hotspot within the Valdivian
ecoregion, hosting ancient forests and endemic species adapted to wet,
temperate conditions.
Flora: Nearly half the park (about 20,000
hectares) is covered by alerce forests, with specimens up to 60 meters
tall and 4,000 years old. Other dominant trees include ulmo (Eucryphia
cordifolia), tepu (Tepualia stipularis), mañío (Podocarpus nubigenus),
canelo (Drimys winteri), coigüe (Nothofagus dombeyi), lenga (Nothofagus
pumilio), olivillo (Aextoxicon punctatum), and tineo (Weinmannia
trichosperma). Understory features ferns, mosses, lichens, ivy, and
epiphytes thriving in the humid environment. The park protects one-third
of Chile's endemic plant species unique to these rainforests.
Fauna:
Mammals include the endangered pudu deer (Pudu puda), monito del monte
(Dromiciops gliroides—a marsupial relic from Gondwana), guiña cat
(Leopardus guigna), puma (Puma concolor), and huemul deer (Hippocamelus
bisulcus). Birdlife is rich with over 100 species, such as the chucao
(Scelorchilus rubecula), huet-huet (Pteroptochos tarnii), Andean condor
(Vultur gryphus), black-throated huet-huet, and various owls and
woodpeckers. Reptiles and amphibians include Darwin's frog (Rhinoderma
darwinii), while aquatic habitats support native fish and invertebrates.
The park's isolation has preserved high endemism, with one in three
forest species found nowhere else.
Classified as IUCN Category II (national park), Alerce Andino prioritizes ecosystem preservation and scientific research. CONAF oversees management, with zoning for strict protection, recreation, and buffer areas. Key initiatives include reforestation of alerce stands, invasive species control, and community involvement through programs like the Route of Parks, which promotes sustainable development. Partnerships with organizations such as Rewilding Chile and Tompkins Conservation support monitoring and education. In 2024–2025, a citizen science project engaged locals in studying mycorrhizae fungi associated with alerce roots, aiding resilience against climate stress. The park contributes to carbon sequestration, storing significant amounts in its biomass and soils as part of Patagonia's carbon sink efforts.
Primary threats include climate change, which exacerbates droughts, alters rainfall patterns, and increases wildfire risk, potentially stressing ancient alerces. Historical logging legacies persist, with illegal poaching and timber extraction still occurring despite protections. Invasive species like wild boar disrupt native flora, while tourism-related erosion and litter pose localized issues. Nearby human activities, such as agriculture and road development, fragment habitats and introduce pollutants. Studies indicate that warmer temperatures could reduce alerce growth rates, as seen in radial stem analyses. Enforcement challenges arise from the park's remote access, requiring enhanced patrols and community engagement to mitigate these risks.
Tourism focuses on low-impact ecotourism, attracting hikers, nature enthusiasts, and birdwatchers. The park has two main entrances: Correntoso (29 km from Puerto Montt) and Lenca (via Route V-65). Popular activities include guided hikes on 20 km of trails, such as the 2.5-mile path to Chaica River waterfalls, the Sargazo Lagoon trail (with 1,512 ft elevation gain), and visits to 2,500-year-old alerces in the Sargazo and Chaicas sectors. Full-day tours from Puerto Varas or Puerto Montt (5–7 hours) offer forest treks, wildlife spotting, and picnics. Birdwatching, photography, and interpretive walks highlight biodiversity. Regulations limit group sizes, require permits for overnight stays (camping at designated sites), and emphasize "leave no trace" principles. Accessibility is year-round, but best in summer; entrance fees apply, with guided tours recommended for safety on muddy trails.
The park is a key site for studying temperate rainforest dynamics, alerce ecology, and climate impacts. Research includes dendrochronology on ancient trees to reconstruct past climates, mycorrhizal associations for tree health, and biodiversity inventories. Collaborations with universities and NGOs like Rewilding Chile focus on endemism and restoration. Its role in the Biosphere Reserve supports global efforts on carbon storage and ecosystem resilience, with data informing conservation policies across Patagonia.
As of August 2025, a January 2025 citizen science initiative by Rewilding Chile invited locals to study alerce-associated mycorrhizae, fostering community involvement in conservation. In November 2023, the park celebrated its 41st anniversary with talks, workshops, and cultural events at Correntoso, highlighting ecotourism and protection. No major incidents like fires were reported in 2024–2025, but ongoing monitoring addresses climate threats. Tourism accreditation programs trained 40 guides in 2024, emphasizing sustainable practices amid growing visitor numbers.