Trekking Alerce Andino National Park from Puerto Varas

Walk through an evergreen forest that has stood for centuries, with a guide who knows every native species along the way.

A full-day guided trek through Alerce Andino National Park starting from Puerto Varas, following a 9-kilometer route through Valdivian forest to two mountain lagoons. The trek includes private transportation from your hotel, a live Spanish-speaking guide, trekking sticks and a snack at the turnaround point. The route crosses stone, roots and muddy terrain, and requires moderate fitness.

The experience

How do you get deep into Patagonia's old-growth forest without a car? The guide picks you up from your hotel in Puerto Varas and drives south toward Puerto Montt, following the Southern Road to the park entrance. Once there, the trek begins through dense Valdivian vegetation: the evergreen forest that defines southern Chile. You'll see native species throughout, and the park's iconic millennial larches stand among them, some hundreds of years old. The route passes the Chaica River Leap and opens onto views of the surrounding forest canopy.

The trek covers 9 kilometers one way (18 kilometers round trip), with the terrain shifting as you go: stone and roots for the first stretch, then mud thickens in the final 5 kilometers. Two stops break the day: first at Laguna Chaiquenes to rest, then onward to Laguna Triangulo, where you'll eat a snack and recover before the descent. The same route takes you back down to the starting point, and the guide drives you back to Puerto Varas by evening.

Birds sing throughout the walk, and the abundance of fauna the park is known for appears almost constantly. Trekking sticks are provided to help with the muddy sections and steep descents. The full day, from pickup to return, takes about 8 hours, and you'll need a moderate level of fitness to complete it comfortably.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your Puerto Varas hotel to the park and back.
• a live Spanish-speaking guide for the full day.
• trekking sticks.
• a snack at Laguna Triangulo.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 to 59 years) · Senior (60 to 70 years) · Youth (14 to 17 years) · Under 14: can't be booked

GroupUp to 7

Live guideSpanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 22 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 11.57

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effort

Operated by Mapu Activa

Is this one for you?Pick this if you're based in Puerto Varas and want a guided trek without driving the Southern Road yourself. The guide provides transportation and leads the full route.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (14 to 17 years). Children under 14 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the terrain actually like on this trek?

The route starts on stone and roots, then transitions to mud in the final 5 kilometers. The 9-kilometer walk to Laguna Triangulo includes some steep sections on the descent, which is why trekking sticks are provided and moderate fitness is needed.

Do I need to arrange my own way to the park?

No. Private transportation is included: the guide picks you up from your hotel in Puerto Varas and drives you to Alerce Andino, then returns you at the end of the day.

What birds and animals will I see?

The park is known for abundant fauna throughout the route. Birds sing almost constantly, and you'll encounter native forest species as you walk, though specific sightings depend on the day and season.

Is there food or water on the trek?

A snack is included at Laguna Triangulo to help you recover energy before the descent. Bring your own water. Bottled water is not provided.