Parque Nacional Alerce Andino

Parque Nacional Alerce Andino is a protected area in Chile.

Parque Nacional Alerce Andino at a Glance

Location
Lake District & Araucanía, Chile, Central & South America
Coordinates
-41.572945, -72.508180
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate

Getting to Parque Nacional Alerce Andino

Nearest airport: Aeródromo Cochamó (SCKM), 20 km away.

Weather & Climate in Parque Nacional Alerce Andino

The warmest temperatures in Parque Nacional Alerce Andino occur in February, averaging 9.9°C (up to 15.2°C). The coolest conditions are in July at -1.3°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in February with average rainfall of 138.0mm. Average humidity: 78.7%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 9.3°C (rainfall: 210.5mm)
  • February: 9.9°C (rainfall: 138.0mm)
  • March: 7.6°C (rainfall: 247.9mm)
  • April: 5.1°C (rainfall: 406.0mm)
  • May: 1.9°C (rainfall: 437.9mm)
  • June: -0.5°C (rainfall: 573.0mm)
  • July: -1.3°C (rainfall: 465.8mm)
  • August: -0.6°C (rainfall: 449.5mm)
  • September: 0.4°C (rainfall: 371.0mm)
  • October: 3.4°C (rainfall: 236.1mm)
  • November: 6.1°C (rainfall: 295.9mm)
  • December: 8.0°C (rainfall: 200.5mm)

Best Time to Visit Parque Nacional Alerce Andino

The best months to visit Parque Nacional Alerce Andino are February, January, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Poor, temperature 9.34°C, rainfall 210.5mm, sunshine 11.7 hrs, humidity 80.5%
  • February: Good, temperature 9.91°C, rainfall 138mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 78.7%
  • March: Poor, temperature 7.56°C, rainfall 247.9mm, sunshine 8.7 hrs, humidity 84.2%
  • April: Poor, temperature 5.13°C, rainfall 406mm, sunshine 5.8 hrs, humidity 89.3%
  • May: Poor, temperature 1.9°C, rainfall 437.9mm, sunshine 5 hrs, humidity 89.4%
  • June: Poor, temperature -0.45°C, rainfall 573mm, sunshine 3.4 hrs, humidity 90.7%
  • July: Poor, temperature -1.28°C, rainfall 465.8mm, sunshine 3.8 hrs, humidity 91%
  • August: Poor, temperature -0.63°C, rainfall 449.5mm, sunshine 5 hrs, humidity 89.9%
  • September: Poor, temperature 0.39°C, rainfall 371mm, sunshine 6 hrs, humidity 88.8%
  • October: Poor, temperature 3.42°C, rainfall 236.1mm, sunshine 8.6 hrs, humidity 84.1%
  • November: Poor, temperature 6.06°C, rainfall 295.9mm, sunshine 8.8 hrs, humidity 84.3%
  • December: Poor, temperature 8°C, rainfall 200.5mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 80.3%

Wildlife in Parque Nacional Alerce Andino

Home to 44 recorded species including 22 waterbirds, 16 birds of prey, 4 iconic birds, 2 tropical birds.

Recommended Packing List for Parque Nacional Alerce Andino

Based on average temperature of 4.1°C, typical conditions, humidity 86%.

  • Heavy layers & thermal clothing - temperatures around 4°C require warm insulation
  • Warm hat & gloves - critical for early morning game drives
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Parque Nacional Alerce Andino

50 safari lodges available.

Other

luxury

Similar Parks in Lake District & Araucanía

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Chile

Travel advisory for Chile

Parque Nacional Alerce Andino FAQs

When is the best time to visit Parque Nacional Alerce Andino for hiking and experiencing its ancient forests and lakes?

The ideal period is during the Southern Hemisphere summer, from December to March, when the weather is mildest and trails are most accessible. Expect to embark on immersive hikes through lush temperate rainforests, leading to stunning viewpoints of ancient Alerce trees and pristine glacial lakes.

What unique wildlife and specific plant species can I hope to encounter within Parque Nacional Alerce Andino?

Beyond the magnificent Alerce trees, keep an eye out for the elusive pudú, the world's smallest deer, and various native bird species like the Chucao Tapaculo. The park's diverse temperate rainforest also features other notable flora such as arrayán trees with their distinctive cinnamon-colored bark and vibrant ferns.

How accessible is Parque Nacional Alerce Andino, and what are the typical entry costs and visitor facilities?

The park is readily accessible from Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas, typically by rental car or local bus services to its various entrances. Entry fees are generally modest, and while facilities are basic, you'll find well-marked hiking trails, designated camping areas, and ranger stations for information.

What are the typical hiking conditions and essential safety tips for exploring the trails in Parque Nacional Alerce Andino?

Trails can range from easy walks to challenging multi-day treks, often featuring uneven, muddy terrain and some steep sections, so sturdy waterproof hiking boots are essential. Always carry sufficient water, layered clothing, and insect repellent, and inform park rangers of your hiking plans, especially for longer routes.

Is Parque Nacional Alerce Andino a traditional safari park with vehicle tours, or is its focus different?

Parque Nacional Alerce Andino is not a traditional vehicle-based safari park; instead, it's a protected area primarily focused on trekking and nature immersion. Visitors explore its ancient Alerce forests, waterfalls, and lakes on foot, offering a deep connection with the Patagonian wilderness.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.