Parque Nacional Alerce Costero

Parque Nacional Alerce Costero is a protected area in Chile.

Parque Nacional Alerce Costero at a Glance

Location
Lake District & Araucanía, Chile, Central & South America
Coordinates
-40.072826, -73.406630
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate

Getting to Parque Nacional Alerce Costero

Nearest airport: Aeródromo Golfo Azul (SCGF), 96 km away.

Big Five in Parque Nacional Alerce Costero

1 of the Big Five can be found here: Mountain Lion.

Weather & Climate in Parque Nacional Alerce Costero

The warmest temperatures in Parque Nacional Alerce Costero occur in February, averaging 14.9°C (up to 20.8°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 4.7°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in February with average rainfall of 76.2mm. Average humidity: 68.8%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 14.4°C (rainfall: 105.9mm)
  • February: 14.9°C (rainfall: 76.2mm)
  • March: 12.2°C (rainfall: 181.3mm)
  • April: 9.5°C (rainfall: 346.8mm)
  • May: 7.0°C (rainfall: 364.6mm)
  • June: 5.5°C (rainfall: 703.8mm)
  • July: 4.7°C (rainfall: 471.8mm)
  • August: 5.0°C (rainfall: 378.8mm)
  • September: 6.0°C (rainfall: 301.0mm)
  • October: 8.2°C (rainfall: 150.5mm)
  • November: 10.3°C (rainfall: 211.0mm)
  • December: 12.7°C (rainfall: 106.4mm)

Best Time to Visit Parque Nacional Alerce Costero

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

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 14.39°C, rainfall 105.9mm, sunshine 13 hrs, humidity 70.8%
  • February: Good, temperature 14.86°C, rainfall 76.2mm, sunshine 12 hrs, humidity 68.8%
  • March: Poor, temperature 12.19°C, rainfall 181.3mm, sunshine 9.7 hrs, humidity 77.6%
  • April: Poor, temperature 9.52°C, rainfall 346.8mm, sunshine 7 hrs, humidity 86.6%
  • May: Poor, temperature 7.05°C, rainfall 364.6mm, sunshine 6.1 hrs, humidity 88.3%
  • June: Poor, temperature 5.53°C, rainfall 703.8mm, sunshine 4.1 hrs, humidity 90.7%
  • July: Poor, temperature 4.69°C, rainfall 471.8mm, sunshine 4.9 hrs, humidity 90.3%
  • August: Poor, temperature 4.97°C, rainfall 378.8mm, sunshine 6.5 hrs, humidity 88.1%
  • September: Poor, temperature 6.01°C, rainfall 301mm, sunshine 8 hrs, humidity 85.6%
  • October: Poor, temperature 8.2°C, rainfall 150.5mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 79.2%
  • November: Poor, temperature 10.26°C, rainfall 211mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 80.5%
  • December: Good, temperature 12.68°C, rainfall 106.4mm, sunshine 12.7 hrs, humidity 73.8%

Wildlife in Parque Nacional Alerce Costero

Home to 46 recorded species including 17 birds of prey, 16 waterbirds, 4 iconic birds, 4 marine & freshwater, 3 predators, 2 tropical birds.

Recommended Packing List for Parque Nacional Alerce Costero

Based on average temperature of 9.2°C, typical conditions, humidity 82%.

  • Heavy layers & thermal clothing - temperatures around 9°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 Costero

32 safari lodges available.

Other

mid-range

luxury

Similar Parks in Lake District & Araucanía

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Chile

Travel advisory for Chile

Parque Nacional Alerce Costero FAQs

When is the best time to visit Parque Nacional Alerce Costero, and what kind of experience can I expect?

The ideal time to visit Parque Nacional Alerce Costero is during the Chilean summer, from December to March, when the weather is mildest for hiking. You can expect a serene experience exploring ancient alerce forests, some trees over 3,000 years old, with well-maintained trails leading to stunning viewpoints and waterfalls.

What unique wildlife can I hope to see in Parque Nacional Alerce Costero?

While large mammals are elusive, visitors to Alerce Costero often spot the tiny Pudú, the world's smallest deer, or the distinctive Darwin's frog. Birdwatchers will enjoy searching for the Chucao Tapaculo and various raptors soaring above the canopy.

What are the typical entrance fees and how do I get to Parque Nacional Alerce Costero?

Entrance fees for Parque Nacional Alerce Costero are managed by CONAF, typically around CLP 3,000-5,000 for non-resident adults. The park is best accessed from La Unión or Futrono, requiring a private vehicle or pre-arranged transport as public options are limited.

Are there challenging hikes in Alerce Costero, and what should I prepare for on the trails?

Parque Nacional Alerce Costero offers a range of trails, from easy boardwalks suitable for all ages to more challenging routes like the 'Sendero Alerce Milenario' which can be several hours long. Be prepared for variable weather, even in summer, and bring sturdy hiking boots, rain gear, and plenty of water for the longer treks.

What are the main safety considerations for visitors to Parque Nacional Alerce Costero, beyond health risks?

Beyond general health precautions, visitors should be mindful of rapidly changing weather conditions in the Valdivian temperate rainforest, which can include sudden rain. Always stay on marked trails to protect the fragile ecosystem and avoid getting lost, and inform park rangers of your hiking plans for longer routes.

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.