Alerce Andino National Park/Alerce Millenario/Cruises

Nestled near the charming city of Puerto Montt, Chile, the Alerce Andino National Park is a true natural wonder. Home to the remarkable Alerce Millenario, a tree over 3,600 years old, the park offers visitors a chance to enjoy an ancient forest teeming with diverse flora and fauna. But the adventure doesn’t stop there – visitors can also embark on scenic cruises through the park’s picturesque fjords, where they’ll have the opportunity to spot marine wildlife and take in the stunning vistas of mountains and glaciers. With so much to explore and discover, this ecological treasure is sure to leave a lasting impression on any who venture there.

This experience made our list of the 2 Best National Park Tours In Puerto Montt.

Good To Know

• Alerce Andino National Park offers tours to explore the ancient Alerce Millenario, a 3,600-year-old tree, and scenic cruises along the park’s waterways.

• The park is home to diverse flora and fauna, including the endangered Chilean Pudú, and features stunning landscapes from Andean peaks to temperate rainforests.

• Visitors can experience the towering presence and ecological significance of the Alerce Millenario, the oldest known living organism in South America.

• Cruises through the park’s breathtaking fjords provide opportunities to spot wildlife and learn about the region’s ecology and geology from knowledgeable guides.

• The tour includes transportation, lunch, and admission to the park, with a maximum of 15 travelers to ensure an intimate experience and flexible cancellation policies.

Overview of the Tour

The Alerce Andino National Park tour offers visitors a chance to explore one of Chile’s most remarkable natural wonders.

Located near Puerto Montt, the tour takes guests through the park’s ancient alerce forests, home to some of the world’s oldest living trees. Travelers can marvel at the Alerce Millenario, a thousand-year-old tree, and enjoy scenic cruises along the park’s serene waterways.

The tour includes transportation, lunch, and admission to the national park, ensuring a seamless and immersive experience.

With a maximum of 15 travelers, the Alerce Andino tour provides an intimate and personalized exploration of this stunning natural landscape.

Highlights of Alerce Andino National Park

Alerce Andino National Park boasts a diverse array of natural wonders that captivate visitors.

The park’s centerpiece is the awe-inspiring Alerce Millenario, one of the world’s oldest living trees, estimated to be over 3,600 years old.

Travelers can hike through ancient alerce forests, home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, including the endangered Chilean Pudú, the world’s smallest deer.

Serene lakes and cascading waterfalls dot the landscape, offering opportunities for stunning photography.

The park’s diverse ecosystems, from high-altitude Andean peaks to temperate rainforests, provide a unique glimpse into Chile’s remarkable natural heritage.

With its abundance of natural beauty and historical significance, Alerce Andino National Park promises an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts.

Exploring the Alerce Millenario

One of the park’s most remarkable attractions is the awe-inspiring Alerce Millenario, a living testament to Chile’s ancient forestry heritage. This ancient tree, estimated to be over 3,600 years old, stands as the oldest known living organism in South America. Visitors can marvel at its towering presence and immense size during their visit to the park.

Tree Characteristics	Alerce Millenario
Height	50 meters (164 feet)
Diameter	4 meters (13 feet)
Estimated Age	Over 3,600 years old

Exploring the Alerce Millenario is a humbling and awe-inspiring experience, allowing visitors to connect with the rich ecological history of the region.

Cruising on the Fjords

After exploring the ancient Alerce Millenario, visitors can embark on a captivating cruise through the breathtaking fjords surrounding the Alerce Andino National Park.

The cruise takes guests past towering mountains, glaciers, and pristine waterways teeming with wildlife. Travelers can spot dolphins, sea lions, and a variety of seabirds during the journey.

The tour includes informative commentary from the knowledgeable guides, who share insights about the region’s rich ecology and geology.

Whether seeking tranquility or adventure, the fjord cruise offers a unique opportunity to take in the stunning natural beauty of southern Chile.

What to Expect on the Tour

Visitors embarking on the Alerce Andino National Park tour can anticipate a captivating journey through Chile’s remarkable landscapes. The tour includes air-conditioned transportation and a delectable lunch, ensuring a comfortable and nourishing experience.

Upon arrival at the national park, travelers will be greeted by the iconic Alerce Millenario, one of the oldest living trees on Earth. Guided walks through the park’s ancient forests offer opportunities to spot diverse flora and fauna.

While the tour isn’t recommended for those with mobility or health concerns, most travelers can participate and enjoy this exceptional natural wonder. Cancellation and weather policies provide flexibility, ensuring a memorable and hassle-free adventure.

Meeting and Pickup Details

The tour’s meeting point is in Puerto Montt, Los Lagos, Chile.

Pickup service is available from your hotel, but this isn’t guaranteed if you book within 24 hours of the tour’s departure. Travelers will receive the contact information to arrange their pickup after booking.

The tours have a maximum capacity of 15 travelers.

If you need to cancel, you can do so for free up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

The tour operator will offer an alternative date or a full refund if the minimum traveler requirement isn’t met or if the weather is extremely bad.

Cancellation and Weather Policy

Travelers can cancel their booking for free up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time).

If there’s extremely bad weather, the tour operator offers an alternative date or a full refund. They also provide a refund if the minimum traveler requirement isn’t met.

This flexible policy ensures customers can easily rearrange their plans if needed. The tour isn’t recommended for those with physical limitations, but most travelers should be able to participate comfortably.

Participant Requirements

Not all visitors can participate in the Alerce Andino National Park tour.

The experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, but strollers are allowed. Infants must sit on their parents’ laps.

Plus, the tour isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant women, or those with serious medical conditions.

However, most travelers can join the excursion without any issues.

• Not wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Infants must sit on laps
• Not recommended for certain medical conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Average Duration of the Tour?

The duration of the tour is not explicitly provided in the information given. However, based on the inclusions and activities mentioned, the tour likely lasts around a full day, allowing for transportation, park exploration, and a lunch break.

Are Any Discounts or Special Offers Available?

It’s unclear if any discounts or special offers are available for this tour. The information provided does not mention any promotions or deals. Travelers would need to check with the tour operator directly to inquire about any potential discounts.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Participants are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour, though the tour provider recommends enjoying the included lunch option for convenience. Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages can be brought along as desired.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participating?

There are no explicit age restrictions stated for the tour. However, it’s noted that infants must sit on laps, and the tour isn’t recommended for travelers with certain medical conditions or physical limitations that may make it challenging for some participants.

Is There a Dress Code or Recommended Attire for the Tour?

There’s no formal dress code, but comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy walking shoes are recommended. Layers are advised as the weather can be unpredictable in the park.

The Sum Up

Alerce Andino National Park offers a captivating blend of ancient forests, breathtaking fjords, and diverse wildlife. Visitors can enjoy the park’s natural wonders through guided walks and scenic cruises, providing an unforgettable opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring Alerce Millenario and the stunning landscapes of southern Chile. With various tour options and participant requirements, the park caters to a range of exploration preferences.