← Puerto Montt cruise guide
wildlife · Puerto Montt

Alerce Andino National Park: Ancient Giants Guided Hike

Trek deep into a primeval rainforest of alerce trees — the 'redwoods of the Andes' — some living for over 3,000 years and among the oldest living organisms on Earth, protected inside a CONAF national park just 45 minutes from port. For the discerning traveller who wants a genuine wilderness encounter, not a viewpoint.

What to expect

The park's trail network winds through dense Valdivian temperate rainforest where the humidity is palpable and silence is broken only by rushing streams and birdcall. Ancient alerce trunks — some over 4 metres in diameter — tower overhead in cathedral-like groves; your guide reveals their growth rings and the conservation battles that saved them. Emerald lagoons and suspension bridges add drama to the trail, and the cloud-forest light makes for extraordinary photography. This is one of the least-visited gems near Puerto Montt, delivering genuine solitude.

Book it
Alerce Andino National Park/Alerce Millenario/Cruises
$105 per person
Run by Parque Nacional Alerce Andino
Book it →

Good to know

Park is ~45 km from the port (~45-min drive). Wear proper waterproof hiking boots and layers — the Valdivian rainforest is lush because it is wet. A half-day option (4–5 hrs total) fits comfortably within most all-aboard windows. CONAF park entry fee is payable at the gate in cash.

Sail there

Luxury cruises that call at Puerto Montt — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.

Oceania · Oceania Sirena
14 nights · calls at Puerto Montt
from $5,049
View sailing →
Oceania · Oceania Insignia
21 nights · calls at Puerto Montt
from $7,349
View sailing →
Viking Ocean · Viking Jupiter
17 nights · calls at Puerto Montt
from $9,299
View sailing →
Azamara · Azamara Journey
21 nights · calls at Puerto Montt
from $10,249
View sailing →
See all cruises to Puerto Montt →

More to do in Puerto Montt

← Back to the full Puerto Montt guide

⚓ Your bucket-list concierge

Doing the whole cruise?

Tell us your sailing and we'll send the bucket list for every port — the operator to call, real prices, and an honest verdict on each ship tour.

We send the plan to your account’s own address — never to one typed into a box. Free, and Google works.