Alerce Andino National Park, National park in Los Lagos Region, Chile
Alerce Andino National Park is a protected area in the Los Lagos Region covering mountainous terrain with numerous lakes and natural pools throughout its landscape. The park features distinct zones ranging from dense forests in lower elevations to higher alpine areas where different ecosystems exist.
The park was established as a protected area in November 1982 to safeguard one of South America's oldest forest types. This ancient Fitzroya woodland has shaped the natural history of the Andes region for countless generations.
The Huilliche people traditionally moved through these waters using dalcas, boats made from wooden planks and tree bark. This traditional way of traveling shows how closely the local communities lived with the forest and its waterways.
The park can be accessed through two separate entry points, with one located south of Puerto Montt leading toward the Correntoso and Sargazo areas. A second access route goes through the Lenca sector, allowing visitors different options for exploring the protected area.
The forest is home to a remarkable collection of animal species found nowhere else in the world, including the tiny Monito del Monte and the small Pudú deer. These creatures live only in this particular woodland environment, making it especially rewarding for wildlife watchers.
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