Llanquihue National Reserve, National reserve in Llanquihue Province, Chile
Llanquihue National Reserve is a 33,974-hectare (83,932-acre) protected area stretching between Lake Llanquihue and the Reloncaví Estuary, combining mountain slopes with temperate rainforest zones. The landscape shifts from wetland edges to dense forest canopy, creating layers of varied vegetation and terrain.
The reserve was established in 1912 through Decree 750 by the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, making it one of the nation's earliest protected territories. This early designation reflected growing recognition of the need to safeguard these diverse forest ecosystems.
The territory is part of the Southern Andes Temperate Rainforest Biosphere Reserve, reflecting how the forest shapes daily life and traditions in the Los Lagos Region. Visitors can see how local communities maintain their connection to these ancient woodlands through time-honored practices.
Access from Puerto Montt follows Route 7 to Chamiza bridge, then continues on V-65 road toward Correntoso village where guided tours can be arranged. Spring through autumn offers better trail conditions and clearer weather for exploring the different forest zones.
The reserve shelters rare cypress species like the Guaiteca cypress and alerce trees found in few other locations in the region. Along with pudú deer and Andean vizcachas, these species create a living community rarely seen elsewhere in such proximity.
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