Sights and Recreation

Because of deadfalls and landslides, the footpath that once connected Parque Nacional Alerce Andino [1]’s Sargazo and Chaicas sectors is no longer viable, but shorter hikes through dense forests to lakeside campgrounds are still feasible at both.

From Sector Sargazo, the Sendero Laguna Frías climbs 9.5 kilometers up the Río Sargazo valley to Laguna Frías (tent camping allowed, but it’s a feasible day hike with an early start). There are several shorter spur trails here, including a 45-minute climb to placid Laguna Sargazo itself, where there’s a picnic site with rustic tables (no camping allowed).

At Sector Chaicas, the Sendero Laguna Chaiquenes up the Río Chaicas valley leads to Laguna Chaiquenes (5.5 kilometers), where the Sendero Laguna Triángulo continues another four kilometers to its namesake lake.

For the most up-to-date information on park trails, contact Conaf’s Patrimonio Silvestre office in Puerto Montt [2] or rangers at the park entrances.