The park hosts diverse wildlife, including several endangered species. Notable mammals include the pudú (world's smallest deer), kodkod (Chile's smallest wild cat), and Darwin's fox. The bird population is particularly rich, featuring species like the magellanic woodpecker, chucao tapaculo, and the threatened slender-billed parakeet. Amphibians such as Darwin's frog find refuge in the park's moist environment. The area also supports various endemic insects and invertebrates adapted to the temperate rainforest ecosystem.
The park's vegetation is dominated by the ancient alerce trees, some of which are over 3,000 years old. These massive conifers can grow up to 50 meters tall and 4 meters in diameter. The understory features diverse species including coigüe (Nothofagus dombeyi), tepa (Laureliopsis philippiana), and various ferns and mosses. The park also harbors unique coastal vegetation communities, including olivillo (Aextoxicon punctatum) forests and numerous endemic species. The humid environment supports a rich variety of lichens and fungi.
The park's geology is characterized by the Coastal Mountain Range (Cordillera de la Costa), with elevations ranging from sea level to 1,000 meters. The terrain features ancient metamorphic rock formations, primarily composed of schists and gneisses, dating back to the Paleozoic era. The landscape has been shaped by glacial activity and erosion, creating deep valleys and steep slopes. The soil is typically acidic and poorly drained, which has contributed to the development of unique vegetation adaptations.
The park was established in 2010 to protect the endangered alerce trees (Fitzroya cupressoides) and the unique coastal-Andean ecosystem. Before its national park status, the area was traditionally inhabited by indigenous Huilliche communities who considered the alerce trees sacred. The park's creation marked a significant milestone in Chilean conservation efforts, protecting one of the last remaining coastal alerce forests. The area has historically been threatened by logging, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries, when alerce wood was highly valued for construction.
The park's most striking feature is the Alerce Milenario trail, leading to an ancient alerce tree estimated to be over 3,000 years old. The Mirador Piedra del Encanto offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding forest. The park contains several pristine watersheds and waterfalls, including the scenic Cataratas del Alerce. Unique geological formations like the 'piedra trepada' (climbed rock) offer interesting hiking destinations. The park also features interpretive trails explaining the ecological importance of the alerce forest ecosystem and its cultural significance to indigenous peoples.
Alerce Costero National Park experiences a temperate rainforest climate with significant precipitation throughout the year, particularly from May to August. Annual rainfall averages around 2,500-3,000mm, creating the moist conditions necessary for alerce tree growth. Temperatures are moderate, ranging from 8°C to 20°C (46°F to 68°F), with winter months (June-August) being notably cooler. Fog is common due to the park's coastal location, often creating mystical morning conditions. Visitors should be prepared for sudden weather changes and rain at any time of year.
Chile
-40.1670°, -73.4330°
2010
241
Alerce Costero National Park protects coastal Alerce forests and unique biodiversity of the Coastal Mountain Range. The park contains some of the oldest trees in Chile and features stunning coastal landscapes. It is an important site for conservation of the Valdivian temperate rainforest ecosystem.