Spend the day out in the trails visiting ancient and giant Alerce pine trees a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. We will take the route Carretera Austral southwards, winding around the beautiful forested fjord of Reloncaví, beneath its snow-capped Andean mountains. The Carretera Austral is also known as Rte. 7, and it begins just outside the city limits of Puerto Montt, We will reach Parque Nacional Alerce Andino. This 39,255-hectare (96,960-acre) park is home to the alerce (fitzroyacupresoides), which is often compared to the sequoia for its thick diameter and height. These venerable giants can live more than 3,000 years, making them the second-oldest tree, after the American bristlecone pine. Other species in the park include evergreen beech, mañío, canelo, ulmo, and thick crops of ferns. It can get pretty wet here year-round, so bring rain gear just in case. After 1 hour drive, we will begin the walk from the park ranger ticket office.