Every year in La Unión, Los Ríos, Chileans and travelers gather for the Festival del Alerce Perdido—a unique blend of cultural celebration and wilderness immersion centered on the venerable Alerce tree, some of the oldest living beings on the planet. The festival’s highlight is the hike to the Alerce Milenario, an ancient tree whose bark and limbs narrate centuries of Patagonia’s relentless climate. The trail demands respect: a 10-kilometer round trip that rises approximately 400 meters, threading through dense evergreen forests where ferns fan out like emerald waves and moss courts every branch.

Starting at the trailhead near Lago Quelgua, the path is well-marked yet challenges hikers with uneven terrain—roots twist underfoot and slippery stones dare you forward, especially after rain. This hike invites a practical approach: good boots, enough water (minimum 2 liters per person), and layered clothing to adjust to fluctuating mountain weather. Early mornings before the festival’s core events provide the best window for the trek, both to beat rising temperatures and to experience the forest enshrouded in morning mist, where the air feels thick with whispered histories.

As you ascend, listen to the river below which carves its way through the valley, pushing forward relentlessly, echoing the persistence required on the trail. At the summit, the ancient Alerce stands fiercely itself—twisted, monumental, unapologetically wild. It neither asks for admiration nor tolerates carelessness. The festival pairs this hike with local music, artisan markets, and traditional foods, making it a full experience that marries adventure with the vibrant local culture.

For those after the challenge or casual explorers eager to mix cultural elements with nature, the Festival del Alerce Perdido offers a well-rounded, immersive experience. Planning ahead means arriving rested, packing smart, and respecting the fragile environment. It is no casual walk—rather, an encounter with a forest that commands understanding as much as excitement. The festival not only honors the natural world but reminds visitors that adventure is an engagement with forces intertwined with human history and endurance.

Practical tips: Start early to avoid afternoon rain showers typical in summer, wear sturdy waterproof boots for stream crossings, carry snacks to regain energy, and leave no trace behind. The trail’s moderate difficulty suits those comfortable on rough terrain with basic endurance. At the end of the day, reward yourself with a traditional Curanto, a local delicacy baked beneath heated stones, served during festival days. This hike and festival form an outdoor adventure paired with cultural enrichment—both fiercely worth your time when visiting Los Ríos.