A Chilean man was taken to the hospital on Tuesday after surviving 20 days lost in a national park.

Thirty-two-year-old Daniel Flores Garcia, who lives in the capital city of Santiago, managed to survive almost three weeks by eating insects and plants. He was rescued when children on a boat in a nearby lake found him and helped him return to civilisation.

Flores Garcia looked weary as he was taken into the hospital, but said he felt fine.

"I'm OK. Really well. I ate insects and plants," he told reporters.

Flores Garcia went missing on February 6 after traveling to Chiloe, an island off the southern coast, on holiday. He became lost in the park's thick forest during an expedition.

The navy, the National Forest Corporation, firemen and the Special Chilean Police Unit launched a large search operation after he failed to return, combing the area by land and air.

"Thank you very much. We're going to be closer than before now. Thanks to everyone," Flores Garcia's mother, Virginia Garcia, told reporters.

The survivor was taken to the Castro hospital where doctors will run some tests.

Flores Garcia was suffering from dehydration and weight loss but was otherwise in 'surprisingly good condition,' Deputy Sub-Prefect Of Chilean Police Investigations, Victor Hernandez said.

Presented by Adam Justice