Come and enjoy the adventure and culture in the Araucanía Region, a magical land where you can be inspired and gain a deep connection with nature.
We offer you a list of panoramas that you cannot miss on your visit to this treasure of southern Chile, where majestic volcanoes, rejuvenating hot springs, ancestral experiences, and much more await you.
1. Climbing volcanoes
Ascending the Villarrica Volcano, also known as Ruka Pillán (the house of the pillán in Mapudungun) is an unforgettable experience, where you will climb through beautiful snowy landscapes until you reach its crater, which is 200 meters in diameter.
Located 2,847 meters above sea level, it is one of the most beautiful volcanoes in Chile, which has inspired different legends of the area. From the top you can see a beautiful horizon of volcanoes, lakes, and an infinite valley that make up a true spectacle.
Another alternative is the Sollipulli volcano, where you will ascend by trekking to 2,282 meters above sea level to reach its summit. You will have an incredible view towards its interior glacier.
It is essential that these trips are carried out with guides certified by Sernatur! You can find them at the following link.
2. Visit the national parks
The Araucanía Region has five national parks, where you can experience adventure tourism like never before.
In addition to the Villarrica National Park and its majestic volcano, another must-see is the Conguillío National Park, where you will cross ancient araucaria trees and forests of ñirre, coihue, lenga, and other species of flora. And on the horizon, the volcanoes Llaima and Sierra Nevada make up an impressive landscape.
Also, the Huerquehue National Park, one of the oldest protected areas in Chile, should not be left off your list, and you will love its Lake District. You can also visit the Tolhuaca National Park and the Nahuelbuta National Park, which are equally spectacular.
3. Thermal baths
Need to eliminate discomfort and take a break? Discover the thermal baths of La Araucanía and take a break in the middle of beautiful surroundings.
On the banks of the Liucura River are the Termas de Huife, a first-class resort with thermal waters ranging between 35º and 40º. The place has hydromassage, bubble beds, cervical massages and everything you need for your well-being.
Another alternative is the Termas de Quimey-Co, where you can enjoy healing baths and exquisite spa services in the middle of ancient forests. There are also the Termas de San Luis, which maintains tubs, hotels and many other relaxation services.
All these hot springs are located a short distance from Pucón, the most thermal city in Chile.
4. Travel on the Santiago - Temuco train
Are you visiting Santiago and have little time? Take advantage of the new dates announced for the night train that goes to Temuco, capital of the Araucanía Region.
It is an excellent opportunity to travel through southern Chile in a different way and see more than 690 kilometers of beautiful landscapes that cannot be found on the highway.
In Temuco you will find a wide range of hotels and places of enormous tourist attraction such as Cerro Ñielol, the Pablo Neruda National Railway Museum and the Isabel Riquelme Park.
Find out about the dates of the Santiago-Temuco Train at https://tren.cl.
5. Discover the ancestral roots in Curarrehue
40 km from Pucón is Curarrehue, a lakeside commune where you can experience authentic rural and indigenous tourism. Here you can learn about the ancestral traditions of the Mapuche people, the largest native people in our country.
Get ready to hear fascinating stories and learn a unique worldview, as well as taste exquisite gastronomy based on local products and preparations transmitted through generations.
Also, if you go into the Andes Mountains you can take the Andean Lakes trail, an easy trek with unforgettable landscapes.
