Five activities you cannot miss in La Araucanía: magical land in the south of Chile

Come and enjoy the culture and adventure in the La Araucanía Region, a magical land where you will get inspiration and a deep connection with nature.

We will offer you a list with five activities that you cannot miss in your visit to this treasure in the south of Chile, where majestic volcanoes await you, as well as rejuvenating hot springs, ancestral experiences, and much more.

• Check the requirements to travel to Chile here

1. Climbing the Villarrica Volcano

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Climbing the Villarrica Volcano, also known as Ruka Pillán (“house of the pillán” in mapudungun), is an unforgettable experience. You will climb through gorgeous snowy landscapes until you reach its crater, with a diameter of 200 meters.

This is one of the most beautiful volcanoes in Chile, located 2,847 meters above sea level, that has inspired many local legends. From its peak, you will be able to see a beautiful horizon made up of volcanoes, lakes, and an infinite valley, which are a real spectacle.

It is important for your adventure to have guides certified with Sernatur! You can find them here.

• Find out more about this excursion that adventurers cannot miss at this link.

2. Visiting national parks

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There are five national parks in the La Araucanía Region, where you will be able to experience adventure tourism like never before.

Apart from Villarica National Park and its majestic volcano, another place you cannot miss is Conguillío National Park , where you will come across millenary araucarias and forests of ñirre, coihue, lenga, and other species of flora. On the horizon, the Llaima and Sierra Nevada volcanoes make for an impressive landscape.

You should also add Huerquehue National Park to your list, one of the oldest protected areas in Chile. You will love the Los Lagos Circuit there. You can also visit Tolhuaca National Park and Nahuelbuta National Park, which are just as amazing.

3. Hot springs

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Are you in need of alleviating discomfort and taking a break? Discover the hot springs in La Araucanía and relax amidst beautiful surroundings.

The Huife Hot Springs are located on the bank of Liucura River, and they are a first-class establishment with thermal waters that vary from 35° to 40°C. This place offers hydromassages, bubble beds, neck massages, and everything you need for your wellbeing.

Another option is the Quimey-Co Hot Springs, where you can enjoy healing baths and exquisite spa services in the middle of ancestral forests. You can also visit the San Luis Hot Springs, which offers pools, hotels, and many other relaxation services.

• All of these hot springs are very close to Pucón, the most thermal city in Chile.

4. Hopping on the Santiago– Temuco train

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Are you visiting Santiago and in a race against the clock? Make the most of the new dates that have been announced for the night train that reaches Temuco, capital of the La Araucanía Region!

It is an excellent opportunity to visit the south of Chile in a unique way and witness more than 690 kilometers of beautiful landscapes that you cannot see from the highway.

You will find a wide array of hotels in Temuco, as well as places that are very attractive for tourism, such as Cerro Ñielol, the Museo Nacional Ferroviario Pablo Neruda (Pablo Neruda National Railway Museum), and Isabel Riquelme Park.

• Check out the dates for the Santiago-Temuco Train at https://tren.cl

5. Discover the ancestral roots in Curarrehue

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Curarrehue is 40 km away from Pucón, and it is a lake district where you will be able to enjoy authentic rural and indigenous tourism experiences. You will find out about the ancestral traditions of the Mapuche people here,  the biggest native population in our country.

Get ready to hear fascinating stories and learn about a unique view of the world, as well as tasting the delicious cuisine based on local products and dishes transmitted passed down from generation to generation.

Additionally, if you get closer to the Andes Mountains, you can travel along the Lagos Andinos trail, a simple trek with unforgettable landscapes.