Autumn in Chile offers one of the most impressive landscapes in South America: native forests, volcanoes, and mountains painted in a palette of reds, yellows, and golds.
From Araucanía to Patagonia, places like Melipeuco, Conguillío National Park, Malalcahuello, and Torres del Paine transform into perfect settings for nature photography and hiking.
To help you plan your trip to Chile, we’ve put together a list of Chilean destinations where you’ll find breathtaking autumn landscapes.
Cover photo: José Antonio Mena/Andeshandbook
What to visit during autumn in Chile?
1. Conguillío National Park: Southern Chile’s grand autumn postcard
In Conguillío National Park, ancient araucaria trees, volcanic lakes, and the imposing presence of the Llaima Volcano create a magical landscape, which reaches its greatest beauty in autumn, both due to the climate and the colors the forest acquires.
Its main trail is Sierra Nevada, which offers open views of the volcano and lakes. Along the way, it’s possible to observe wildlife such as foxes, Magellanic woodpeckers, and monitos del monte (little mountain monkeys).
Conguillío is located 120 km from Temuco, the capital of La Araucanía and home to the regional airport.
2. Malalcahuello National Reserve: intense landscapes
In the heart of the La Araucanía mountain range and near Conguillío National Park, the Malalcahuello National Reserve displays one of the most intense landscapes of the autumn season. Its coigüe and oak forests take on red and orange hues that contrast with the green of the conifers, with the Lonquimay Volcano completing a magical scene.
Its trails cover more than 12,000 hectares of native forest, where it’s possible to go trekking, horseback riding, and observe wildlife such as pumas, pudúes, and culpeo foxes. Meanwhile, in the surrounding areas, you’ll find natural hot springs that will allow you to enjoy a magical experience.
Melipeuco: the gateway to Andean Araucanía
The town of Melipeuco is the gateway to explore Andean Araucanía. From here, you can find tours to Conguillío and Malalcahuello, as well as to the magical Icalma lagoon, the imposing glacier of the Sollipulli volcano, and the fascinating Salto del Truful-Truful waterfall.
Here you’ll find the highest canopy in Chile (at 220 meters high), which will allow you to grasp the magnitude of the autumn landscape. Additionally, on the Truful River, you can go rafting and feel the adrenaline rush.
3. Torres del Paine: The magic of Patagonia in autumn
Visiting Chilean Patagonia during autumn is to witness one of the most awe-inspiring natural spectacles on the continent. In this setting, Torres del Paine National Park reveals one of its most special faces during this time, with fewer tourists.
Lengas, ñirres, and notros trees are tinged with reddish, golden, and orange hues that transform the Patagonian landscape into something unique. Globally recognized as the “eighth wonder of the world,” the park acquires a quieter and more contemplative atmosphere, ideal for exploring its trails with greater tranquility.
The Cuernos del Paine, Lake Pehoé, and Grey Glacier create unique settings for photography. Added to this are experiences such as horseback riding along Lake Nordenskjöld and observing wildlife like guanacos, foxes, and pumas.
¿Por qué el otoño es una buena época para viajar a Chile?
- Clima ideal: temperaturas más templadas, perfectas para trekking y actividades al aire libre.
- Menos visitantes: mayor tranquilidad en senderos y miradores icónicos.
- Mejor luz para fotografía: tonos más cálidos y cielos más nítidos.
- Colores únicos: bosques nativos en su máximo esplendor.
- Más conexión con la naturaleza: una experiencia más silenciosa y contemplativa.
Now you know! Chile awaits you in autumn to show you its most special side. And not just in the south, as the north also acquires special qualities during this time, as you can see in this note about San Pedro de Atacama.
