Adventures that endure: 2 days of hikes in the Andean Araucanía
Updated on 2 de January, 2026
Experience an unforgettable adventure among volcanoes and ancient forests in southern Chile
2 DAYS
The Andean Araucanía is a natural sanctuary where geological history comes alive amidst active volcanoes and ancient monkey puzzle forests. This itinerary invites you to disconnect from routine and immerse yourself in epic trails that challenge your senses and renew your spirit. From the relaxing hot springs of Malalcahuello to the summits of Conguillío National Park, you will experience a journey designed for hiking enthusiasts seeking wild landscapes, unforgettable postcards, and the rich cultural heritage of southern Chile.
Inicio del itinerario
Attractions included on this day
Day 1
Get to know the Malalcahuello National Reserve
Start your adventure at the Araucanía Airport in Freire, where, after a little over a 2-hour car ride, you will arrive at the Malalcahuello National Reserve.
The price to enter the reserve varies from $1,100 to $4,100. Here you will do the Piedra Santa trail, one of the most beautiful which crosses Sierra Colorado, the Piedra Santa Valley, and forests of monkey puzzle trees and coigües.
The trail is 16 kilometers (km) long. It takes around five hours and has medium difficulty. Along the way you can appreciate the majesty of Volcán Lonquimay, whose whitish settings will inspire you.
After your trek, head to the town of Malalcahuello to visit its thermal waters and spa, where you can relax and heal discomforts.
Before heading back to your accommodation, try the fascinating Mapuche cuisine at one of the restaurants in town.
Attractions included on this day
Day 1
Get to know the Malalcahuello National Reserve
Start your adventure at the Araucanía Airport in Freire, where, after a little over a 2-hour car ride, you will arrive at the Malalcahuello National Reserve.
The price to enter the reserve varies from $1,100 to $4,100. Here you will do the Piedra Santa trail, one of the most beautiful which crosses Sierra Colorado, the Piedra Santa Valley, and forests of monkey puzzle trees and coigües.
The trail is 16 kilometers (km) long. It takes around five hours and has medium difficulty. Along the way you can appreciate the majesty of Volcán Lonquimay, whose whitish settings will inspire you.
After your trek, head to the town of Malalcahuello to visit its thermal waters and spa, where you can relax and heal discomforts.
Before heading back to your accommodation, try the fascinating Mapuche cuisine at one of the restaurants in town.
Attractions included on this day
Day 2
Sierra Nevada Trail
After having a good breakfast, you will travel a little over an hour and a half by car to get to Conguillío National Park, whose prices vary from $2,600 to $9,300.
Here you will do the Sierra Nevada trail, one of the must-do and most known hikes in the Araucanía Region due to its dreamy landscapes.
It will take around five hours to do 12 km with a moderate slope, which crosses the extinct Sierra Nevada volcano and passes through the Conguillío and Los Cóndores viewpoints. Along the way, you will have an excellent panoramic view of the fascinating Llaima Volcano.
For the afternoon, a two-hour car ride will take you to Pucón. There you can visit Villarrica Lake and eat at the restaurants and cafeterias that this famous tourist area in the south of Chile offers.
In the evening, you can dance and toast at some of the bars and discotheques in the province or go back to your accommodation and end your adventure.
Attractions included on this day
Day 2
Sierra Nevada Trail
After having a good breakfast, you will travel a little over an hour and a half by car to get to Conguillío National Park, whose prices vary from $2,600 to $9,300.
Here you will do the Sierra Nevada trail, one of the must-do and most known hikes in the Araucanía Region due to its dreamy landscapes.
It will take around five hours to do 12 km with a moderate slope, which crosses the extinct Sierra Nevada volcano and passes through the Conguillío and Los Cóndores viewpoints. Along the way, you will have an excellent panoramic view of the fascinating Llaima Volcano.
For the afternoon, a two-hour car ride will take you to Pucón. There you can visit Villarrica Lake and eat at the restaurants and cafeterias that this famous tourist area in the south of Chile offers.
In the evening, you can dance and toast at some of the bars and discotheques in the province or go back to your accommodation and end your adventure.
What you should know
How to get there by air
Land at La Araucanía Airport (ZCO) in Freire, located 25 kilometers from Temuco. From there, you can rent a vehicle or take private transfers. The flight from Santiago takes one hour and twenty minutes. It is the fastest way to start your tour without losing hiking time.
How to get there by land
From Temuco, take Route 5 South and turn towards Curacautín via Route CH-181 to reach Malalcahuello in 90 minutes. From Santiago, the land journey takes approximately 9 hours. Roads are paved, allowing smooth access to national parks and the Pucón lake area.
Climate and clothing
Andean weather is unpredictable. Wear technical layers, use trekking shoes with good grip, a hat, and sunglasses. Don’t forget sunscreen and a waterproof windbreaker, even in summer, due to sudden temperature changes.
Must-Know Tips
You must purchase tickets at aspticket.cl before your visit. Bring enough water, energy snacks, and avoid traveling with pets to protect local wildlife. Always prefer guides or tourism services officially registered in the Sernatur catalog.
