Ancient forests and volcanic vistas in the Araucanía
1 DAY
Conguillío is a sanctuary of ancient monkey puzzle trees and volcanic landscapes. On this intense day, you will hike through prehistoric forests on the Sierra Nevada trail, spot unique birds at Captrén Lagoon, and discover legendary waterfalls. A journey into the heart of the Araucanía to connect with wild nature and the silhouette of the imposing Llaima volcano.
SEASON
ATTRACTIONS
Inicio del itinerario
Day 1
Trekking among Araucarias and Glaciers
Conguillío National Park offers incomparable outdoor experiences. If you love hiking, the Sierra Nevada Trail will amaze you with its natural attractions. Reaching the viewpoint puts you in front of the imposing Llaima Volcano with incredible panoramic views of the lakes. Note that the elevation on this trail reaches up to 1,800 meters above sea level.
Day 1
Trekking among Araucarias and Glaciers
Conguillío National Park offers incomparable outdoor experiences. If you love hiking, the Sierra Nevada Trail will amaze you with its natural attractions. Reaching the viewpoint puts you in front of the imposing Llaima Volcano with incredible panoramic views of the lakes. Note that the elevation on this trail reaches up to 1,800 meters above sea level.
Day 2
Contemplation and Wildlife at Captrén Lagoon
Birdwatching near Captrén Lagoon leads to a state of absolute contemplation. Multiple bird species inhabit this area and can be seen on submerged logs in the water. Here, you will see specimens like the Magellanic Woodpecker, the Chucao, and the Ashy-headed Goose in their habitat, accompanied by lush monkey puzzle forests dating back hundreds of years.
Day 2
Contemplation and Wildlife at Captrén Lagoon
Birdwatching near Captrén Lagoon leads to a state of absolute contemplation. Multiple bird species inhabit this area and can be seen on submerged logs in the water. Here, you will see specimens like the Magellanic Woodpecker, the Chucao, and the Ashy-headed Goose in their habitat, accompanied by lush monkey puzzle forests dating back hundreds of years.
Day 3
The Roar of the Princess Waterfall
Observe the flora and fauna at Salto de la Princesa, an impressive 25-meter waterfall. This part of the tour features the waters of the Cautín River, which you can capture with an incredible photo. It is a family-friendly attraction with low difficulty, allowing you to be surrounded by native nature at all times during your visit.
Day 3
The Roar of the Princess Waterfall
Observe the flora and fauna at Salto de la Princesa, an impressive 25-meter waterfall. This part of the tour features the waters of the Cautín River, which you can capture with an incredible photo. It is a family-friendly attraction with low difficulty, allowing you to be surrounded by native nature at all times during your visit.
What you should know
How to get there by air
Fly to La Araucanía International Airport (ZCO) in Freire, near Temuco. It receives daily flights from Santiago (SCL). From the terminal, rent a vehicle toward Curacautín or Melipeuco (1.5 to 2 hours drive). As there is no direct public transport into the park, renting a car is the most efficient and comfortable option for travelers.
How to get there by land
From Temuco, take the road toward Curacautín or Melipeuco to reach the park (approx. 120 km). The road to the Captrén sector is often gravel; a 4×4 vehicle is recommended, especially in winter or spring. Always check road conditions and remember that access points have specific entry and exit hours defined by rangers for all visitors.
Climate and clothing
The climate is temperate and rainy, with snow in winter. Dress in layers with thermal and waterproof clothing. Trekking shoes with good grip are vital for the Sierra Nevada trail. Don’t forget sunscreen, as radiation increases with altitude in the mountains.
Must-Know Tips
Bring sufficient water, energetic snacks, and sunscreen. You must book and pay for entry online at the CONAF website in advance. There is no cell signal in most of the park; download offline maps. Carry cash for local shops in nearby towns and ensure you have enough fuel for the entire journey before entering.
