Two days exploring Tolhuaca National Park
Updated on 15 de January, 2026
Discover the unspoiled nature of the Andean Araucanía
2 DAYS
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Tolhuaca National Park, a treasure of the Andean Araucanía. This corner of unspoiled nature awaits you with ancient araucaria forests, emerald lakes and imposing waterfalls. Here you can go
DISTANCE
10 km
DAYS
2 days
DESTINATIONS
LANDSCAPES
Inicio del itinerario
Attractions included on this day
Day 1
Tolhuaca National Park Trails
With Temuco as your starting point, begin the day with a 120-kilometer drive toward the Andes. The journey, taking about two and a half hours, follows Route 5 to Victoria before diverting toward Curacautín, the gateway to Tolhuaca National Park.
Upon arrival, your first stop will be Salto Malleco, a powerful 50-meter-high waterfall plunging through lush vegetation. From here, you will set out on La Culebra Trail, a trek offering spectacular panoramic views of the park, allowing you to appreciate the vast forests and the region’s unique volcanic geography.
The trail culminates at the shores of Lago Verde, a body of water with an intense emerald hue and overwhelming tranquility. This is the ideal setting to rest, enjoy your lunch, and connect deeply with pristine nature before starting the return journey to your lodging.
Attractions included on this day
Day 1
Tolhuaca National Park Trails
With Temuco as your starting point, begin the day with a 120-kilometer drive toward the Andes. The journey, taking about two and a half hours, follows Route 5 to Victoria before diverting toward Curacautín, the gateway to Tolhuaca National Park.
Upon arrival, your first stop will be Salto Malleco, a powerful 50-meter-high waterfall plunging through lush vegetation. From here, you will set out on La Culebra Trail, a trek offering spectacular panoramic views of the park, allowing you to appreciate the vast forests and the region’s unique volcanic geography.
The trail culminates at the shores of Lago Verde, a body of water with an intense emerald hue and overwhelming tranquility. This is the ideal setting to rest, enjoy your lunch, and connect deeply with pristine nature before starting the return journey to your lodging.
Attractions included on this day
Day 2
Thermal relaxation in the heart of the park
After breakfast, and to recover from your first day of hiking, your first stop will be Termas Malleco, a rustic thermal center nestled on the riverbanks.
Here, you can enjoy a restorative soak in natural pools, whose thermal waters are renowned for their mineral-medicinal properties—ideal for relieving muscle tension. The sound of the river and the surrounding forested landscape create an atmosphere of peace and unparalleled relaxation.
With your body and mind recharged, begin a leisurely return journey. For your final activity, stop in the town of Curacautín to savor the local gastronomy. Sharing a typical regional dish is the perfect way to reflect on your adventure and create lasting memories of your visit to the Andean Araucanía.
Attractions included on this day
Day 2
Thermal relaxation in the heart of the park
After breakfast, and to recover from your first day of hiking, your first stop will be Termas Malleco, a rustic thermal center nestled on the riverbanks.
Here, you can enjoy a restorative soak in natural pools, whose thermal waters are renowned for their mineral-medicinal properties—ideal for relieving muscle tension. The sound of the river and the surrounding forested landscape create an atmosphere of peace and unparalleled relaxation.
With your body and mind recharged, begin a leisurely return journey. For your final activity, stop in the town of Curacautín to savor the local gastronomy. Sharing a typical regional dish is the perfect way to reflect on your adventure and create lasting memories of your visit to the Andean Araucanía.
What you should know
How to get there by air
From Santiago Airport (SCL), take a flight to La Araucanía Airport in Temuco (ZCO). From there, you must continue by land to the city of Curacautín to get closer to the park entrance.
How to get there by land
From Curacautín, the entrance to the park is 35 kilometers along a gravel road. A high vehicle or 4×4 is essential, especially outside of summer. There is no direct public transport to the park. To get around inside, you will need your own vehicle or hire a tourist service.
