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Conguillío National Park: A Volcanic Wonderland

Explore Conguillío National Park: witness the power of Llaima Volcano, ancient Araucaria forests, and stunning Patagonian landscapes.

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Conguillío National Park, located in the Araucanía Region of Chile, is a stunning landscape sculpted by volcanic activity and ancient forests. Dominated by the active Llaima Volcano, the park features shimmering lakes, lava fields, and the iconic Araucaria (Monkey Puzzle) trees, offering a unique blend of adventure and natural beauty.

A brief summary to Conguillío National Park

Local tips

  • Purchase park entrance tickets online in advance through the Pasesparques website.
  • Bring appropriate hiking gear, including sturdy shoes, layers of clothing, and rain gear, as the weather can change quickly.
  • Be aware that there are limited facilities within the park, so bring your own food and water.
  • Respect the environment by staying on marked trails and packing out all trash.
  • Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) for fewer crowds and pleasant weather.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Temuco, take a bus to Curacautín or Melipeuco. From Curacautín, buses may drop you about 5km from the northern entrance; from Melipeuco, you may need to walk or hitchhike 21km to the southern entrance. Bus fare from Temuco to either town is approximately $2-$5 USD. From either town, consider hiring a local transfer to the park entrance.

  • Driving

    From Temuco, drive northeast on Route S-51 towards Conguillío National Park. The drive takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. The northern entrance is accessible via Curacautín, while the southern entrance is reached through Melipeuco. Be aware that roads closer to the park may be gravel and of poor quality. Park entrance fee is approximately $15 USD per person, payable online in advance.

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Discover more about Conguillío National Park

Conguillío National Park, meaning 'water with Araucaria seeds' in the Mapuche language, is a captivating destination in Chile's Araucanía Region. Established in 1950, the park spans over 60,000 hectares (235 square miles) and showcases a dramatic interplay of volcanic landscapes, ancient forests, and pristine waters. The park's centerpiece is the majestic Llaima Volcano, one of South America's most active volcanoes, reaching a height of 3,125 meters (10,253 feet). Its eruptions have shaped the park's terrain, creating features like Lake Conguillío and the Captrén Lagoon, surrounded by solidified lava flows. These volcanic events contribute to the park's unique, almost lunar-like landscapes. Conguillío is also renowned for its ancient Araucaria forests, home to the Monkey Puzzle tree, considered a living fossil. Some of these trees are over 1,000 years old, adding a prehistoric ambiance to the park. The park's diverse ecosystems support a variety of wildlife, including pumas, foxes, and numerous bird species. Visitors can explore the park through a network of well-maintained trails. Popular hikes include the Sierra Nevada trail, offering panoramic views, and the Truful Truful trail, showcasing the park's geological history. Other attractions include Laguna Arcoíris, formed by lava flows, and the Los Carpinteros trail, leading to the ancient Araucaria Madre tree. The park is part of the Kütralkura Geopark, recognized by UNESCO for its geological significance and Mapuche cultural heritage. Conguillío offers a range of activities, including hiking, trekking, camping, cycling, and fishing. In winter, skiing and snowboarding are also popular.

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