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Nahuelbuta National Park: Ancient Araucaria Forests

Explore ancient Araucaria forests, panoramic views, and Mapuche heritage in Chile's Nahuelbuta National Park. Hiking, camping, and nature await.

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Nahuelbuta National Park, established in 1939, protects the ancient Araucaria forests high in the Nahuelbuta mountains. Explore trails leading to panoramic viewpoints like Piedra del Águila, offering views of the Pacific Ocean and the Andes. The park is a haven for native flora and fauna and holds cultural significance for the Mapuche people.

A brief summary to Nahuelbuta National Park

Local tips

  • Wear appropriate footwear for hiking, as trails can be steep and uneven.
  • Bring layers of clothing, as the weather in the mountains can change quickly.
  • Check the CONAF website for current trail conditions and park alerts.
  • Carry water and snacks, especially if you plan on hiking.
  • Respect the natural environment by packing out all trash and staying on marked trails.
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Getting There

  • Car

    The primary access to Nahuelbuta National Park is via Angol. From Angol, take Route 182 east for approximately 30 kilometers to the park entrance. The drive takes about 30-40 minutes. Note that road conditions can vary, and a 4x4 vehicle may be required, especially during the rainy season. Parking is available at the park entrance. There is currently no entrance fee.

  • Public Transport

    To reach Nahuelbuta National Park by public transport, take a bus from Temuco to Angol. Several bus companies serve this route. From Angol, you can hire a taxi or a shared minibus to the park entrance. Confirm with the driver that they stop at the park entrance. The bus from Temuco to Angol takes about 2 hours, and the taxi/minibus to the park takes an additional 30-40 minutes. Expect to pay around $15,000 to $20,000 CLP (approximately $20-$30 USD) for the taxi/rideshare from Angol to the park entrance. There is currently no entrance fee.

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Discover more about Nahuelbuta National Park

Nahuelbuta National Park, located in the Araucanía Region of Chile, offers a unique landscape dominated by the Nahuelbuta mountain range. Established in 1939, the park spans 6,832 hectares and protects a rich diversity of wildlife and plant life. The name 'Nahuelbuta' translates to 'Big Tiger' in Mapudungun, the language of the Mapuche, who consider the park a sacred place. The park's most notable feature is its extensive forests of Araucaria araucana, also known as monkey puzzle trees. Some of these ancient trees are nearly 2,000 years old. These trees are not only a defining characteristic of the landscape but also hold deep cultural significance for the Mapuche people. Besides the Araucaria, the park is home to other native tree species like coigüe, lenga, and roble. The understory is rich with orchids and even carnivorous plants. Visitors can explore several well-maintained trails, including the popular Piedra del Águila trail, which leads to a stunning viewpoint at 1,460 meters above sea level. From here, you can see the Pacific Ocean to the west and the volcanoes of the Andes to the east. Other trails, like Cerro Anay and Casa de Piedra, offer different perspectives and opportunities to observe the park's diverse flora and fauna. Wildlife includes species like Darwin's fox, pumas, and various bird species such as the Magellanic woodpecker. The park has a temperate-rainy climate with well-defined seasons. The best time to visit is during the warmer months (November to May).

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