Two days exploring Tolhuaca National Park
Updated on 26 de November, 2025
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
DISTANCIA
10 km
CANTIDAD DE DÍAS
2 days
DESTINOS
PAISAJE
TEMPORADA RECOMENDADA
ATRACTIVOS
Inicio del itinerario
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 1
Tolhuaca National Park Trails
With Temuco as our starting point, begin the day by traveling about 120 kilometers towards the mountains. The journey, which takes about 2 and a half hours, will take you along Route 5 to Victoria and then divert towards Curacautín, the gateway to Tolhuaca National Park.
Upon arrival, your first stop will be the Salto Malleco, a powerful 50-meter-high waterfall that makes its way through the lush vegetation. From here you will take the Sendero La Culebra, a trek that will give you spectacular panoramic views of the park, allowing you to appreciate the immensity of the forests and the volcanic geography of the area.
The trail culminates on the shore of Lago Verde, a body of water with an intense emerald color and an overwhelming tranquility. This is the ideal setting to rest, enjoy your lunch and connect deeply with the unspoiled nature before starting the return to your accommodation.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 1
Tolhuaca National Park Trails
With Temuco as our starting point, begin the day by traveling about 120 kilometers towards the mountains. The journey, which takes about 2 and a half hours, will take you along Route 5 to Victoria and then divert towards Curacautín, the gateway to Tolhuaca National Park.
Upon arrival, your first stop will be the Salto Malleco, a powerful 50-meter-high waterfall that makes its way through the lush vegetation. From here you will take the Sendero La Culebra, a trek that will give you spectacular panoramic views of the park, allowing you to appreciate the immensity of the forests and the volcanic geography of the area.
The trail culminates on the shore of Lago Verde, a body of water with an intense emerald color and an overwhelming tranquility. This is the ideal setting to rest, enjoy your lunch and connect deeply with the unspoiled nature before starting the return to your accommodation.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 2
Thermal relaxation in the heart of the park
After breakfast and to recover from this first day of hiking, your first stop will be the Termas Malleco, a rustic thermal center located on the banks of the river.
Here you can enjoy a restorative bath in its natural pools, whose thermal waters are known for their mineral-medicinal properties, ideal for relieving muscle tension. The sound of the river and the wooded landscape create an atmosphere of peace and unparalleled disconnection.
With your body and mind recharged, begin the quiet return trip. As a last activity, make a stop in the town of Curacautín to enjoy the local gastronomy. Trying a typical dish of the area is the perfect ending to discuss the adventure and take a complete memory of your visit to the Andean Araucanía.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 2
Thermal relaxation in the heart of the park
After breakfast and to recover from this first day of hiking, your first stop will be the Termas Malleco, a rustic thermal center located on the banks of the river.
Here you can enjoy a restorative bath in its natural pools, whose thermal waters are known for their mineral-medicinal properties, ideal for relieving muscle tension. The sound of the river and the wooded landscape create an atmosphere of peace and unparalleled disconnection.
With your body and mind recharged, begin the quiet return trip. As a last activity, make a stop in the town of Curacautín to enjoy the local gastronomy. Trying a typical dish of the area is the perfect ending to discuss the adventure and take a complete memory 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.
