Magical Trip: 2-Day Itinerary Through La Araucanía
Updated on 26 de November, 2025
Malalcahuello and Conguillío National Park from Corralco
2 DAYS
Welcome to the Andean Araucanía. With the Corralco mountain center as your base camp, this two-day itinerary will immerse you in the heart of the Malalcahuello National Reserve and take you to explore the wonders of the legendary Conguillío National Park, combining trekking in ancient forests with the relaxation of thermal waters.
DISTANCIA
290 km
CANTIDAD DE DÍAS
2 days
PAISAJE
Inicio del itinerario
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 1
The Lonquimay Volcano and the Malalcahuello Hot Springs
With Temuco as your starting point, you will need to travel about two hours to reach the Corralco mountain center, located within the Malalcahuello-Nalcas National Reserve. After checking into the hotel and leaving your luggage, get ready to explore the spectacular surroundings of the Lonquimay Volcano, a landscape that looks like it’s from another planet.
The main activity of the day is trekking to the Navidad Crater, formed in the 1988 eruption. It is a moderately difficult hike, about 2 to 3 hours, that will take you through volcanic sand and slag rocks to the very edge of the crater, with panoramic views of the volcano and the araucaria forests.
After lunch and rest, dedicate your afternoon to recovery. A few minutes from Corralco are the Malalcahuello Hot Springs, where you can relax in its outdoor thermal pools. It is the perfect counterpoint to the morning’s effort, before returning to dinner and enjoying a restful night.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 1
The Lonquimay Volcano and the Malalcahuello Hot Springs
With Temuco as your starting point, you will need to travel about two hours to reach the Corralco mountain center, located within the Malalcahuello-Nalcas National Reserve. After checking into the hotel and leaving your luggage, get ready to explore the spectacular surroundings of the Lonquimay Volcano, a landscape that looks like it’s from another planet.
The main activity of the day is trekking to the Navidad Crater, formed in the 1988 eruption. It is a moderately difficult hike, about 2 to 3 hours, that will take you through volcanic sand and slag rocks to the very edge of the crater, with panoramic views of the volcano and the araucaria forests.
After lunch and rest, dedicate your afternoon to recovery. A few minutes from Corralco are the Malalcahuello Hot Springs, where you can relax in its outdoor thermal pools. It is the perfect counterpoint to the morning’s effort, before returning to dinner and enjoying a restful night.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 2
Excursion to Conguillío National Park
Dedicate your second day to exploring the impressive Conguillío National Park. The trip from Corralco takes almost 2 hours, crossing Andean landscapes of great beauty until you reach one of the most famous parks in Chile, known for its incredible geology and its millennial forests.
The central activity is the hike along the Sierra Nevada Trail. It is a 4 to 5 hour trek that will offer you the most classic postcards of the park: spectacular views of Lake Conguillío, with the imposing Llaima Volcano in the background, while crossing immense forests of araucaria.
After finishing the long walk, you will have time for a well-deserved rest on the shores of the lake before returning to Corralco. You can have dinner at the hotel or in the town of Curacautín, taking advantage of the clear skies of the Andean Araucanía for an incredible stargazing experience.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 2
Excursion to Conguillío National Park
Dedicate your second day to exploring the impressive Conguillío National Park. The trip from Corralco takes almost 2 hours, crossing Andean landscapes of great beauty until you reach one of the most famous parks in Chile, known for its incredible geology and its millennial forests.
The central activity is the hike along the Sierra Nevada Trail. It is a 4 to 5 hour trek that will offer you the most classic postcards of the park: spectacular views of Lake Conguillío, with the imposing Llaima Volcano in the background, while crossing immense forests of araucaria.
After finishing the long walk, you will have time for a well-deserved rest on the shores of the lake before returning to Corralco. You can have dinner at the hotel or in the town of Curacautín, taking advantage of the clear skies of the Andean Araucanía for an incredible stargazing experience.
What you should know
How to get there by air
The main gateway is La Araucanía Airport in Temuco. From there, the most recommended thing is to rent a vehicle (ideally high or 4×4) for the 2-hour trip to Corralco.
How to get there by land
From Temuco, you must take the route north to Lautaro and then Route CH-181 to Curacautín, on a road that is mostly paved. A private vehicle is essential to carry out this itinerary.
Climate and clothing
The climate is high mountain, with lots of sun and wind. It is essential to use sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, dress in layers and wear a windbreaker jacket. Firm trekking shoes are mandatory.
Must-Know Tips
Refuel in Curacautín, as there are no gas stations in the mountain area. Always check the condition of the trails in the Conaf nurseries before starting a hike. Both Conguillío and Malalcahuello require prior reservation, while you must schedule your stay in Corralco in advance.
