10 must-sees in the Araucanía Andina in winter

10 winter must-sees in the Araucanía Andina you have to experience

Key facts: the Araucanía Andina in winter

Information checked in October 2026. Opening hours, access and prices may change: confirm them before you travel.

The Araucanía Andina is a true playground: its majestic volcanoes and snow-covered araucaria forests make it a must-visit in winter.

Its wonderful hot springs, food and unmatched ski slopes are waiting for you to enjoy an adventure with family or friends. Don't miss Curacautín, Lonquimay, Melipeuco, Cunco and Vilcún, which welcome you with open arms to explore their parks, national reserves and attractions.

Here are the 10 places you can't miss during the winter holidays:

1. Malalcahuello National Reserve
2. Corralco Ski Resort
3. Conguillío National Park
4. Las Raíces Tunnel
5. Cañón del Blanco Hot Springs
6. Tolhuaca National Park
7. Las Araucarias Ski Area
8. Icalma Lake
9. Salto de la Princesa
10. Cuesta Las Raíces

How to experience the Araucanía Andina in winter, beyond the postcard

For those of us who live in this land of lava, snow and araucarias, winter is not a season of isolation: it is when the Tierra Mágica ("Magic Land") shows its deepest mystique. This guide shows you where to go; as local tourism professionals, we also want to show you how to truly connect with the Andean experience in a safe, mindful and memorable way.

Winter flavors: the pehuén and the warmth of the fire

You can't say you've visited the Araucanía Andina without warming up with our signature food. Winter is the perfect time to try dishes made with piñón (the nut of the araucaria), gathered sustainably in the fall by local communities.

• The must-try: look for small family businesses and eateries in Curacautín, Lonquimay or Melipeuco. Order sopaipillas (fried pumpkin bread) with piñón pebre (salsa), a native potato pie, or goat ribs baked in a clay oven (an unbeatable specialty on cold days in Lonquimay). To drink, nothing beats a hot mate with mountain herbs or a local craft beer brewed with pure volcanic snowmelt.

Hot springs with meaning: the art of unplugging

Our hot springs are wonderful, and the professional secret is the temperature contrast. Try soaking in the hot natural pools of places like Cañón del Blanco or the Malleco hot springs while snowflakes fall around you. It is a natural wellness therapy (rich in sulfur and minerals) that not only relaxes your muscles after a day of skiing at Corralco or Las Araucarias, but also reconnects your nervous system with the rhythm of nature. Expert tip: always book ahead in winter; mindful capacity limits are key to keeping these places magical.

The snow challenge: gear and respect for the mountain

The volcanic geography of the towering Llaima, Lonquimay and Tolhuaca demands respect. If you head out on the snow-covered trails of Conguillío or Malalcahuello:

• Snowshoes: they are a must for mid-mountain hikes (such as the trail to Navidad Crater or Captrén Lagoon) after recent snowfall. Don't try to walk sinking into the snow; rent gear in the villages of Malalcahuello or Melipeuco.
• Guided tours: winter hiking changes the visual landmarks. For more demanding routes, such as the Sierra Nevada viewpoint or climbs to the craters, always hire local guides registered with SERNATUR. They not only keep you safe, but also share the rich Mapuche-Pehuenche worldview of the area.

Winter logistics: the "secret" of the roads

To keep your trip trouble-free, road safety comes first. Driving through Las Raíces Tunnel or up to the ski areas in a snowfall is beautiful, but it requires care:

• Snow chains are mandatory: even if your vehicle is 4x4, the law and mountain safety require carrying chains in the trunk. Black ice in the morning (especially on international route CH-181) can be treacherous.
• Check access: Conguillío National Park often closes some entrances because of snow (usually the Curacautín/Captrén Lagoon access becomes snowshoe-only, while the Melipeuco access stays clearer). Always check road conditions with the municipal tourist offices or CONAF park rangers before leaving your lodging.

The silence of Icalma Lake

Our advice for Icalma Lake is to go looking for absolute silence. In winter there are fewer travelers, and the lake becomes a perfect mirror surrounded by snowy hills and lone araucarias. It is the ideal place for contemplative travel, landscape photography and talking with the local community to learn about their spiritual connection with nature (Fuxa mapu).

We look forward to welcoming you!

The 10 winter must-sees, one by one

More snow activities

• Ski touring and splitboarding: for experienced skiers, through snowy forests and on the slopes of Lonquimay and Llaima, always with a certified guide.
• Gear rental: snowshoes and mountain gear in Malalcahuello; ski and snowboard equipment at Corralco and Las Araucarias.
• Winter festivals: check the events calendar for the traditional festivals in Lonquimay and Curacautín (dates change every year).

Getting there in winter

• By plane: fly to Temuco (La Araucanía airport) and continue by rental car, transfer or rural bus.
• By bus: there are daily buses from Santiago to Temuco, Victoria and Curacautín; buses to the mountain towns leave from Temuco's rural bus terminal.
• By car: Route 5 South to Victoria or Lautaro, then route CH-181 to Curacautín (84 km from Temuco). More in how to get to Curacautín.
• Fuel: fill up whenever you can; there are few gas stations in the mountains.