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Araucaria Madre

Conguillío National Park

Araucanía AndinaUpdated on October 12, 20262 min read

Tronco de la araucaria madre junto a su letrero, en el sendero Los Carpinteros del Parque Nacional Conguillío

The Araucaria Madre ("Mother Araucaria") is one of the most iconic and revered trees in Conguillío National Park, in Chile's Araucanía Andina. More than a thousand years old, this tree is a symbol of resilience and longevity, and it represents the natural and cultural wealth of the region.

Araucaria Madre, Conguillío National Park

What makes the Araucaria Madre special

  1. Longevity: this impressive araucaria (or pehuén, the monkey puzzle tree) is one of the oldest in the region, with more than a thousand years of history. Its size and sturdiness set it apart from the other trees in the forest. It is a true survivor of the harsh conditions of the Andes and the many eruptions of Llaima Volcano.
  2. Cultural importance: the araucaria is a sacred tree for the Mapuche people, who see it as a symbol of strength and connection with the land. The Araucaria Madre in particular is seen as a protective spirit of the forest. The Mapuche especially value its seeds, known as piñones, a source of food and a fundamental part of their culture and livelihood.
  3. The araucaria forest ecosystem: around the Araucaria Madre, the ecosystem is rich and diverse. The tree plays a key role in the balance of its surroundings, providing food and shelter for many species of animals and plants. Birds such as the Magellanic woodpecker and mammals such as the culpeo fox make their home in these ancient forests.
  4. Getting to the Araucaria Madre: to visit this majestic tree, you can walk a trail in Conguillío National Park. The path lets visitors learn about the local ecology while immersing themselves in a forest dominated by trees that have witnessed centuries of history.
  5. A symbol of conservation: the Araucaria Madre is a symbol of conservation efforts in the region. Araucarias are protected because of their slow growth and their ecological importance. Protection and reforestation initiatives aim to preserve these forests against challenges such as climate change.
Araucaria Madre on the Los Carpinteros trail
Araucaria Madre – Los Carpinteros trail

The Araucaria Madre is much more than a tree: it is a living monument, a witness to history and a reminder of how important it is to protect the natural and cultural resources of the Araucanía Andina.