In short: China Muerta National Reserve lies in the municipalities of Lonquimay and Melipeuco, in Chile's Araucanía Region, and was created on June 28, 1968. It protects araucarias (monkey puzzle trees), mountain cypress and lleuque, and wildlife such as the puma. Entry is free, and it is reached from Melipeuco on the road to Galletué, ideally in a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle.
Key facts: China Muerta National Reserve
| Municipalities | Lonquimay (Malleco province) and Melipeuco (Cautín province) |
|---|---|
| Created | June 28, 1968 |
| Managed by | CONAF, from the Conguillío National Park administration |
| Access | 35 km from Melipeuco, on the old road to Galletué (Cabeza de Indio sector) |
| Vehicle | A high-clearance 4x4 vehicle is recommended |
| Winter | In June, July and August, snow often makes the road impassable |
| Entry | Free |
| Contact | parque.conguillio@conaf.cl · temuco.oirs@conaf.cl |
Information checked in October 2026. Opening hours, access and prices may change: confirm them before you travel.
China Muerta National Reserve is located in the Araucanía Region, in the municipalities of Lonquimay (Malleco province) and Melipeuco (Cautín province). It was created on June 28, 1968.
The reserve stands out for protecting wildlife such as the puma, the Chilean pigeon (torcaza), the short-tailed snake and the four-eyed frog. As for plants, it is home to the araucaria (Araucaria araucana), mountain cypress and lleuque.
- China Muerta National Reserve
The most common access is from Melipeuco, on the old road to Galletué, 35 km from Melipeuco. The Galletué road is in very good condition, except in winter, when heavy snowfall often makes the area impassable in June, July and August. Ideally, use a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle.
Fees
Free entry.
Services
China Muerta National Reserve has hiking trails.
Access
From Temuco, head to Melipeuco. From there, drive 35 km toward the mountains on the road known as Cabeza de Indio.
Contact information
The reserve is managed from Conguillío National Park. Email: parque.conguillio@conaf.cl; satellite phone: (+56) 228406818. You can also write to temuco.oirs@conaf.cl.
Website: https://conaf.cl
Frequently asked questions about China Muerta National Reserve
Where is China Muerta National Reserve?
In the Araucanía Region of Chile, between the municipalities of Lonquimay and Melipeuco, next to Conguillío National Park.
How do I get to China Muerta?
From Temuco, go to Melipeuco and from there continue 35 km toward the mountains on the old road to Galletué, known as Cabeza de Indio. A high-clearance 4x4 vehicle is recommended.
Is there an entry fee at China Muerta?
No. Entry to the reserve is free. For questions, write to CONAF: parque.conguillio@conaf.cl.
What can you see in China Muerta?
Forests of araucaria, mountain cypress and lleuque, and wildlife such as the puma, the Chilean pigeon, the short-tailed snake and the four-eyed frog. The reserve has hiking trails.
Can you go in winter?
It is difficult: in June, July and August there is often heavy snow and the Galletué road becomes impassable. The best time is from spring to fall.
More to see nearby: Melipeuco must-sees · Galletué Lagoon · Icalma Lake · Conguillío National Park tickets