In short: The most popular trails in Conguillío National Park are Sierra Nevada (about 10 km round trip, 4 to 5 hours, moderate to hard), Los Carpinteros (3.5 km, about 2 hours, easy, past the Araucaria Madre), Truful Truful (1 km, under an hour) and the Laguna Verde–Laguna Arcoíris loop. Tickets are sold online only, at pasesparques.cl.
Key facts: hiking in Conguillío
| Sierra Nevada | About 10 km round trip · 4 to 5 h · moderate to hard · viewpoints over Lake Conguillío and Llaima |
|---|---|
| Los Carpinteros | 3.5 km round trip · about 2 h · easy · Araucaria Madre and Magellanic woodpecker |
| Truful Truful | 1 km · 30 to 45 min · easy · waterfall and lava canyons (south entrance) |
| Laguna Verde–Laguna Arcoíris | Loop of about 6 km · 2 to 3 h · moderate · lagoons among lava fields |
| Best time | November to March; in winter, only with snowshoes and a guide |
| Entry | Online only at pasesparques.cl; entry until about 14:00 |
| What to bring | Water, sun protection, layers, a map and gaiters for the volcanic sand |
Information checked in October 2026. Opening hours, access and prices may change: confirm them before you travel.
Hiking trails in Conguillío National Park: connect with the living nature of the Araucanía Andina. In the heart of the Araucanía Andina, Conguillío National Park is one of Chile's most impressive destinations for trekking and hiking. Here, the volcanic power of Llaima Volcano, ancient araucaria forests, turquoise lakes and fields of solidified lava create a unique setting for unforgettable walks.
With its many parks, nature reserves and mountain communities, the Araucanía Andina has become a top outdoor destination in southern Chile, ideal for anyone looking for adventure in direct contact with nature.
Must-do trails in Conguillío National Park
1. Sierra Nevada Trail
- Distance: 10.4 km round trip
- Duration: 4 to 5 hours
- Difficulty: moderate
- Highlights:
- Panoramic viewpoints over Lake Conguillío, Llaima Volcano and the snow-capped mountains
- Ideal for photographers and experienced hikers
- A route through native forests of coigüe, lenga and araucaria
2. Los Carpinteros Trail
- Distance: 3.5 km round trip
- Duration: 2 hours
- Difficulty: easy
- Best for: birdwatching and family walks
- Highlights: a chance to see the Magellanic woodpecker (carpintero negro), an icon of southern forests
3. Truful-Truful Trail
- Distance: 1 km
- Duration: 30 to 45 minutes
- Difficulty: easy
- Highlights:
- Truful-Truful waterfall and views of canyons carved through lava
- An interpretive trail about the park's geological history
4. Lago Verde – Laguna Arcoíris Trail
- Distance: about 6 km (loop)
- Duration: 2 to 3 hours
- Difficulty: moderate
- Highlights:
- Intense colors of volcanic waters
- A route over old lava flows and recovering vegetation
- Excellent for appreciating the park's biodiversity
Why go hiking in the Araucanía Andina?
The Araucanía Andina offers a network of hiking routes for every level, from easy walks around mountain lagoons to demanding climbs of volcanoes such as Llaima, Lonquimay and Sollipulli.
Besides Conguillío, you can explore places such as:
- Malalcahuello-Nalcas National Reserve
- Tolhuaca National Park
- Melipeuco and China Muerta Reserve
- Cultural and Mapuche trails in Cunco and Curacautín
This area stands out for its volcanic landscape, native biodiversity, natural hot springs and living culture, which makes every route a complete experience of nature, sport and connection.
Tips
- Wear comfortable technical clothing (in layers).
- Always carry water, sun protection and a park map.
- Stay on the marked trails and respect the local wildlife.
- Consider local guides for long or educational routes.
Enjoy hiking in the Araucanía Andina
Whether you are an experienced adventurer or just starting out, the trails of Conguillío National Park and the surrounding area will give you unforgettable views, fresh air and a deep connection with one of Chile's most amazing natural settings.
Discover the Araucanía Andina one step at a time, and let its volcanoes, lakes and forests guide you.
Frequently asked questions about hiking in Conguillío
What is the best trail in Conguillío?
Sierra Nevada, for its viewpoints over Lake Conguillío, Llaima volcano and the Sierra Nevada glaciers. It is the most demanding of the classic trails: about 10 km round trip and 4 to 5 hours.
Which Conguillío trail is good for children?
Los Carpinteros (3.5 km, about 2 hours, easy), which reaches the Araucaria Madre, and the short Truful Truful trail, one kilometer long.
Do you need a guide to hike in Conguillío?
Not for the marked trails in summer. A local guide registered with Sernatur is recommended for long routes, climbs or winter hikes.
Can you hike in Conguillío in winter?
Yes, with snowshoes. Via Captrén, the inner stretch is often open to walkers only; check access conditions with CONAF. See what to do in winter.
Do you need a ticket to hike the trails?
Yes. Park tickets are sold online only, at pasesparques.cl. More details in how to buy Conguillío tickets.
More to see nearby: Conguillío National Park · Camping in Conguillío · Captrén Lagoon · Llaima volcano