In short: Curacautín is a mountain town in Chile's Araucanía Region, 84 km from Temuco, and the gateway to the Araucanía Andina. Its name means "meeting stone" in Mapudungun. From here you can reach Malalcahuello, the Corralco ski resort, Tolhuaca National Park and several hot springs and waterfalls.
Key facts: Curacautín
| Region | Araucanía, southern Chile |
|---|---|
| Distance from Temuco | 84 km, on Route 5 to Lautaro and then the road to Curacautín |
| From Santiago | Route 5 South to Victoria, then route CH-181 |
| Meaning | "Meeting stone", in Mapudungun |
| Nearby hot springs | Manzanar (18 km), Malalcahuello and Cañón del Blanco |
| Waterfalls | Salto de la Princesa and Salto del Indio |
| Snow | Corralco ski resort, 37 km away |
Information checked in October 2026. Opening hours, access and prices may change: confirm them before you travel.
Curacautín is a beautiful mountain town in the Araucanía Region, 84 kilometers from Temuco, and the starting point for your adventures in the Araucanía Andina.
Its name means "meeting stone" in Mapudungun, and it offers a wide range of activities that will take you through ancient native forests and towering volcanoes you will always remember.
This beautiful municipality is home to magnificent national parks and reserves with amazing hiking trails through untouched nature, and to hot springs for a relaxing break.
Places to visit:
- Conguillío National Park
- Tolhuaca National Park
- Malalcahuello National Reserve
- Las Raíces Tunnel
- Salto de la Princesa
- Salto del Indio
- Corralco Ski Resort
What to do in Curacautín by season
Curacautín is part of the Kütralkura UNESCO Global Geopark, the volcanic territory it shares with Lonquimay, Melipeuco and Vilcún.
- Volcanoes: hike to Navidad Crater, formed in the 1988 eruption, and climb Lonquimay volcano (2,865 m) with a guide, in the Malalcahuello National Reserve.
- Conguillío from the north: the Captrén entrance is about 30 km away; the Sierra Nevada trail is the must-do. See the Conguillío hiking trails.
- Waterfalls: Salto de la Princesa and Salto del Indio, a few kilometers from town, and Salto del Malleco in Tolhuaca National Park.
- Hot springs: Manzanar, Malalcahuello, Malleco (with geysers) and Cañón del Blanco. See Curacautín hot springs.
- Cycling: the Manzanar–Malalcahuello bike path, 12 km with a gentle slope, on an old branch railway.
- Rafting: on the Cautín River, from September to May. See rafting.
- Snow: skiing and snowboarding at Corralco, 37 km away.
- Heritage: Las Raíces Tunnel (1939, 4.5 km), which links Curacautín with Lonquimay.
Best time: December to March for hiking and lakes; June to September for snow.
Frequently asked questions about Curacautín
Where is Curacautín?
In the Araucanía Region, in southern Chile, 84 km from Temuco, in the Andean foothills. It is the gateway to the Araucanía Andina circuit.
How do I get to Curacautín from Temuco?
It is 84 km: take Route 5 to Lautaro and continue on the road to Curacautín. There are also buses from Temuco. More details in how to get to Curacautín.
What is there to do in Curacautín?
Visit Salto de la Princesa and Salto del Indio, soak in hot springs such as Manzanar or Malalcahuello, explore the Malalcahuello National Reserve and Tolhuaca National Park, and ski at Corralco in winter.
What hot springs are there in Curacautín?
The best known are Termas de Manzanar (18 km away), Termas de Malalcahuello and Termas Cañón del Blanco. See the guide to Curacautín hot springs.
What does Curacautín mean?
In Mapudungun, Curacautín means "meeting stone".
More to see nearby: Malalcahuello · Curacautín hot springs · Salto de la Princesa · Corralco ski resort
- Captrén Lagoon trail
Attractions
Where to stay
Tour operators
Where to eat
Updated on October 12, 2026