How to get to Conguillío National Park
How to get to Conguillío National Park: Conguillío National Park is famous for the iconic Llaima Volcano and its ancient araucarias. Because it lies in the Andes, access is by mountain roads that require planning and care.
There are three main entrances to the park, each connected to the towns of the Araucanía Andina circuit:
1. South entrance: Truful Truful sector (from Melipeuco / Cunco)
This is the most used route if you are coming from Temuco or staying in the Melipeuco area.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Reference town | Melipeuco |
| Entrance | Truful Truful |
| Route | From Temuco, take the road to Cunco and then Melipeuco. |
| Last stretch | From Melipeuco to the park checkpoint (Truful Truful gate) it is about 18 km. |
| Road conditions | Much of the last stretch is gravel, but it is usually passable for regular cars in summer. |
| Highlight | This entrance takes you straight to the Truful-Truful canyon. |
2. North entrance: Captrén sector (from Curacautín / Victoria)
Ideal if you are coming from the north or staying in Curacautín, Malalcahuello or Lonquimay.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Reference town | Curacautín |
| Entrance | Captrén |
| Route | From Victoria or Lautaro (Route 5 South), take route CH-181 to Curacautín. From there, take route R-925-S. |
| Last stretch | From Curacautín to the park checkpoint (Captrén gate) it is about 30 km. |
| Road conditions | Gravel road on the last stretch. |
| Highlight | This is the most direct entrance for the Captrén Lagoon trail. |
3. West entrance: Los Paraguas sector (from Cherquenco / Vilcún)
A less crowded option, ideal if you are coming straight from Temuco on the western side.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Reference town | Cherquenco |
| Entrance | Los Paraguas |
| Route | From Temuco, head to Cajón, Vilcún and then Cherquenco. |
| Entry hours | The last entry to this sector is usually a little later (e.g. 15:00), but always check the current hours at pasesparques.cl. |
Essential tips for your vehicle
Road conditions can be challenging, and your plans should take the season into account:
| Condition | Summer (November to April) | Winter (May to October) |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle | A high-clearance vehicle (SUV) is recommended for the gravel. 4x4 is required on the inner road connecting the Truful Truful and Captrén sectors. | 4x4 and/or snow chains required for snow and ice. Some stretches may be closed. |
| Road conditions | Mostly dry, but with gravel and volcanic material. | Snow, ice, mud and risk of rockfalls. Confirm that the entrances are open with CONAF before you travel. |
The inner road: Melipeuco–Curacautín
The road that crosses the park, linking the Truful Truful sector with Captrén, is a spectacular scenic route. However, it is only suitable for 4x4 vehicles and whether it is open depends entirely on the weather (it is usually open only in summer).
Public transportation and alternatives
If you are not traveling by car, you can get to the park this way:
- Bus to the base towns: take a bus to Melipeuco (for the south entrance) or Curacautín (for the north entrance) from Temuco or Santiago.
- Local transfer: once in Melipeuco or Curacautín, hire a local transfer or tour operator to take you to and pick you up from the park gate. Local agencies offer this service and daily sightseeing tours.
Guide's tip: book your local transportation ahead, especially in high season, to make sure you get a seat and a convenient time.
Essential reminders before you go
- Digital ticket: buy your ticket in advance at pasesparques.cl! Tickets are not sold at the entrance.
- Last entry: the last entry time at the Truful Truful and Captrén sectors is usually 14:00. Plan your trip with time to spare!
- Fuel: there are no gas stations inside the park. Fill up in Melipeuco or Curacautín.
Recommended camping gear for Conguillío National Park
Updated on October 12, 2026