How to get to Malalcahuello
In short: From Temuco to Malalcahuello it is about 115 km (about 1 h 45 min by car) via Lautaro and Curacautín. From Santiago it is about 700 km on Route 5 South to Victoria, then route CH-181 to km 86. By bus, Erbuc and Bio Bio leave Temuco for Lonquimay and stop in Malalcahuello; from Santiago, Turbus goes to Lonquimay.
Key facts: how to get to Malalcahuello
| From Temuco by car | 114 to 120 km, about 1 h 45 min |
|---|---|
| From Temuco by bus | Erbuc or Bio Bio, about 3 h (tell the driver where you get off) |
| From Santiago by car | About 700 km, 7 h 30 min to 9 h 30 min |
| From Santiago by bus | Turbus direct to Lonquimay, or to Curacautín or Victoria + Bio Bio bus |
| By plane | Santiago–Temuco (about 1 h), then bus, car or transfer |
| Route | Route 5 South to Victoria (km 609–610) and CH-181 to km 86 |
| Winter | Carry snow chains, especially on route CH-181 |
Information checked in October 2026. Opening hours, access and prices may change: confirm them before you travel.
From Santiago (about 700 km)
By car
- Route: take Route 5 South to km 609–610 (near Victoria), then exit onto CH-181 toward Lonquimay. Malalcahuello is at km 86 of that road.
- Estimated time: 7½ to 9½ hours, about 698 km.
By bus
- Companies: Turbus has direct trips to Lonquimay; tell the driver you are getting off in Malalcahuello.
- Cheaper alternative: Turbus to Curacautín or Victoria + Bio Bio bus to Malalcahuello via Curacautín, about 9½ hours in total.
By plane + road
- Flights: several airlines (Latam, Sky, JetSmart) fly from Santiago to Temuco (about 1 h).
- From Temuco: take a bus (Erbuc or Bio Bio) to the terminal and from there a bus to Malalcahuello, or a private transfer straight to the village.
- Total time: about 8–9 hours door to door, including connections.
From Temuco (about 115 km)
By car
- Route: take Route 5 toward Lautaro–Curacautín, then CH-181 toward Malalcahuello (km 86).
- Distance: about 114–120 km; about 1 h 45 min.
By bus
- Companies: Erbuc and Bio Bio leave from Temuco's bus terminal or rural terminal to Lonquimay, stopping in Malalcahuello. Just tell the driver.
- Options:
- With a stop in Curacautín: 2 h 51 min
- Direct from the Bio Bio terminal: 3 h
By taxi or transfer
- Direct taxi Temuco–Malalcahuello: 1 h 45 min.
- Private transfer from the airport or the city.
Flying (from Santiago)
- Fly to Temuco (ZCO): 4 daily flights (about 1 h).
- From Temuco:
- Bus + transfer with Erbuc or Bio Bio from the airport or terminal to Malalcahuello.
Frequently asked questions: how to get to Malalcahuello
How long does it take from Temuco to Malalcahuello?
About 1 h 45 min by car (114 to 120 km) and about 3 hours by bus.
Is there a direct bus from Santiago to Malalcahuello?
Turbus goes direct to Lonquimay and passes through Malalcahuello: tell the driver you are getting off there.
Can you fly to Malalcahuello?
There is no airport in Malalcahuello. Fly to Temuco (about 1 h from Santiago) and continue about 115 km by road.
Which route do you take from Santiago?
Route 5 South to Victoria (km 609–610), then route CH-181 toward Lonquimay. Malalcahuello is at km 86 of that road.
Do you need snow chains in winter?
Yes. In winter, carry chains, especially for route CH-181, which can have snow and ice.
More to see nearby: Where Malalcahuello is · Things to do in Malalcahuello · How to get to Curacautín
Updated on October 12, 2026