10 things you can do in Malalcahuello
In short: In Malalcahuello ("horse corral" in Mapudungun), in the municipality of Curacautín, the must-dos are hiking in the Malalcahuello National Reserve, climbing to Navidad Crater or Lonquimay Volcano, riding the Malalcahuello–Manzanar bike path, crossing Las Raíces Tunnel, skiing at Corralco, visiting the volcano viewpoint and ending the day at the hot springs.
Key facts: things to do in Malalcahuello
| Location | Municipality of Curacautín, about 115 km from Temuco |
|---|---|
| Winter (May to October) | Skiing and snowboarding at Corralco, snow and hot springs |
| Spring and summer | Hiking, Navidad Crater, the bike path and the volcano viewpoint |
| Note | The road to the volcano viewpoint is closed in winter |
| Nearby hot springs | Malalcahuello and Manzanar |
Information checked in October 2026. Opening hours, access and prices may change: confirm them before you travel.
Malalcahuello, "horse corral", is a beautiful destination in the Araucanía Region, in southern Chile. The area is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including towering volcanoes, crystal-clear rivers and lakes, and unique plants and wildlife.
Among the main attractions in the Malalcahuello area is Conguillío National Park, with an impressive variety of landscapes such as araucaria forests, lakes, rivers and active volcanoes. You can also visit Tolhuaca National Park, home to a wide variety of animals and plants and to a network of hiking trails.
1. Hike in the Malalcahuello National Reserve
2. See Navidad Crater
3. Climb Lonquimay Volcano
4. Ride the Malalcahuello–Manzanar bike path
5. Drive through Las Raíces Tunnel
6. Enjoy the snow at Corralco Spa & Resort
7. Visit the volcano viewpoint
8. Enjoy nature on Cuesta Las Raíces
9. Hike to Laguna Espejo in the Sierra Nevada
10. Relax at the Malalcahuello hot springs
For outdoor sports lovers, Malalcahuello offers a wide range of activities, such as skiing, snowboarding, hiking, rafting and mountain biking. The area also has several tourist centers with lodging, restaurants and adventure tourism services.
Finally, visitors can explore the rich culture and traditions of the area by visiting local Mapuche communities, which offer unique experiences such as ceremonies, craft and cooking workshops, and the chance to learn more about the history and culture of the region.
Trails in the Malalcahuello National Reserve
| Trail | Distance | Duration | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Navidad Crater | 1.8 km | About 1 hour (easy) | El Colorado sector, free |
| Laguna Pehuenco | 550 m | About 30 minutes | El Colorado sector, free |
| Sierra del Colorado | 2.4 km | About 3 hours | El Colorado sector, free |
| Coloradito | 4.5 km | About 3 hours | El Colorado sector, free |
| Piedra Santa | 7.5 km round trip | Half day | Paid |
| Laguna Espejo | 21 km round trip | Full day (moderate) | View of the Sierra Nevada glacier |
Check capacity and buy your CONAF entry ticket at pasesparques.cl. More information in the Malalcahuello National Reserve guide.
More things to do in Malalcahuello
- Manzanar–Malalcahuello bike path: 12 km on an old branch railway, with tunnels, forests and volcanic slag fields; free and suitable for everyone. There is bike rental in the village.
- Rafting on the Cautín River: from September to May.
- Fishing: rainbow and brown trout in Laguna San Pedro, Laguna Verde, Laguna Malleco, Laguna Galletué and the Cautín River.
- Off-piste snow: backcountry, ski touring and snowshoeing on Cuesta Las Raíces, always with certified guides.
- Horseback riding and Pehuenche culture: rides through native forests and visits to local families, with traditional food.
- Cuesta Las Raíces: viewpoints such as Pata Choike, with views of the volcanoes.
Malalcahuello weather by season
| Season | Months | Temperatures | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | December to March | Around 25 °C (77 °F) during the day; cool nights | Hiking, cycling and fishing |
| Fall | March to June | 6 °C to 18 °C (43 °F to 64 °F) | Forest colors |
| Winter | June to September | −5 °C to 7 °C (23 °F to 45 °F), with snowfall | Skiing, snowshoeing and hot springs |
| Spring | September to December | 0 °C to 23 °C (32 °F to 73 °F) | Hiking and nature |
Where to eat in Malalcahuello
- Nativa Malalcahuello: pizzas, homemade pasta and grilled meats, with a picnic area.
- El Randonnés: mountain food and craft beer.
- Fuente Araucana.
- Pulmawe: sandwiches and empanadas.
Good to know before you go
- Money: there are no ATMs; there is a Caja Vecina (cash point at a local store) and shops that take cards. The nearest ATMs are in Curacautín (about 30 km) and Lonquimay (about 35 km).
- Fuel: in Curacautín and Lonquimay.
- Cell signal: mobile coverage can be unreliable.
- Winter: route CH-181 can freeze in the morning; carry snow chains.
Frequently asked questions: things to do in Malalcahuello
What to do in Malalcahuello in winter?
Ski or snowboard at Corralco, go snowshoeing and relax at the Malalcahuello or Manzanar hot springs.
What to do in Malalcahuello in summer?
Hike in the Malalcahuello National Reserve, climb to Navidad Crater, ride the Malalcahuello–Manzanar bike path and visit the volcano viewpoint, whose road opens after the winter.
Where is Malalcahuello?
In the municipality of Curacautín, Araucanía Region, Chile, about 115 km from Temuco on route CH-181. More details in where Malalcahuello is.
What does Malalcahuello mean?
"Horse corral", in Mapudungun.
What trails are there in the Malalcahuello National Reserve?
In the El Colorado sector (free access): Navidad Crater (1.8 km, about 1 h, easy), Laguna Pehuenco (550 m, about 30 min), Sierra del Colorado (2.4 km, about 3 h) and Coloradito (4.5 km, about 3 h). Also Piedra Santa (7.5 km round trip, paid) and Laguna Espejo (21 km round trip, moderate).
Are there ATMs in Malalcahuello?
No. There is a Caja Vecina and shops that take cards; the nearest ATMs are in Curacautín (about 30 km) and Lonquimay (about 35 km). Bring cash.
More to see nearby: Where Malalcahuello is · Corralco ski resort · Volcano viewpoint · Manzanar–Malalcahuello bike path
Updated on October 12, 2026