Camping in Tolhuaca
In short: Today you cannot camp inside Tolhuaca National Park: according to CONAF, the park has no services inside (no camping, picnic areas or lodging). The nearest campground is at Termas Malleco, about 2 km from the park and 33 km from Curacautín, with more than 20 sites, bathrooms and showers with thermal water, and access to the thermal pool included. Another option is the Termas Cañón del Blanco campground.
Key facts: camping in Tolhuaca
| Camping inside the park | None: the park has no services inside (CONAF) |
|---|---|
| Nearest campground | Termas Malleco (formerly Tolhuaca), about 2 km from the park |
| How to get there | From Curacautín on route R-755, about 33 km; or from Route 5 via Victoria and Inspector Fernández |
| Services at Termas Malleco | More than 20 sites, tables, bathrooms and showers with thermal water, washing areas, electricity and thermal pool included |
| Park entry | Online at pasesparques.cl; closed on Mondays for maintenance |
| Signal | No cell signal or Wi-Fi at Termas Malleco (satellite phone only) |
| Best time | Summer; in winter the road is often snowy and a 4x4 is advisable |
Information checked in October 2026. Opening hours, access and prices may change: confirm them before you travel.
Tolhuaca National Park, in the municipalities of Curacautín and Victoria, protects 6,374 hectares of araucaria, coigüe and lenga forest around Laguna Malleco and Salto del Malleco. It is one of the quietest parks in the Araucanía Andina, but today it has no campground: to sleep next to the park you need to camp at the nearby hot springs.
Where to camp near Tolhuaca National Park
| Campground | Distance | Services |
|---|---|---|
| Camping Termas Malleco | About 2 km from the park · 33 km from Curacautín (R-755) | More than 20 sites with tables; bathrooms and showers with thermal water; washing areas; electricity in common areas; thermal pool included |
| Termas Cañón del Blanco | Curacautín–Lonquimay road, km 12 + 13 km from Puente Manchuria | Campground, hostel and thermal tubs at the foot of Sierra Nevada volcano |
Prices change by month: confirm them directly with each campground before you travel.
What to do in Tolhuaca
| Trail | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Laguna Malleco (universal access) | 396 m | About 30 min |
| Salto del Malleco | About 2 km round trip | About 2 h |
| Laguna Verde | 4 km round trip | About 4 h |
| Lagunillas | About 8 km | About 4 h (demanding) |
- Salto del Malleco: a 49 m waterfall that drains Laguna Malleco.
- Hot springs: the Termas Malleco spring rises at 86 °C in a grotto with geysers by the Dillo River.
- Wildlife: kodkod (güiña), peregrine falcon, Magellanic woodpecker and four-eyed frog.
Tips for camping in Tolhuaca
- Entry: buy it at pasesparques.cl; the park is closed on Mondays for maintenance.
- Road: in summer any vehicle can get in with care; in winter, a 4x4 is better. Ask about road conditions at the Curacautín tourist office.
- No signal: bring cash and downloaded maps, and tell someone your plans.
- Pets: not allowed in national parks or reserves.
- Gear: nights are cold even in summer; see the recommended camping gear.
Frequently asked questions about camping in Tolhuaca
Can you camp in Tolhuaca National Park?
Not inside the park: CONAF reports that there are currently no services of any kind inside, including camping. The old Laguna Malleco campground is not operating.
Where can you camp near Tolhuaca?
At the Termas Malleco campground, about 2 km from the park, or at Termas Cañón del Blanco, on the Curacautín–Lonquimay road.
What does the Termas Malleco campground include?
Sites with tables, bathrooms and showers with thermal water, washing areas, electricity in common areas and access to the thermal pool. Check prices and season at termasmalleco.cl before you go.
How do I get to Tolhuaca from Curacautín?
On route R-755, about 33 km to Termas Malleco, which is about 2 km from the park. The other access is from Route 5 via Victoria, Inspector Fernández and San Gregorio.
Is there cell signal in Tolhuaca?
No. There is no cell signal or Wi-Fi at Termas Malleco; only a satellite phone at reception. Download maps and tickets before you go.
Can you visit Tolhuaca in winter?
The park is open year-round, but in winter the road is often in poor condition or snowy: ask at the Curacautín tourist office and go by 4x4. More information on Tolhuaca National Park.
More to see nearby: Tolhuaca National Park · Salto del Malleco · Termas Malleco · Laguna Verde, Tolhuaca
Updated on October 14, 2026