In short: The volcano viewpoint (Mirador de Volcanes) is inside the Malalcahuello National Reserve, on the road to Corralco (route R-785), near Malalcahuello. From there you can see Lonquimay volcano and its Navidad Crater, Tolhuaca volcano and, farther away, Callaqui. There is no entry fee because it is on a public road, a dirt road with stretches of volcanic sand that is closed in winter until late spring.
Key facts: volcano viewpoint
| Location | Malalcahuello National Reserve, Corralco sector (Curacautín) |
|---|---|
| Volcanoes you can see | Lonquimay, Navidad Crater, Tolhuaca (about 2,800 m) and Callaqui in the distance |
| Access | Route R-785 toward Corralco; just before the hotel entrance, take the road to the right |
| Road | Dirt, with stretches of volcanic sand (careful with low cars) |
| Entry | Free: it is on a public road |
| Season | Closed in winter until late spring |
| Nearby | Start of the Navidad Crater trail, a few kilometers further down |
| What to bring | Water, sunscreen and a charged battery |
Information checked in October 2026. Opening hours, access and prices may change: confirm them before you travel.
Inside the Malalcahuello National Reserve, the volcano viewpoint is a place you have to see, with a unique view of several volcanoes and of the native landscape of the Araucanía Andina.
We recommend the hike to Navidad Crater: the trailhead to this wonderful spot is a few kilometers below the viewpoint. Park close to the hillside so other vehicles can get by.
More tips:
- Bring a fully charged battery: you will take lots of photos.
- Sunscreen.
- A bottle of water.
- Please don't leave any trash behind.
How to get there
To reach the volcano viewpoint, take route R-785 toward Corralco and, just as you reach the hotel entrance, take the road to the right. It is a dirt road with stretches of volcanic sand, so keep that in mind if your car is very low.
Although the viewpoint is inside the Malalcahuello National Reserve, there is no entry fee for this sector because it is on a public road. The road is closed in winter until late spring.
Frequently asked questions about the volcano viewpoint
Which volcanoes can you see from the viewpoint?
The star is Lonquimay volcano, with its symmetrical slopes surrounded by araucarias. You can also see Navidad Crater, a side cone of Lonquimay born in the eruption of the late 1980s; Tolhuaca volcano, about 2,800 m high; and, farther away on the horizon, Callaqui volcano.
Where is the volcano viewpoint?
In the Malalcahuello National Reserve, municipality of Curacautín, on route R-785 toward Corralco. When you reach the hotel entrance, take the road to the right.
Is there an entry fee?
No. Although it is inside the reserve, the viewpoint is on a public road and there is no fee.
When can you visit the viewpoint?
From late spring to fall. In winter the road is closed because of the snow.
Can you get there in a low car?
The road is dirt with stretches of volcanic sand. With a very low car, drive carefully. Park close to the hillside to let others pass.
What else is there to do nearby?
The hike to Navidad Crater, whose trail starts a few kilometers below the viewpoint, the Corralco ski resort and Malalcahuello.
More to see nearby: Corralco ski resort · Malalcahuello National Reserve · Things to do in Malalcahuello · Las Raíces Tunnel