Where is Malalcahuello?
In short: Malalcahuello is a mountain village in the municipality of Curacautín, in Chile's Araucanía Region, at 972 m above sea level, at the foot of Lonquimay volcano. It is at km 86 of route CH-181 (from Victoria), about 115 km from Temuco (about 2 h) and 700 km from Santiago (about 8 h). It is the base for the Malalcahuello Reserve, Corralco and its hot springs.
Key facts: Malalcahuello
| Municipality | Curacautín, Araucanía Region |
|---|---|
| Altitude | 972 m above sea level, at the foot of Lonquimay volcano |
| Road | Km 86 of route CH-181 (from Victoria) |
| From Temuco | About 115 km, about 2 hours, via Lautaro and Curacautín |
| From Santiago | About 700 km, about 8 hours on Route 5 South |
| Bus | Erbuc or Bio Bio from Temuco toward Lonquimay; Turbus from Santiago |
| Nearest airport | Temuco (1-hour flight from Santiago) |
| Meaning | "Horse corral", in Mapudungun |
Information checked in October 2026. Opening hours, access and prices may change: confirm them before you travel.
Malalcahuello is a charming mountain village at about 972 m above sea level, in the Andean foothills of the Araucanía Region, municipality of Curacautín, at the foot of Lonquimay volcano. It is part of the Malalcahuello-Nalcas National Reserve area, within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and is an ideal base for exploring the Araucanía Andina, its trails, ski areas and hot springs.
How to get there from Santiago
By car
- Drive Route 5 South to km 609 and take the exit toward Victoria onto route CH-181.
- Continue on CH-181 through Curacautín to reach Malalcahuello, at about km 86 (about 700 km in total, about 8 hours).
Plane + road
- Fly Santiago → Temuco (1-hour flight, operated by LATAM, Sky and JetSmart).
- From Temuco airport:
- Rent a car and drive about 115 km (1½–2 h) via Lautaro → Curacautín → Malalcahuello.
- Or take a transfer to the bus terminal and then Erbuc/Bio-Bio buses toward Lonquimay (tell the driver you are getting off in Malalcahuello and watch for your stop).
By bus
- Direct from Santiago: Turbus goes to Lonquimay; ask the driver to let you off in Malalcahuello.
- Via Curacautín: take a bus to Curacautín, then a local bus to Malalcahuello.
From Temuco
By car
- From Temuco, drive 30 km on Route 5 to Lautaro, then continue to Curacautín and on CH-181 to Malalcahuello: about 115 km in total (about 2 h).
By bus
- Take Erbuc or Bio-Bio buses from Temuco's main or rural bus terminal toward Lonquimay; get off in Malalcahuello, and it is best to tell the driver.
What to see and do in Malalcahuello
- Malalcahuello-Nalcas National Reserve: trails such as Piedra Santa, Laguna Blanca and El Coloradito; araucaria forests and wildlife such as the puma, pudú and kodkod (güiña).
- Corralco ski resort: on Lonquimay volcano, with 29 runs, ideal for skiing, snowboarding and mountain lodging.
- Navidad Crater, Cuesta Las Raíces, the Patachoique viewpoint, the Malalcahuello–Manzanar bike path (about 12–24 km), Laguna Espejo, and the Salto de la Princesa and Salto del Indio waterfalls.
- Hot springs: Manzanar, Malalcahuello and Malleco; plus horseback riding, mountain biking, rafting, canopy, kayaking and birdwatching.
- Mapuche culture: ceremonies, crafts and local food.
Frequently asked questions about Malalcahuello
Which region is Malalcahuello in?
In the Araucanía Region, municipality of Curacautín, at the foot of Lonquimay volcano and next to the Malalcahuello-Nalcas National Reserve.
What does Malalcahuello mean?
"Horse corral", in Mapudungun.
How do I get to Malalcahuello by bus?
From Temuco, the Erbuc or Bio Bio buses to Lonquimay go through Malalcahuello: tell the driver where you are getting off. From Santiago, Turbus goes to Lonquimay. More options in how to get to Malalcahuello.
Is there an airport in Malalcahuello?
No. The nearest airport is Temuco, about 115 km away. From there you continue by car, bus or transfer.
What is there to do in Malalcahuello?
Hiking in the national reserve, Navidad Crater, skiing at Corralco, the Malalcahuello–Manzanar bike path, the volcano viewpoint and the hot springs. See the things to do in Malalcahuello.
More to see nearby: Things to do in Malalcahuello · Malalcahuello National Reserve · Corralco ski resort · Las Raíces Tunnel
Updated on October 12, 2026