Winter holidays in Malalcahuello are a real adventure: you can start your day skiing down the slopes of Lonquimay Volcano at Corralco Ski Resort, spend midday on an amazing snowshoe hike through the Malalcahuello National Reserve and end the afternoon at relaxing hot springs.
Malalcahuello has everything to make your winter holidays amazing, surrounded by snow-covered untouched nature.
In winter, the Malalcahuello National Reserve is ideal for snowshoe hikes to the Araucaria Madre or the small Laguna Pehuenco. The adventure starts at the CONAF booth on the way up to Corralco. It is ideal for families who come to enjoy the snow and the nature that the Araucanía Andina offers in winter, and also a great option when the weather at Corralco is not good enough to open.
You can also go snowshoeing or, for experts, ski touring or splitboarding in wonderful spots among snowy forests. If you don't have equipment, you can rent it at:
IsoTerma Cero, in Malalcahuello
Split Andes, in Malalcahuello
For opening hours, see:
https://www.conaf.cl/parques/reserva-nacional-malalcahuello/
Malalcahuello is not all cold: it also stands out for its hot springs, ideal for relaxing after a day in the mountains.
From Malalcahuello you can also visit other magical places of the Araucanía Andina in the municipality of Curacautín, such as Conguillío National Park via Captrén Lagoon, Tolhuaca National Park with the beautiful Laguna Malleco and Salto del Malleco, and the must-see Las Raíces Tunnel, which takes you to the beautiful border municipality of Lonquimay.
- Cuesta Las Raíces
Tips for visiting Malalcahuello in winter:
- Bring cash: the nearest ATM is in Curacautín. Ideally withdraw money on the way.
- Ideally bring a fuel can: the nearest gas station is in Curacautín, 32 km from Malalcahuello.
- On most roads, snow chains and traction vehicles are required.
- Replace the radiator water with antifreeze: nights can drop below zero, and frozen water in the radiator can cause problems.