Araucaria Forests★★
Araucarias — The Living Fossils
The Araucaria araucana (Chilean Araucaria, also known as Monkey Puzzle Tree or Snake Tree) is one of the most fascinating trees in the world — and a living fossil: The species has existed for over 200 million years and survived the dinosaurs. With its characteristic umbrella-shaped canopy and symmetrically arranged, scale-like leaves, Araucarias look like trees from another era.
Araucarias grow at altitudes between 600 and 1,800 meters in the Chilean Andes and can reach up to 50 meters high and 2,000 years old. For the Mapuche, they are sacred trees: The nut-like seeds (Piñones) have been a staple food for thousands of years and are harvested in autumn (March–May). Roasted, they taste like a mix of chestnut and pine nut.
Where to See Araucarias
- Parque Nacional Huerquehue (near Pucón): The most beautiful Araucaria forest — the day hike to the lagoons Chico, Toro, and Verde leads through dense stands of ancient trees. The reflection of the Araucarias in the turquoise mountain lakes is unforgettable
- Parque Nacional Conguillío: The "Chilean Yosemite" — Araucaria forests against the dramatic backdrop of Llaima Volcano. Lava fields, lakes, and hikeable trails. 100 km northeast of Temuco
- Reserva Nacional Malalcahuello: Less visited, huge Araucarias in pristine landscape. Also accessible in winter with snowshoes
- Nahuelbuta National Park: In the coastal range west of Temuco — one of the few places where Araucarias grow with a view of the Pacific
💡 Tipp
The best time for Araucaria forests is the Chilean autumn (March–May): The piñones are ripe, the air is clear, and the surrounding deciduous forests turn golden. In Parque Nacional Huerquehue, you can buy roasted piñones from Mapuche vendors along the trail — an unforgettable taste experience.