Parque Nacional Huerquehue★★€
Täglich 8:30–18:00 (Sommer)
CONAF-Eintritt: 5.000 CLP (Ausländer)
Huerquehue — Chile's Most Beautiful Day Hike
The Parque Nacional Huerquehue is located 35 km east of Pucón and offers perhaps Chile's most beautiful day hike: The Sendero Los Lagos (Lakes Trail), which leads through ancient Araucaria forests to three crystal-clear mountain lakes — Laguna Chico, Laguna Toro, and Laguna Verde.
The trail (13 km, 5–6h round trip) begins at the park entrance and initially climbs steeply through dense Coigüe and Lenga forest. The first 30 minutes are the hardest — after that, it becomes more pleasant. After about 2 hours, you reach the Araucaria forest: primeval trees with umbrella-shaped crowns lining the path. The three lagoons lie like jewels amidst the mountains — turquoise, surrounded by Araucarias, with Villarrica Volcano in the background.
Practical Information
- Getting There: 35 km from Pucón (45 min. by car). Taxi from Pucón 20,000 CLP (one way), collectivo bus in summer
- Difficulty: Moderate (steep ascent, then moderate). Good hiking boots needed (roots, wet spots)
- Best Time: November–April. In winter (June–August), the trail may be snow-covered