Experiences and local guides in Lonquimay

Nature

Lonquimay lies on the far side of the 4.5 km Las Raíces tunnel, for decades Chile's longest, which still links the valley to Curacautín across the Andes. To the east, the border lakes Icalma and Galletué are ringed by one of the country's largest and least-visited pehuén araucaria forests, with the still-active Lonquimay volcano in the background.

Activities

• Driving through the Las Raíces tunnel, with the old railway alignment still visible in places
• Trekking and camping by Lakes Icalma and Galletué, on the Argentine border, among ancient araucarias
• Guided piñón (araucaria seed) harvesting with Pehuenche communities in March and April, the traditional harvest season
• Horseback rides and views of Lonquimay volcano, active since its last eruption in the 1980s

When to go

December to March for the lakes, trekking and the piñón harvest; the valley is snow-covered for several winter months, when the Las Raíces tunnel remains the only reliable access route.