Experiences and local guides in Melipeuco

Nature

Melipeuco is the southern gateway to Conguillío National Park, where Llaima volcano rises over one of Chile's oldest and largest araucaria forests, some trees over a thousand years old. Inside the park, Laguna Captrén and Laguna Verde reflect the volcano and the burnt trunks from a historic eruption, a landscape unlike any other park in the country.

Hot springs

Río Blanco hot springs sit deep in the araucaria forest, with natural pools fed by volcanic water at varying temperatures. They run year-round and are a natural stop when combining the visit with Conguillío National Park.

Activities

• Trekking through the Los Paraguas sector and a technical ascent of Llaima volcano (with a certified guide and mountaineering gear)
• A drive or bike ride along the road skirting Captrén and Verde lagoons, one of the most photographed in southern Chile
• Horseback rides and visits to Pehuenche communities to learn about the traditional harvest of piñones (araucaria seeds)

When to go

December to April, when park access is reliable and trails are dry; the higher sector can close for snow between May and November.