Nahuelbuta National Park

Parque Nacional Nahuelbuta

A remote national park featuring ancient araucaria pine forests and panoramic views of both the Andes and Pacific Ocean from its mountain peaks. The park offers excellent hiking through unique temperate rainforest and is a must-see for nature enthusiasts.

Things to do

• Hike to Peña del Águila — Trek to the park's highest peak at 1,398 meters for panoramic views spanning the Andes Mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west.
• Explore Ancient Araucaria Forests — Walk through groves of ancient monkey puzzle trees (araucarias) that are over 1,600 years old, some of the last remaining in their native habitat.
• Laguna Verde Trail — Hike the scenic route to a pristine alpine lake surrounded by native southern beech and araucaria forest, ideal for bird watching and photography.
• Los Árboles Milenarios Loop — Walk among thousand-year-old araucaria and evergreen beech trees on a moderate trail that showcases the park's most ancient specimens.
• Sunrise View from Administration Area — Experience dawn breaking over the temperate rainforest canopy from the park's visitor center, revealing layers of mountains and valleys.
• Río Cautín Waterfall Visit — Venture to the park's interior river cascades that flow through dense native forest, offering cooler microclimates and diverse plant life.

Food to try

• Curanto — A traditional Mapuche and Chilote stew cooked in a ground pit with shellfish, meats, and potatoes, reflecting the region's indigenous culinary heritage.
• Mote con Huesillo — A refreshing warm drink combining wheat kernels and dried peach, commonly enjoyed as a regional beverage in La Araucanía towns near the park.
• Empanadas de Pino — Baked pastries filled with seasoned ground beef, onions, and olives, a classic Chilean comfort food found in local establishments around Nahuelbuta.
• Fresh Trout from Mountain Streams — Locally caught fish from the park's pristine rivers and streams, prepared simply grilled or pan-fried in nearby lodges and restaurants.
• Merkén-Spiced Completos — Chilean hot dogs topped with avocado, tomato, and the region's signature merkén chile powder, a street food staple in surrounding towns.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Mapuche Heritage — The park sits on ancestral Mapuche lands; acknowledge their historical and ongoing connection to these forests and consider visiting with culturally-informed guides when possible.
• Weather Changes Rapidly — Mountain conditions shift quickly from clear to fog and rain; bring layered clothing and be prepared to adjust plans, as visibility for views can be limited.
• Limited Services Within Park — The park has minimal facilities inside; bring adequate water, snacks, and supplies, and plan visits during daylight hours as there is no accommodation within park boundaries.
• Spanish is Primary Language — English is rarely spoken by park staff and locals; learning basic Spanish phrases will greatly enhance your experience and interactions with rangers and nearby communities.