Puyehue National Park

Parque Nacional Puyehue

A spectacular park featuring pristine forests, hot springs, and access to the Puyehue Volcano with numerous hiking trails at varying difficulty levels. It's essential for experiencing the raw nature and biodiversity of the lake district.

Things to do

• Antillanca Volcano Trail — A challenging hike ascending 2,622 meters with panoramic views of the Lake District and neighboring volcanoes.
• Puyehue Hot Springs — Natural thermal pools nestled in the forest where visitors can soak in geothermally heated waters surrounded by native vegetation.
• Salto del Río Blanco Waterfall — A moderate hike to a stunning 40-meter waterfall cascading through old-growth temperate rainforest.
• Laguna Negra Trek — An accessible day hike leading to a glacial black-water lake surrounded by Araucaria and southern beech trees.
• Puyehue Volcano Summit Climb — A multi-day mountaineering expedition to reach the 2,236-meter summit with views across the Andes and Pacific coast.
• Old-Growth Forest Walk — A leisurely interpretive trail through pristine native forest with endemic species like the Magellanic woodpecker and southern tree fern.

Food to try

• Curanto — A traditional Chilote stew cooked in a ground pit with shellfish, meat, potatoes, and vegetables, reflecting the region's indigenous Mapuche-Huilliche heritage.
• Fresh Trout from Local Rivers — The Lake District's cold rivers yield exceptional rainbow and brown trout, typically prepared simply grilled or in light cream sauces at park lodges.
• Sopaipillas with Pebre — Fried dough pastries served with a spicy condiment of tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, a common street snack in nearby towns.
• Murtilla Berry Desserts — Local wild berries indigenous to southern Chile are transformed into jams, pies, and liqueurs sold at park visitor centers and nearby lodges.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Mapuche Heritage — The land is ancestral Mapuche territory; acknowledge this heritage and support indigenous guides and artisans when possible during your visit.
• Weather Changes Rapidly — Southern Chilean weather is notoriously unpredictable; always carry layers and rain gear regardless of forecasts, and start hikes early to avoid afternoon storms.
• Leave No Trace Strictly — This pristine ecosystem is fragile; pack out all waste, stay on marked trails, and respect closures to protect native forests and wildlife.
• Spanish is Essential — English is rarely spoken in the park or nearby towns; basic Spanish phrases for directions and emergencies are invaluable for independent travelers.