Lago Tinquilco
A pristine alpine lake in Huerquehue National Park, offering crystal-clear waters, stunning viewpoints, and serene hiking trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere
Lago Tinquilco
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A pristine alpine lake in Huerquehue National Park, offering crystal-clear waters, stunning viewpoints, and serene hiking trails.
"One of the most beautiful national parks in Chile, a must-see in Araucania!"
Book Park Entry Online
Purchase your Huerquehue National Park tickets online in advance to guarantee entry. :ticket:
Pack Picnic Essentials
Enjoy a scenic picnic with tables available at viewpoints. Bring your own food and drinks! :sandwich:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mirador Tinquilco
Near Huerquehue National Park entrance
Breathtaking panoramic views of Lago Caburgua and Lago Tinquilco, perfect for photos and picnics.
+2Lago Tinquilco Swimming
Various accessible points
Enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear, pleasant waters of the lake, especially after a hike.
Huerquehue National Park Trails
Surrounding Lago Tinquilco
Explore scenic trails like 'Tres Lagos' or 'Senderos Los Lagos' offering stunning forest and lake vistas.
Camping Rapa Nui
Lakeside
A beautiful lakeside campsite offering day-use and overnight options with stunning natural surroundings.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Park Tickets Online
Best Time for Tranquility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Park Entry Online
Purchase your Huerquehue National Park tickets online in advance to guarantee entry. :ticket:
Pack Picnic Essentials
Enjoy a scenic picnic with tables available at viewpoints. Bring your own food and drinks!
Bring Swim Gear
The lake's pleasant temperature makes it perfect for a refreshing swim after hiking. +1 :swimsuit:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Sturdy footwear is essential for exploring the park's beautiful and sometimes uneven trails. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Park Entry Online
Purchase your Huerquehue National Park tickets online in advance to guarantee entry. :ticket:
Pack Picnic Essentials
Enjoy a scenic picnic with tables available at viewpoints. Bring your own food and drinks!
Bring Swim Gear
The lake's pleasant temperature makes it perfect for a refreshing swim after hiking. +1 :swimsuit:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Sturdy footwear is essential for exploring the park's beautiful and sometimes uneven trails. :athletic_shoe:
Capture Sunrise Magic
Experience breathtaking sunrises over the lake; paddleboarding at dawn is a unique option.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Lago Tinquilco and Huerquehue National Park for their stunning natural beauty, clear waters, and peaceful atmosphere. It's a highly recommended spot for swimming, hiking, and enjoying the serene landscapes of southern Chile. Some note that while beautiful, access to certain areas has been restricted for conservation. +1
"The perfect place for a dip after the ‘Tres Lagos’ walk."
Liz Marchant
"I love this place! 💖 It's beautiful! It has a very pleasant temperature in the summer, ideal for enjoying a dip. I had the opportunity to walk all the trails in Huerquehue Park, including the crossing to San Sebastián hot springs. It is truly wonderful, one of the most beautiful national parks in Chile 💓. Currently, you can no longer cross to the hot springs because of the garbage they left above, which I think is excellent, as it protects the majestic forest 🌳 A must-see in Araucania 🙌🏻"
Cynthia Gallaz
"Beautiful, worth visiting, it is in the Huerquehue National Park. You have to buy the ticket online, it costs $4,500. You can enter from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. There are beautiful trails and a picnic area."
Maria Jose Fonseca
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lago Tinquilco is located approximately 40 minutes to 1 hour from Pucón, Chile, heading towards Caburgua and the Huerquehue National Park. You can drive your own vehicle or consider local transport options.
Yes, Lago Tinquilco is a significant part of Huerquehue National Park and is often considered its main lake. Access to the lake is typically managed through the park's entry.
While direct public transport to the lake might be limited, you can take buses from Pucón towards Caburgua and then arrange local transport or a taxi to reach the park entrance. It's advisable to check current local bus schedules.
The road leading to Lago Tinquilco and Huerquehue National Park is generally well-maintained, but can be unpaved in sections. It's scenic and suitable for most vehicles, though caution is advised.
Yes, there are parking areas available, especially near the Huerquehue National Park entrance and designated picnic spots. Arrive early during peak times to secure a spot.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Lago Tinquilco is within Huerquehue National Park, and you need to purchase an entrance ticket for the park. It's highly recommended to buy these online in advance.
The entrance fee for Huerquehue National Park is approximately $4,500 Chilean pesos per person. Prices can vary, so checking the official CONAF website or booking platform is recommended.
The park typically opens early, around 8:30 AM, and closes for entry in the early afternoon, around 2:00 PM, to allow visitors time to explore before closing. Always verify current hours.
While it might be possible, it's strongly advised to purchase your tickets online beforehand. This guarantees your entry and saves time, as online booking is the preferred method.
Yes, there are separate fees for day use and overnight camping. Camping at sites like Rapa Nui can cost around 5,000 CLP for day use and 10,000 CLP for overnight stays.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can swim in the lake, enjoy picnics at designated areas, hike the beautiful trails within Huerquehue National Park, and camp overnight. Paddleboarding is also a popular activity. +1
Absolutely! Huerquehue National Park offers several stunning trails, including the 'Tres Lagos' walk and 'Senderos Los Lagos,' which provide incredible views of the lakes and surrounding nature.
Yes, Lago Tinquilco is known for its pleasant temperature and crystal-clear waters, making it ideal for swimming, especially after a hike. +1
Yes, there are picnic areas with tables available, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a meal surrounded by nature. Remember to bring your own food.
Cell service can be spotty to non-existent within Huerquehue National Park and around Lago Tinquilco. It's best to download offline maps and inform others of your plans.
📸 📸 Photography
The Mirador Tinquilco offers spectacular panoramic views. Lakeside spots and various points along the hiking trails also provide stunning photographic opportunities, especially during sunrise and autumn.
Sunrise and sunset offer magical light for photography, with soft colors reflecting on the water. Autumn also provides a vibrant palette of reds and yellows.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife, and a polarizing filter can enhance the colors of the water and sky.
Drone usage regulations can vary and are often restricted within national parks to protect wildlife and visitor experience. It's crucial to check the latest CONAF regulations before flying a drone.
The reflections on the calm water, the surrounding lush forests, the vibrant autumn foliage, and the majestic mountain backdrops are all incredibly photogenic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The opportunity for a refreshing swim in the lake is a major highlight for kids during warmer months. Designated picnic areas with tables make it easy to enjoy a family meal surrounded by nature. Ensure children are supervised closely near the water and on trails. Booking park tickets online in advance is crucial to avoid disappointment.
🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts
Nature enthusiasts will be captivated by the ancient araucaria forests and the rich biodiversity. Keep an eye out for local birdlife and enjoy the crisp, clean air. The Mirador Tinquilco provides an excellent vantage point for appreciating the scale and beauty of the region. Consider visiting in autumn for spectacular fall colors.
+2📸 Photographers
+2Don't miss the opportunity to capture the vibrant autumn foliage if you visit during that season. Wide-angle lenses are perfect for the sweeping landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. Remember to check drone regulations before your visit, as they are often restricted in national parks.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Huerquehue National Park
Visitors often praise the park for its tranquility and natural beauty. The trails wind through dense forests, opening up to spectacular viewpoints overlooking the lakes and distant volcanoes. It's a fantastic destination for hiking, nature photography, and simply immersing yourself in the Patagonian landscape. Remember to purchase your park entrance tickets online in advance, as this is often required and helps manage visitor numbers.
Beyond hiking, Huerquehue is also a popular spot for camping, with facilities like Camping Rapa Nui offering a chance to stay overnight amidst nature. The park's commitment to conservation means that some areas, like the path to San Sebastián hot springs, are now restricted to protect the delicate ecosystem, a measure many visitors support.
The Allure of Lago Tinquilco
The lake is particularly stunning during autumn, when the surrounding deciduous trees transform into a vibrant tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows. This seasonal beauty attracts photographers and nature lovers alike, eager to capture the magical scenery. Sunrise and sunset also paint the sky with spectacular colors, reflecting beautifully on the calm surface of the lake.
+2For those seeking a more active experience, paddleboarding on Lago Tinquilco, particularly at sunrise, offers a unique and tranquil way to appreciate the landscape. The peacefulness of the lake, combined with the surrounding natural beauty, makes it an ideal destination for disconnection and rejuvenation.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit