Sendero Sierra Nevada Conguillío
Hike through ancient forests to stunning viewpoints of Volcán Llaima and Lago Conguillío in Conguillío National Park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clear skies, best volcano views
Sendero Sierra Nevada Conguillío
Best Time
Clear skies, best volcano views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike through ancient forests to stunning viewpoints of Volcán Llaima and Lago Conguillío in Conguillío National Park.
"This is a must do in the park, either you get to the top or to one of the places for observation, this trail is totally worth it."
Check Park Conditions First
Snow can linger into spring. Always check the park's official status for trail accessibility and road closures.
Wear Sturdy Hiking Boots
Essential for varied terrain and potential snow. Gaiters and poles are recommended for higher sections.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mirador Sierra Nevada
Highest viewpoint
Panoramic views of Volcán Llaima, Lago Conguillío, and ancient Araucaria forests. A true reward!
Ancient Araucaria Forests
Throughout the trail
Hike through mystical forests of thousand-year-old Araucaria trees, a unique Patagonian landscape.
Volcán Llaima Views
Various viewpoints
Gaze upon the majestic Volcán Llaima, a dominant and awe-inspiring presence in the park.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Gear Up for the Trail
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Park Conditions First
Snow can linger into spring. Always check the park's official status for trail accessibility and road closures.
Wear Sturdy Hiking Boots
Essential for varied terrain and potential snow. Gaiters and poles are recommended for higher sections.
Pack for All Weather
Mountain weather changes fast. Bring layers, rain gear, and sun protection, even on clear days.
Allow Ample Time
The full hike can take 5 hours. Factor in time for photos and enjoying the stunning scenery.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Park Conditions First
Snow can linger into spring. Always check the park's official status for trail accessibility and road closures.
Wear Sturdy Hiking Boots
Essential for varied terrain and potential snow. Gaiters and poles are recommended for higher sections.
Pack for All Weather
Mountain weather changes fast. Bring layers, rain gear, and sun protection, even on clear days.
Allow Ample Time
The full hike can take 5 hours. Factor in time for photos and enjoying the stunning scenery.
Bring Snacks & Water
There are no services on the trail. Stay hydrated and fueled for your adventure.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Sendero Sierra Nevada Conguillío for its breathtaking views of Volcán Llaima and Lago Conguillío, set against a backdrop of ancient Araucaria forests. The trail's diverse terrain and well-marked paths are appreciated, though reaching the summit requires a good level of fitness and proper gear, especially when snow is present. Some find the park entrance fee a bit high for foreigners.
"This is a must do in the park, either you get to the top or to one of the places for observation, this trail is totally worth it.
You can get by car to the entrances and it's about 30-45 minutes to the first stop, 1.5hrs to the second and 3-3.5 hours to the highest place.
The views are amazing, the lake, volcano or just the snowy mountains. Great place for pictures."
Christian Martín
"Beautiful hike in Conguillio National Park. Entrance to the park for foreigners is 13,000 CLP, as of Oct'24 there is still a lot of snow on the trail after the second view point. It's good to bring proper boots (+maybe gaiters and hiking poles) if you want to go all the way to the third mirador. The road from Curacautin/Paraguas Sector to the trail head was still closed due to snow as of Oct-10 2024, so getting to the trailhead was possible only through Melipeuco park entrance."
F S
"Such diversity on this hike, from open volcanic slide areas to deep woods. Plenty of elevation gain, but doable. We saw kids and elders along the trail. Plenty of great views and birds (we even saw an owl!)"
Susan Waters
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trailhead is accessible via the Melipeuco entrance to Conguillío National Park. The road can be rough and may have snow closures in colder months. Check park conditions before driving.
No, the road can be closed due to snow, especially from autumn through spring. The Melipeuco entrance is generally more accessible than others during these times.
Yes, you can drive to the park entrance and then to the trailhead. Parking is available, but can fill up during peak season.
Most visitors drive from Temuco or nearby towns like Curacautín or Melipeuco. Public transport options are limited, so a rental car is often recommended.
From Temuco, it's approximately a 2-3 hour drive to the park entrance, depending on the route and road conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
As of October 2024, the entrance fee for foreigners was 13,000 CLP. Prices can vary, so it's best to check the official CONAF website for current rates.
While advance booking isn't always mandatory, it's wise to check the park's policy, especially during peak season, to ensure entry.
Conguillío National Park typically opens early and closes at dusk. Specific hours can vary by season, so confirm with CONAF.
Discounts may be available for Chilean citizens, children, and seniors. Check the CONAF website for eligibility and details.
Parking is generally included with your park entrance fee, but it's always good to confirm upon arrival.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The full hike to the highest viewpoint is approximately 4.5 km one way, taking around 3-3.5 hours to reach the top. The total round trip can be about 5 hours.
The trail has significant elevation gain, making it moderately challenging. However, it's considered doable for most fitness levels, with many families and elders completing it.
Expect breathtaking views of Volcán Llaima, Lago Conguillío, and vast Araucaria forests. The higher viewpoints offer panoramic vistas.
Yes, the trail is generally very well-marked with signs and benches placed approximately every kilometer.
Yes, many families hike this trail. The lower sections are easier, and you can turn back at any point if needed.
Sturdy hiking boots are a must. Layers of clothing, a waterproof jacket, and sun protection are highly recommended due to changing mountain weather.
📸 📸 Photography
Every viewpoint offers incredible photo opportunities. The Mirador Sierra Nevada at the top provides the most iconic shots of the volcano and lake.
Absolutely! On clear days, Volcán Llaima is a prominent feature, offering dramatic backdrops for your photos.
Mornings often offer clearer skies and softer light. Autumn afternoons can provide stunning golden hour light through the Araucaria trees.
Drone usage is typically restricted in national parks to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Check park regulations before flying.
The ancient Araucaria trees, volcanic landscapes, and diverse birdlife (including owls!) offer unique photographic opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Budget Travelers
Packing your own food and water for the hike will save money on buying provisions. Organized tours can be more expensive, so self-driving or using local transport (if available) can be more economical. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't forget to capture the details: the textures of the volcanic rock and the ancient trees. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Conguillío National Park
Getting to the Sendero Sierra Nevada trailhead typically involves driving into the park. While some reviews mention the road from Curacautín being closed due to snow, the Melipeuco entrance often provides more reliable access, especially during shoulder seasons. Visitors should be prepared for unpaved sections and potentially rough terrain. Having a vehicle suitable for varied conditions is advisable. For those without a car, organized tours from nearby cities like Temuco are a popular alternative, often including transportation and sometimes guided services.
Once inside the park, the Sendero Sierra Nevada is well-marked, guiding hikers through diverse ecosystems. The trail begins with a moderate ascent, leading through dense Araucaria forests before opening up to more exposed volcanic terrain. The park's natural beauty is amplified by the presence of Volcán Llaima, a majestic stratovolcano that dominates the skyline. The trail's progression offers increasingly spectacular views, culminating in panoramic vistas from its highest points.
The Majesty of Araucaria Forests
As you ascend the Sendero Sierra Nevada, the landscape transitions. You'll move from the dense, shaded Araucaria forests to more open, volcanic terrain. This contrast highlights the park's geological activity and the resilience of its flora. The Sendero Agua que Fluye (SL-A 393), mentioned in some accounts, offers a different perspective within the park, focusing on water features and history, and is noted as being family-friendly and easy.
Capturing the Views: Photography Tips
Timing is crucial for the best photographic results. Early morning light often yields soft, beautiful illumination and clearer skies, ideal for capturing the vastness of the landscape. Autumn afternoons, with their golden hour glow filtering through the Araucaria branches, can create magical scenes. Be prepared for rapidly changing weather; a cloudy or misty day can lend a dramatic, moody atmosphere to your shots, though it might obscure the volcano. Remember to pack your camera gear securely and consider a tripod for low-light conditions or long exposures, especially if you're aiming to capture the lake's reflections.
Beyond the grand vistas, don't overlook the smaller details. The textures of the volcanic rock, the intricate patterns of the Araucaria bark, and the diverse birdlife (including owls!) offer excellent opportunities for close-up photography. The well-marked nature of the trail means you can focus on your shots without worrying too much about navigation. Just be mindful of other hikers and the park's natural environment when composing your images.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit