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Huerquehue Los Lagos Trail

4.7
·4k reviews·Pucon, Chile

Explore ancient forests, serene lakes, and volcanic landscapes on the stunning trails of Huerquehue National Park.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Best light & fewer crowds

CrowdMedium
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Lago Chico

Huerquehue Los Lagos Trail

Best Time

Summer mornings

Best light & fewer crowds

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore ancient forests, serene lakes, and volcanic landscapes on the stunning trails of Huerquehue National Park.

4.7
(4k reviews)

"Hiking among the monkey puzzle trees was an experience of a lifetime!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Tickets in Advance

Entry passes are mandatory and must be purchased online at www.pasesparques.cl. No walk-ins allowed!

🥾 Bring Hiking Poles

Essential for navigating muddy, steep, and root-covered trails. Abandoned sticks are sometimes available.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Laguna Verde

Laguna Verde

Los Lagos Trail

A stunning emerald lake, perfect for a magical lunch break with potential solitude.

Monkey Puzzle Trees

Monkey Puzzle Trees

Throughout the park

Hike among ancient, unique Araucaria trees for an unforgettable, prehistoric forest experience.

Volcano Views

Volcano Views

Los Lagos Trail

Enjoy breathtaking vistas of surrounding volcanoes as you traverse the scenic hiking routes.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Entry Pass Online

Advance booking is essential for Parque Nacional Huerquehue. Purchase your entry passes online via www.pasesparques.cl a few days before your visit to guarantee entry. Walk-ins are not permitted, and it's a long drive to the park.

Prepare for Muddy Trails & Snow

Trails can be very muddy, especially after rain, and snow/ice can cover sections, particularly on steeper inclines. Hiking poles are highly recommended, and crampons might be necessary in winter or early spring. Check conditions beforehand if possible.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Best light & fewer crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Late Spring/Early Autumn
Why
Fewer crowds, pleasant temps
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

He ido como 5 veces y no me deja de sorprender 😍🏔️ ¡#Chile ES HERMOSO!🇨🇱 #parquenacionalhuerquehue #surdechile #araucania #invierno
@basvejar
67.6K likes • 309.2K views

🎯 Book Tickets in Advance

Entry passes are mandatory and must be purchased online at www.pasesparques.cl. No walk-ins allowed! TikTokReddit

🥾 Bring Hiking Poles

Essential for navigating muddy, steep, and root-covered trails. Abandoned sticks are sometimes available. InstagramReddit

Lugares más lindos del Sur de Chile 🏔️🍃🌊☀️🇨🇱 Este es el Parque Nacional Huerquehue, ubicado a 30 minutos de Pucón en la Región de La Araucanía 📍 El Sendero que hice es el de Los Lagos, donde podrán ver varias lagunas como la laguna verde y laguna toro 🙌🏽 Para comprar su entrada deben hacerlo en el sitio web www.pasesparques.cl 📲 #parquehuerquehue #pucon #senderoloslagos
@martinhowardg
12.5K likes • 229.5K views
📍Parque Nacional Huerquehue, Araucania This amazing park offers two main hiking trails. We chose to do Los Lagos trail, and we loved it ❤️ This hike includes volcano views, lakes and waterfalls. Duration: 6-7 hours Difficulty: Medium (elevation gain of about 700 m) We highly recommend bringing your hiking sticks with you! Enjoy your hike🐾 #chile #huerquehue #pucon #pucón #puconchile #conaf...
trip.of.our.lives
92 likes • 1.8K views

🏕️ Camp for Early Access

Camping in the park allows you to start hikes before tour buses arrive, offering a more serene experience. Instagram

🚗 Be Prepared for Dirt Roads

The last 8km to the park are unpaved and can be challenging in wet weather. Reddit

Would you swim here? . Cooling off on a hike is the best feeling. This is Laguna Verde, the highlight of the Los Lagos Trail in Huerquehue National Park. I had it all to myself and it was a magical lunch/break spot before I had to hike back to the start. Pro Tip: Camp in the park so you can start the hike before any of the bus transportation arrives! Check out my blog for a complete guide to Hu...
allieschuck
40 likes • 1.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Tickets in Advance

Entry passes are mandatory and must be purchased online at www.pasesparques.cl. No walk-ins allowed! TikTokReddit

🥾 Bring Hiking Poles

Essential for navigating muddy, steep, and root-covered trails. Abandoned sticks are sometimes available. InstagramReddit

🏕️ Camp for Early Access

Camping in the park allows you to start hikes before tour buses arrive, offering a more serene experience. Instagram

🚗 Be Prepared for Dirt Roads

The last 8km to the park are unpaved and can be challenging in wet weather. Reddit

🧥 Check Weather & Conditions

Trails can have significant snow and ice, especially in winter. Crampons may be needed. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(4k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Huerquehue National Park for its magical scenery, unique ancient forests, and beautiful lakes, particularly Laguna Verde. The well-marked trails offer a rewarding hiking experience, though many note the challenging muddy and snowy conditions, especially in certain seasons. Advance online booking is essential, and hiking poles are highly recommended.

"The road becomes dirt and gravel for the last 8km. I was able to do it in a crappy Chinese car, so not a big deal but it might be tough in wet weather.

Hiking trails to the falls were very muddy and partially covered in melting snow. It's mostly a forest trail without a ton of great views, but still peaceful.

The ranger at the entry gate was nice and kind and patiently explained the trail conditions to me in a language I pretended to understand."

Nathan Jones

"A wonderful experience from start to finish. They did have one English speaking ranger at the entrance who checked us in and was able to give us the hiking options in the park. All the trails are well marked and easy to follow. We hiked the Los Lagos trail and there were excellent bathroom facilities in the beginning of the trail. Hiking among the monkey puzzle trees was an experience of a lifetime!"

Emily Feldkamp

"Very good hiking to the 3 lakes. A lot of steep uphill at the start and then steep downhill at the end through twisty roots. Hiking poles recommended, or pick up some of the abandoned hiking sticks near the start if you are lucky enough to find some. Make sure to buy your entry passes a couple of days in advance: you won't get in if you go there without, and it is a long way there."

John Chinneck

What People Like

Magical scenery
Ancient monkey puzzle trees
Beautiful lakes

What People Dislike

Muddy/snowy trails
Advance booking required

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Huerquehue National Park is located about 30 minutes from Pucón. The final 8 kilometers of the road are unpaved and can be rough, especially in wet conditions. Many visitors drive, but be prepared for a dirt and gravel surface. TikTokReddit

While not explicitly detailed in the provided content, it's common for national parks in Chile to have limited public transport options. It's advisable to check local bus schedules or consider organized tours from Pucón if you don't have a car. Reddit

The road becomes dirt and gravel for the last 8 kilometers. While manageable in a standard car in good weather, it might be challenging in wet conditions. Reddit

Many tour operators in Pucón offer excursions to Huerquehue National Park, which can be a convenient option if you prefer not to drive or navigate the unpaved roads yourself. Reddit

The Los Lagos Trail is one of the main routes within Huerquehue National Park. Once you've entered the park and paid your entrance fee, follow the well-marked signs to the trailhead. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

You must purchase your entry passes online in advance through the official website www.pasesparques.cl. It's recommended to do this a couple of days before your visit as walk-ins are not permitted. TikTokReddit

No, you cannot buy tickets at the park entrance. All visitors must have pre-purchased their entry passes online via www.pasesparques.cl to be granted access. Reddit

Specific park hours are not detailed, but it's generally advisable to plan your visit during daylight hours for hiking. Check the official park website or www.pasesparques.cl for any operational information. Reddit

Yes, there is an entrance fee, and it must be paid online in advance. Ensure you have your confirmed booking before arriving at the park. Reddit

If you arrive without a pre-booked entry pass, you will not be allowed to enter the park. This is a strict policy to manage visitor numbers. Reddit

🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience

The Los Lagos Trail is a medium-difficulty hike, approximately 6-7 hours long with about 700m of elevation gain. It features volcano views, lakes, and waterfalls. The trail can be muddy, rocky, and root-covered. TikTokInstagram

Yes, all the trails in Huerquehue National Park are well-marked and easy to follow, making navigation straightforward for visitors. Reddit

You can expect to see beautiful lakes like Laguna Verde and Laguna Toro, ancient monkey puzzle trees, and potentially volcano views. The scenery is described as magical and peaceful. TikTokInstagramReddit

Yes, there are excellent bathroom facilities available at the beginning of the Los Lagos Trail. Reddit

Winter hiking is possible but can be challenging due to significant snow and ice on steep inclines, along with mud. Hiking poles and potentially crampons are recommended. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Laguna Verde is a highlight for photography, offering serene reflections and vibrant colors. The ancient monkey puzzle trees also provide unique photographic opportunities. Look for scenic viewpoints along the Los Lagos Trail. TikTokInstagram

Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. This also coincides with fewer crowds. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes and ancient trees. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections on the lakes. Consider a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions or long exposures. Instagram

Drone regulations can vary in national parks. It's best to check the official park regulations or inquire with park staff upon arrival to ensure compliance and avoid any issues. TikTok

To capture the scale of the monkey puzzle trees, try including a person in the frame for reference or use a wide-angle lens to emphasize their height and unique shapes. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Huerquehue National Park offers a fantastic natural playground for families. The Los Lagos Trail is a good option, though its medium difficulty and length (6-7 hours) might be challenging for very young children. Consider shorter, less strenuous sections if available, or focus on the initial parts of the trail. The presence of bathrooms at the trailhead is a plus for families. InstagramReddit

Emphasize the unique monkey puzzle trees as a point of interest for kids, making the hike feel like an adventure into a prehistoric world. The lakes, like Laguna Verde, can be a fun destination for a picnic. Ensure children are equipped with appropriate footwear, and consider bringing snacks and plenty of water. If visiting during seasons with snow or mud, be extra cautious and prepared for slippery conditions. InstagramReddit

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers

For solo travelers and avid hikers, Huerquehue National Park presents an excellent opportunity for immersive nature experiences. The well-marked trails, particularly the Los Lagos Trail, offer a rewarding challenge with stunning scenery. Camping within the park is a great option for solo visitors, allowing for early starts to beat the crowds and enjoy the tranquility of the park. TikTokInstagram

Be prepared for varying trail conditions, especially mud and snow, and always carry essentials like water, snacks, and a first-aid kit. Hiking poles are highly recommended for navigating the terrain safely. The park's natural beauty, from the ancient forests to the serene lakes, provides a peaceful and inspiring environment for solo exploration. Reddit

🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts

If you're on a road trip through southern Chile, Huerquehue National Park is a worthy detour. The drive from Pucón is relatively short, but be prepared for the last 8 kilometers of unpaved, gravel road, which can be tricky in wet weather. A vehicle with decent clearance is advisable, though many have managed in standard cars. TikTokReddit

Ensure you have your park entry passes booked online before you set off, as there are no on-site ticket sales. This will save you time and potential disappointment. The park offers a beautiful contrast to other attractions in the region, with its ancient forests and pristine lakes, making it a memorable stop on your journey. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Los Lagos Trail Experience

The Los Lagos Trail is the most popular hiking route in Huerquehue National Park, offering a comprehensive taste of the park's natural beauty. This medium-difficulty trail typically takes 6-7 hours to complete and involves an elevation gain of around 700 meters. Hikers will traverse through dense forests, encounter numerous lakes, and witness stunning waterfalls. The path is characterized by its varied terrain, including earth, stones, water, wood, and mud, making it an adventurous trek. TikTokInstagram+1

Key highlights along the Los Lagos Trail include Laguna Verde, a particularly picturesque lake often described as magical and a perfect spot for a break. You'll also hike amongst the ancient and distinctive monkey puzzle trees (Araucaria araucana), a truly unique experience. The trail also offers glimpses of surrounding volcanoes, adding to the dramatic landscape. Be prepared for steep ascents and descents, often involving navigating through twisty roots. InstagramReddit

Given the trail's conditions, hiking poles are highly recommended to help with balance and reduce strain on your knees, especially on the muddy and steep sections. Some visitors have noted finding abandoned hiking sticks near the trailhead, but it's best to come prepared. The park also provides excellent bathroom facilities at the start of the trail. InstagramReddit

Navigating Trail Conditions and Weather

Visitors to Huerquehue National Park should be aware that trail conditions can vary significantly, particularly depending on the season. The trails are frequently described as muddy, especially after rainfall, and can be covered in snow and ice for extended periods, particularly on steeper inclines. This was noted by reviewers who encountered significant snow and ice, making the hike more difficult than anticipated. Reddit

Due to these conditions, hiking poles are strongly advised by many visitors. Some reviews even suggest that crampons might be necessary during winter or early spring months when snow and ice are prevalent. While the park has beautiful forest trails, the lack of prior warning about extreme conditions on their website was a point of frustration for some. It's recommended to check recent visitor reports or contact the park for the most up-to-date information on trail status before your visit. Reddit

Even with challenging conditions, the unique experience of hiking through snow-covered landscapes or navigating muddy paths can be rewarding. The park's natural beauty, including its ancient forests and serene lakes, offers a memorable adventure regardless of the weather. Being prepared with appropriate footwear and gear will significantly enhance your experience. Reddit

The Importance of Advance Booking

A crucial piece of advice for anyone planning a visit to Huerquehue National Park is the absolute necessity of booking entry passes online in advance. The park operates on a system where visitors must purchase their tickets through the official website, www.pasesparques.cl, before arriving. This is not a suggestion but a strict requirement, and visitors without a pre-booked pass will be denied entry. TikTokReddit

This online booking system is in place to manage visitor numbers and ensure a smoother experience for everyone. It's recommended to secure your passes a few days prior to your intended visit, as popular dates or times can fill up. The drive to the park can be lengthy, making it particularly disappointing to arrive only to be turned away due to a lack of a reservation. Reddit

While some national parks might have on-site ticket sales, Huerquehue strictly adheres to its online pre-purchase policy. This proactive approach to ticketing helps preserve the park's natural environment and ensures a more organized visitor flow, allowing you to focus on enjoying the stunning scenery rather than dealing with entry hassles. Reddit

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