7 Reasons Why Conguillío National Park is one of Chile’s best
Conguillío National Park is a one or even the most beautiful nationial park in Central Chile. When you think of Chile, the first places which come in mind are Patagonia and Torres del Paine, the Atacama desert or the Easter Island. Conguillío is not that well known by international tourists and totally underrated. The park enchanted us with its breathtaking beauty, and it’s blend of accessibility and affordability.
Here are 7 reasons why we believe Conguillío is the best national park in Chile.
1. Breathtaking Volcanic Landscapes
Picture this: you’ve got the massive Llaima Volcano towering over everything. It’s one of Chile’s most active volcanoes. The park’s volcanic landscapes, with vast lava fields and dramatic terrain, offer you a chance to experience the raw power of nature up close. The contrast between the black volcanic rock and the vibrant green forests creates a striking visual experience that is hard to find elsewhere.
The Sierra Nevada Trail is a moderate trail which goes up to the perfect viewpoint of the volcano. We had to cross snowy landscapes although we were in the peak of summer. Walking with short pants through snow is just a different vibe!
2. Ancient Araucaria Forests
The park is home to some of Chile’s oldest and most iconic trees, the Araucarias, also known as monkey puzzle trees. These ancient trees, some of which are over 1,000 years old, give the park a prehistoric feel. This tree is also the national Tree of Chile and dates back to the Jurassic period, making it a living fossil. One of the most famous Araucaria trees in Chile is the “Mother Araucaria”, located in Conguillío National Park and believed to be more than 1800 years old.
3. Affordable Adventure
Compared to other popular parks in Chile, such as Torres del Paine, Conguillío is a more budget-friendly option. The entrance fees are reasonable, and there are various affordable accommodation options, including camping, cabins, and eco-lodges. This makes Conguillío an ideal destination for travelers looking to experience Chile’s natural beauty without breaking the bank.
4. Diverse and Accessible Hiking Trails
Conguillío offers a variety of well-marked hiking trails that cater to all levels of hikers. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely walk or a challenging trek, the park has something for everyone. The Sierra Nevada trail is particularly popular, offering stunning panoramic views of the park, including the Llaima Volcano and the Conguillío Lake. The accessibility of these trails makes it easy to explore the park’s diverse landscapes. We also explored the park surroundings by car looking for the best places to stop by. You actually feel like you are somewhere in between the Alpes of Heidi and the wild landscapes of Robinson Crusoe.
5. Rich Wildlife
Conguillío National Park is teeming with wildlife, offering plenty of opportunities for nature lovers and photographers. The park is home to a variety of species, including the mysterious and elegant puma, foxes, and a wide array of bird species. The park’s lakes and rivers also attract diverse aquatic life, making it a great spot for wildlife watching in a serene, unspoiled environment. My Chilean family told me that there are NO big spiders like tarantulas – guess what? There are! 😉 Unfortunately, we meet one in our way back to the camping. I was never hiking that fast like in that moment…
We always have our solar power bank with us to not miss a chance for a picture!
6. Stunning Lakes and Waterfalls
The park’s pristine lakes, including the Conguillío Lake and Captrén Lagoon, are surrounded by lush forests and framed by volcanic peaks, creating picture-perfect scenes. These waters offer a tranquil setting for activities like kayaking, fishing, and picnicking. We swam in one of the lakes and it was so freaking ice cold! But it was worth to do. Additionally, the park is dotted with beautiful waterfalls, such as the Truful-Truful Falls.
Maybe you can spot the condors more than we did with some Binoculars
7. Off-the-Beaten-Path Tranquility
Unlike some of Chile’s more famous national parks, Conguillío remains relatively undiscovered by international tourists (while it is domestically well known). While Conguillío is accessible, it is located in the Araucanía Region, which is not as frequently visited by international tourists as Chile’s more famous destinations like Patagonia or the Atacama Desert. The park is around 120 km from Temuco, a city that, while well-connected domestically, doesn’t receive as many international flights as larger cities like Santiago or Punta Arenas. But it is so underrated! You have charming cities like Valdivia, Pucón or Villarica close by, you are within Chiles Lake district and have the best thermal region of Chile with so many natural hot springs…
Conguillío National Park is a true treasure of Chile, offering a unique combination of dramatic landscapes, rich biodiversity, and a tranquil atmosphere. Its affordability and accessibility make it an ideal destination for travelers of all types.
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