Lake District hiking itinerary
Hiking the Lakes and Volcanoes of Araucanía
Patagonia and Torres del Paine might get all the limelight, but for Chile hiking trips away from the crowds my first recommendation is usually the Lakes and Volcano District of Araucanía in central Chile.
For a good hiking challenge here you’ve got Villarrica Volcano, just half an hour from Pucón, Chile’s outdoor sports hub. Villarrica is extremely active, and climbing up to the crater takes about six hours. You start in a forest, pass through an old ski area, then make your way up to the summit. From there, you can feel the heat and power of the volcano, smell the sulphur, and sometimes even see lava. But my favourite part is sliding back down on the snow – it’s easier and lots more fun than the climb up. If skiing is your thing, head there between August and November, but climbs can happen year-round as long as volcanic conditions allow.
Also high on my list is hiking in Kutralkura Geopark. It’s massive, about 12,000 square kilometres, and full of active volcanoes, ancient forests, lagoons, and incredible scenery. Malalcahuello is great in winter because it has the Corralco ski resort. If you've had enough hiking and prefer to explore on two wheels, there are some great mountain bike trails here too. Conguillío National Park, also within the geopark, is another place I always recommend. It’s got the Sierra Nevada trail, easy enough for most visitors, and from November to April, the seasons put on quite a show, especially the colours in autumn. I love the views around Llaima and Sierra Nevada volcanoes.
If that sounds a bit intense, I'd highly recommend Villarrica National Park, where you'll find beautiful, gentle trails near Puesco, close to the Argentine border. Here, you can also experience authentic Mapuche culture: visit rukas (a traditional house), try local food, and connect with local communities. Just remember to greet people and respectfully ask for permission before entering their land.
Conguillío National Park deserves an extra mention because the landscapes here are very special, and quite different from Patagonia further south – the BBC even featured it in their series "Walking with Dinosaurs." Special moments for me include visiting the waterfalls at Truful Truful, where you can clearly see thousands of years of volcanic history, and hiking the Sierra Nevada trail, surrounded by the impressive monkey-puzzle trees. Just be aware that trails can be remote, so I’d suggest going with a local guide and having the right gear.
I’d advise against visiting in June because of heavy rain, and always check the volcano activity levels before planning a summit climb.
Key information
| Destinations | The Lakes District |
|---|---|
| Activity | Adventure, Hiking & Trekking, Active, Walking, Nature & Wildlife, Responsible Travel, Slow Travel |
 Season |
July - May |
Lake District hiking itinerary itinerary
Temuco to Malalcahuello – Christmas Crater Hike
Day 1 in Temuco
Fly into Temuco airport (ZCO) and spend the first night here. The following morning it's a two-hour drive to the village of Curacautín, part of the Kütralkura Geopark and the Araucarias Biosphere Reserve. The route passes through rolling farmland before reaching Malalcahuello, a small ski resort area surrounded by volcanic landscapes.
After arriving and settling in, take a short warm-up hike to the Christmas Crater on the slopes of Lonquimay Volcano. The trail offers striking views of the volcanic terrain, with geological formations shaped by past eruptions.
Hiking time: 1–3 hours, depending on the chosen route
Kütralkura Geopark – Cerro Coloradito Hike
Day 2 in Malalcahuello
Begin the day with a hike towards Cerro Coloradito, a natural viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of four volcanoes: Lonquimay, Llaima, Sierra Nevada, and Villarrica. The trail winds through an ancient araucaria forest, with trees that are over 2,000 years old. This area is rarely crowded, making it an excellent spot for a peaceful hike with uninterrupted views.
Hiking time: 3–5 hours
Conguillío National Park – Truful-Truful & Woodpeckers Trail
Day 3 in Conguillío National Park
Travel south towards Conguillío National Park, passing through small rural towns along the way. The park is known for its dramatic volcanic scenery, pristine lakes, and extensive native forests.
Upon arrival, visit the Truful-Truful Canyon and waterfall, where layers of volcanic rock reveal thousands of years of eruptive activity from Llaima Volcano. Continue to Arco Iris Lake, named for its vivid reflections of the surrounding landscape.
Later, hike the Woodpeckers Trail, where you may spot the striking Magellanic woodpecker searching for insects among the ancient trees.
Hiking time: 4–5 hours
Conguillío National Park – Sierra Nevada Trail
Day 4 in Pucón
Drive past the emerald-green Lago Verde and the multi-hued Arco Iris Lake before setting out on the Sierra Nevada Trail. This well-maintained path leads through native forests, including araucaria trees, and offers three scenic viewpoints with different perspectives over Conguillío Lake and the surrounding volcanoes. The area is rich in birdlife, including chucao tapaculos, Magellanic woodpeckers, and slender-billed parakeets.
After the hike, transfer to Pucón, a town known as Chile’s adventure tourism capital.
Hiking time: 5–6 hours
Villarrica National Park – Lagos Andinos Trail
Day 5 in Villarrica National Park
Head towards the Chilean-Argentine border for a hike through ancient araucaria forests, leading to a series of remote Andean lakes at the base of Lanín Volcano, the highest peak in the region. The trail provides excellent views of the surrounding mountains and unspoilt wilderness.
In the evening, share a traditional meal with the Colipi Family, members of the local Mapuche community, who will introduce you to their customs and worldview.
Hiking time: 3–4 hours
Villarrica Volcano Ascent
Day 6 in Villarrica National Park
Climbing the active Villarrica Volcano is a demanding but rewarding challenge. The ascent is non-technical but requires good physical condition. Starting at the ski centre at 1,400 metres, the route steadily climbs towards the crater, with short breaks every half-hour and a longer stop midway for food.
After 4–5 hours, reach the summit at 2,847 metres, where clear weather provides sweeping views of surrounding lakes and distant volcanoes, including Llaima and Lanín. The descent is often done by glissading (sliding down on the snow), adding a fun element to the experience.
Hiking time: 6 hours
Pichillancahue Trail & Geométricas Hot Springs
Day 7 in Villarrica National Park
Hike through another section of Villarrica National Park, with views of Quetrupillán and Villarrica Volcano. The trail passes through forests of raulí and hualle (Nothofagus species) before reaching an elevation of 1,250 metres, where thousand-year-old araucaria trees dominate the landscape.
The route leads to the Pichillancahue Glacier, which is covered in volcanic ash from past eruptions, giving it a distinctive dark appearance.
In the afternoon, visit the Geométricas Hot Springs, a collection of natural pools set in a lush canyon. The well-designed thermal baths blend into the landscape, offering a relaxing end to the day.
Hiking time: 4–5 hours
Departure
Day 8 in Temuco
Return to Temuco airport for your onward travel.
Other itineraries you might like
Chilean Patagonia To Antarctica Cruise
Patagonia Fjords & Antarctica itinerary
Approx. 18 days
