Malleco: Araucaria Forests, Hiking Trails and Culture

The Province of Malleco can be discovered through a wide variety of experiences: along short trails, at viewpoints overlooking the Pacific and the Andes, in protected landscapes and at cultural sites. When planning your vacation, the first thing to consider is the mix of experiences you want. Would you like your trip to focus mainly on hiking trails and nature, or would you also like to learn about the history of Purén and the Italian and Mapuche culture of Capitán Pastene? These priorities can help you choose which places matter most when looking for a vacation rental for your trip.

Protected landscapes and exceptional views

The Nalcas National Reserve covers 13,755 hectares and borders the Malalcahuello National Reserve to the south. It is also one of the ten SNASPE units that make up the core zones of the Las Araucarias Biosphere Reserve. A high-altitude steppe with araucarias can be found in the Alto Biobío National Reserve. The part of the China Muerta National Reserve located in Lonquimay belongs to the Araucarias UNESCO Biosphere Reserve; the part of Conguillío National Park located in Malleco is also part of this biosphere reserve.

In Nahuelbuta National Park, Piedra del Águila is a natural viewpoint: from the summit, you can see the Pacific Ocean and the Andes. Malleco offers both memorable landscapes and opportunities to explore trails and protected areas. Each place has its own character, rather than offering just one kind of nature outing.

Compare hiking trails by length, duration and difficulty

The listed trail times and difficulty ratings are useful for planning your day. The accessible Sendero Laguna Malleco in Tolhuaca National Park is 396 meters long, takes 30 minutes one way and is rated easy. It is suitable for people with reduced mobility and older adults. The Sendero Laguna La Totora in the Nalcas National Reserve is also rated easy and takes 30 minutes one way to cover one kilometer.

Other trails require a different time commitment: the Sendero Las Araucarias in Conguillío National Park is 923.4 meters long, takes one hour one way and is rated moderate. The Sendero El Jote in the Malleco National Reserve is 3.9 kilometers long and takes two and a half hours one way; it is also rated moderate. In Nahuelbuta National Park, the 6.4-kilometer Sendero Piedra del Águila takes two hours one way and is moderately difficult. By contrast, the Sendero Piedra Santa in the Malalcahuello National Reserve is also 6.4 kilometers long, but is rated easy and takes three hours one way. The same distance, then, does not necessarily mean the same duration or difficulty rating. Trail conditions may change seasonally; the Sendero Piedra Santa may also be subject to seasonal closures or only partial access.

Seasonal activities and important access information

The Malalcahuello National Reserve has a ski center operated under concession by Corralco S.A. The concession and operating conditions may change, so it is advisable to check the latest information before your trip. Kayaks and boats are rented in Conguillío National Park during summer. This seasonal rental service depends on conditions and park operations; check in advance to see whether it will be operating during your planned visit.

Recreational fishing is available in the Nalcas National Reserve. It must be registered and approved by the administration of the Malalcahuello National Reserve. The Los Arrieros de Nalcas group also offers special-interest tourism there. Before taking part, confirm the registration process, required approval and the provider’s conditions.

The main access route to the Malleco National Reserve starts at Route 5 via Collipulli. In winter, access is restricted to four-wheel-drive vehicles. As road and weather conditions can change seasonally, check the latest information before setting out. This is particularly important if you plan to combine a stay in Collipulli with a visit to the Malleco National Reserve.

History and cultural sites in Purén and Capitán Pastene

A visit to Purén brings together several historical perspectives. The Fuerte de la Pacificación de Purén was a Chilean military fort founded on the orders of Cornelio Saavedra on February 9, 1869. Since 1983, the Museo Mapuche in Purén has shared the history of the Mapuche people. Capitán Pastene, in turn, is known for its blend of Italian and Mapuche culture.

Another way to explore the area is the Ruta Manzanal, a tourist circuit that includes, among other places, Salto Rayen, the Túnel Sanzana, the Contulmo Natural Monument and Salto la Virgen. Its attractions and visitor arrangements may change; check the latest information before your visit. If cultural history and these sites are your main focus, you will have different priorities when choosing a vacation rental than if your trip is centered mainly on hiking trails and protected areas.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Victoria, Lonquimay, Curacautín, Lumaco, Collipulli, Purén, Ranquíl, Traiguén.

For the broader travel overview: Región De La Araucanía.