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Discover the Land of the Pehuenche

Linked by the 4.5-kilometer Las Raíces Tunnel - the second longest in Latin America -, the communities of Curacautín and Lonquimay practice a wide variety of activities that represent the identity of the region's native people, the Pehuenche.

Depending on when you visit, your experience can include local rituals such as "verenadas," the period between January and May when families head to the mountain to collect wood and piñones (araucaria seeds) and feed their animals.

The excursions available to visitors who come to this area focus on the volcanoes, which are sure to be star players in the photographs you bring home. Every year, the restless Llaima and Lonquimay Volcanoes attract tourists, curious observers and scientists who come to study their considerable activity.

Visit the Nalcas-Malalcahuello National Reserve and walk the Piedra Santa Trail, which winds seven and a half kilometers past lenga, coigüe, oak and raulí trees. You'll also be treated to views of the Sierra Nevada, the volcanoes and the Cautín River.

Visits to the area's hot springs, which include Manzanar, Malalcahuello and Tolhuaca, help relieve ailments and reduce stress. The area has become a haven for relaxation and indulgence and features a variety of hotels and restaurants.

Local ski centers become popular attractions during the winter. Just 20 minutes from Lonquimay, Corralco offers runs that go right through beautiful native forests. You can also enjoy off-piste snow sports like randonée and airboarding.

When you're ready to kick back, relax and take in the incredible scenery, head to Laguna Galletué, where you can rent boats for family outings and go on horseback excursions through a landscape of never-ending lakes, volcanoes and araucaria trees.

Featured Destinations of Pucón, Villarrica and Temuco

Araucanía Andina		Conguillío National Park
Pucón - Villarrica		Temuco

Tours you can do

Getting There By Bus A number of local companies offer trips from Temuco to both towns throughout the day. There is also bus service between Lonquimay and Curacautín. By Car From Santiago, take Route 5 south to the Victoria exit (611 km), which leads to Curacautín (55 km) and then Lonquimay (64 km).