Araucanía

Discover a destination where untamed nature, vibrant culture, and other worldly landscapes come together!

To the adventure!

Welcome to La Araucanía

In southern Chile, the Araucanía Region pulses with the energy of its volcanoes, crystal-clear lakes, and ancient araucaria forests. Here, Mapuche culture is alive in everyday life—from ancestral cuisine and traditional rukas to handcrafted textiles and spiritual ceremonies that connect you to the land. From the thermal waters of Pucón to the mountain landscapes of Lonquimay and Conguillío, every corner offers a unique experience. While the Araucanía Lacustre charms with outdoor life, adventure sports, and hot springs, the Araucanía Andina offers silence, heritage, and unspoiled nature. This is a destination to reconnect, reflect, and be amazed!

Must-Sees

In the Araucanía Region, you will discover crystal-clear lakes, active volcanoes, and ancient forests—perfect for connecting with nature, Mapuche culture, and the deep spirit of the south.

Villarrica Volcano and Pucón

Villarrica Volcano and Pucón

An icon of southern Chile. Hike to the steaming crater of Volcán Villarrica or admire it from the lake’s beach. In Pucón, adventure tourism, hot springs, local food, and a lively town await.

Conguillío National Park

Conguillío National Park

A landscape from another world. Walk among millennia-old araucarias and petrified lava fields. This is where the Earth was born millions of years ago—and you can trace its footsteps.

Termas Geométricas

Termas Geométricas

Hidden deep in the forest, wooden walkways lead to natural hot spring pools. A magical experience year-round.

Lonquimay and Tolhuaca

Lonquimay and Tolhuaca

In the Araucanía Andina, mountain towns, snow-covered volcanoes, and quiet trails await. In winter, ski at Corralco; in summer, explore the Tolhuaca National Park or the China Muerta Reserve.

Villarrica Volcano and Pucón

Villarrica Volcano and Pucón

An icon of southern Chile. Hike to the steaming crater of Volcán Villarrica or admire it from the lake’s beach. In Pucón, adventure tourism, hot springs, local food, and a lively town await.

Conguillío National Park

Conguillío National Park

A landscape from another world. Walk among millennia-old araucarias and petrified lava fields. This is where the Earth was born millions of years ago—and you can trace its footsteps.

Termas Geométricas

Termas Geométricas

Hidden deep in the forest, wooden walkways lead to natural hot spring pools. A magical experience year-round.

Lonquimay and Tolhuaca

Lonquimay and Tolhuaca

In the Araucanía Andina, mountain towns, snow-covered volcanoes, and quiet trails await. In winter, ski at Corralco; in summer, explore the Tolhuaca National Park or the China Muerta Reserve.

Why choose this destination?

Discover the unique charm this region has to offer.

Cuisine

Mapuche cooking is the culinary soul of Araucanía. Try catuto (a wheat-based dough), muday (a fermented corn drink), or the essential piñones (araucaria seeds) cooked with salt. In the lake region, local specialties include quintrales (wild greens), soups seasoned with merkén, and fresh trout. In Pucón and surrounding areas, fusion cuisine combines global influences with local ingredients like forest berries, lamb or wild boar, native potatoes, and murtilla (Chilean guava berry). Flavors that nourish both body and soul!

Handicrafts

Here, every textile and carving tells a story. Mapuche communities craft traditional weavings, silver jewelry, wooden objects, and ceramics featuring sacred symbols from their worldview. Visit artisan markets or communities in Curarrehue, Padre Las Casas, and Melipeuco, where you can buy authentic pieces and learn their cultural significance. A keepsake with soul!

Sustainability

La Araucanía promotes tourism rooted in identity, respect, and harmony with nature. Many accommodations and tourist experiences are run by Mapuche communities that protect their lands and traditions. Parks like Conguillío and reserves like China Muerta encourage conscious travel, with marked trails and conservation programs.

Recommendations for your trip

What should I take?

What to Wear

Waterproof and windproof jacket Base and mid layers Trekking pants High-ankle trekking shoes

What to Bring

Trekking backpack Trekking poles Sunglasses Sunscreen Chargers and power bank

Weather

Temperature

Minimum: Between 2°C and 8°C (36°F to 46°F) Maximum: Between 16°C and 22°C (61°F to 72°F) – mild summer, cold winter with snow in the mountains

Weather

Climate: Temperate and rainy Spring-Summer: Clear days with occasional showers Fall-Winter: Frequent rain and snow in high-altitude areas

Helpful information

Hospital

Hospital Regional de Temuco: Manuel Montt 115, Temuco Phone: +56 45 255 4000

Banks and ATMs

Available in Temuco, Villarrica, Pucón, Curacautín, and Lonquimay Bank hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM ATMs: Available 24/7

Did you know?

Did you know?

The Conguillío National Park was a filming location for the documentary Walking with Dinosaurs thanks to its prehistoric scenery.

The araucaria tree is considered sacred by the Mapuche people, and its seeds (piñones) are a key part of their ancestral diet.

What to Wear

Waterproof and windproof jacket Base and mid layers Trekking pants High-ankle trekking shoes

What to Bring

Trekking backpack Trekking poles Sunglasses Sunscreen Chargers and power bank

Temperature

Minimum: Between 2°C and 8°C (36°F to 46°F) Maximum: Between 16°C and 22°C (61°F to 72°F) – mild summer, cold winter with snow in the mountains

Weather

Climate: Temperate and rainy Spring-Summer: Clear days with occasional showers Fall-Winter: Frequent rain and snow in high-altitude areas

Hospital

Hospital Regional de Temuco: Manuel Montt 115, Temuco Phone: +56 45 255 4000

Banks and ATMs

Available in Temuco, Villarrica, Pucón, Curacautín, and Lonquimay Bank hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM ATMs: Available 24/7

Did you know?

The Conguillío National Park was a filming location for the documentary Walking with Dinosaurs thanks to its prehistoric scenery.

The araucaria tree is considered sacred by the Mapuche people, and its seeds (piñones) are a key part of their ancestral diet.