Conguillio National Park

Conguillio National Park is located just south of the centerpoint of Chile directly east of Temuco.  The park encompasses an area of 234.8 square miles (608.13 sq km).  

The focal points of the Andes mountainous park are the incredible volcanoes.  The most active and largest volcano in the park is Llaima which features a peak of 10,630 feet (3,240 m). The snow-capped cone-shaped volcano is one of the iconic attractions of the park.  Captivating photos can by taken from a variety of locations.

These volcanoes and the rivers, lakes, and lagoons that have been created by their volcanic activity have created astounding wilderness.  The araucaria forest provides a canopy that has earned the park the nickname, "The Umbrellas."

Vegetation abounds featuring rauli beech, Patagonian oak, mayten, lenga beech, and Dombey's beech.  The forest and surrounding vegetation create a robust ecosystem to support the diverse wildlife.

Cougars, also known as pumas, kodkod, chillas, and culpeos are some of the mammalian carnivores that visitors hope to witness.  Large bird species like condors, eagles, and the traro are birds of prey that bird lovers often look for during their visit.

Photos

Conguillio National Park Photo Gallery

Highlights

As one of the more popular national parks in Chile, Conguillio features a variety of terrain and ecological experiences for those visiting the park.  Although many visitors come to engage the river and lake for fishing, boating, and swimming, hiking and the picturesque landscapes are often considered the true highlights of the park.

Llaima Volcano

Llaima reaches a summit of 10,630 feet (3,240 m) with a second peak that is much less recognized.  With frequent and moderate eruptions, Llaima is one the largest and most active volcanoes in the Chile.  Although the last eruption occured on April 5th, 2009, the volcano is in a state where an additional eruption is anticipated by 2030.

It is a fairly isolated and symmetrical cone-shaped volcanoe creating remarkable photographic moments both as the centerpiece and as the backdrop of many gorgeous images.

Sierra Nevada Volcano

Sierra Nevada is a glaciated stratovolcano that reaches a summit of 8,379 feet (2,554 m).  Hiking up and along the Sierra Nevada Volcano provides trekkers with exquisite panoramic views.  It takes approximately six hours to complete the journey which delivers stunning views from five different lookouts.

Rainbow Lagoon

Rainbown Lagoon was created by natural damming of waters at a nearby esturary.  The waters backed up flodding this part of the forest creating the crystal clear shallow lagoon.  As the seasons change, the water reflects the colors creating amazing photographic landscapes.

Truful Truful Waterfall

This waterfall flows over the edge with a vertical drop that is surrounded by forests and rock faces that add to the picturesque nature.  Mountains add to the backdrop creating a splendid highlight after hiking out to the falls.

Things To Do:

The park delivers a variety of activies that allow visitors to enage the wilds of Chile in different ways.  Trekking, biking, horseback riding, and high mountain tours are just some of the options.  There are plenty of water activities as well.

Conguillio National Park Trails

There are 13 different trails that traverse the splendor of the park allowing you to experience the pristine wilderness.  It is your own personal chance to walk through the wilds of Chile that served as the setting for the documentary "Walking with Dinosaurs."

Sierra Nevada Trail

This moderate-rated 7.1 mile (11.43 km) is one of the most coveted routes in the park.  It features muptiple panoramic views along with chances to see wildlife.  The elevation gain of 1,975 feet (602 m) travels through forests and looks out of over the lake.

Truful Truful Trail

This short but moderate-rated loop only covers a distance of 0.8 miles (1.3 km) and an elevation gain of 108 feet (32.9 m).  Although the forest features a variety of vegation and possible wildlife sightings, the highlight is the Truful Truful waterfall.

Llaima Volcano Summit Trail

This is a 8.8 mile ( km) trek up the volcano with an elevation gain of 5,941 feet ( m).  It is rated difficult, however, the journey is worth it.  You will summit one of Chile's largest and most active volcanoes with beautiful panoramic views of the lake and surrounding landscape.  It takes about 9 hours to complete.

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Park Protection

Conguillio National Park was created to protect the pristine wilderness, astounding landscapes, and the diversity of both the wildlife and vegetation.    The ecological area has been declared a Biosphere Reserved by UNESCO highlighting the significance of the region.