Audio Guide of Huerquehue National Park

The park usually operates from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., but access to the trails closes at 2:00 p.m. (don’t be late!). From Pucón, you can take buses departing from the rural terminal or drive about 35 km toward Lake Caburgua; always check alerts on CONAF before you leave.

Fees range from 4,000 to 8,000 CLP for Chilean and foreign adults respectively, while children and seniors receive discounts. Note: you must buy your ticket *online* in advance at ASP Ticket, as physical tickets are not sold at the entrance gate.

If you want to hike the main trail, 'The Lakes,' set aside a full day; the walk takes between 5 and 7 hours round trip at a good pace. If you only plan to visit the lower viewpoints or have a picnic, 3 hours might be enough, but you would miss the magic of the monkey puzzle trees.

Huerquehue, which in Mapudungun means 'Place of Messengers,' is a biodiversity sanctuary that protects ancient monkey puzzle forests, true living fossils. Its importance lies in preserving this unique ecosystem and its glacial lakes (Chico, Toro, and Verde) suspended in the mountains.

Summer (December to March) is the safest time for clear trails and pleasant weather, ideal for swimming in the permitted lakes. However, autumn (April-May) offers an incredible visual spectacle when the lenga forests turn deep red, although you should dress more warmly.

To be honest, accessibility is very limited due to the mountainous terrain and steep trails full of roots. Only the areas right near the entrance and lower picnic zones may be passable, but not the main trails leading to the lakes.

You are in a privileged area of hot springs; you can relax at the famous Geometric Hot Springs or Huife Hot Springs after your trek. It is also worth visiting White Beach on Lake Caburgua or the Ojos del Caburgua for spectacular photos.

Wear proper trekking shoes (not canvas sneakers), bring hiking poles to protect your knees on the descent, and carry at least 2 liters of water. Do not count on cell service up there; download your maps and our IAudioguia audio guide before passing the entrance.