El Cañi Sanctuary
Discover ancient Araucaria forests, serene lagoons, and breathtaking volcano views at El Cañi Sanctuary near Pucón.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
El Cañi Sanctuary
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover ancient Araucaria forests, serene lagoons, and breathtaking volcano views at El Cañi Sanctuary near Pucón.
"It was one of the beautiful places I've ever been in my life, the energy and power here is incredible amazing."
🎒 Book Online
Reserve your entrance tickets in advance via www.santuariocani.cl to secure your spot.
💧 Water Stations Available
Find drinking water points on the first half of the trail, so pack lighter!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ancient Araucaria Forests
Throughout the sanctuary
Wander through millennia-old forests of majestic Araucaria trees, a truly ancient and awe-inspiring sight.
Laguna Bella
Within the sanctuary
Discover the serene Laguna Bella, where ancient trees rest in the water, creating a unique and mystical landscape.
Summit Views
At the highest point of the hike
Reach the summit for breathtaking panoramic views of surrounding volcanoes and the vast Patagonian landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Timing is Key for Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎒 Book Online
Reserve your entrance tickets in advance via www.santuariocani.cl to secure your spot.
💧 Water Stations Available
Find drinking water points on the first half of the trail, so pack lighter!
🚶♀️ Hiking Poles Provided
Free hiking sticks or poles are available from park staff.
🚌 Easy Public Transport
Take the Alto Huife bus from Pucón for an affordable and convenient trip.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎒 Book Online
Reserve your entrance tickets in advance via www.santuariocani.cl to secure your spot.
💧 Water Stations Available
Find drinking water points on the first half of the trail, so pack lighter!
🚶♀️ Hiking Poles Provided
Free hiking sticks or poles are available from park staff.
🚌 Easy Public Transport
Take the Alto Huife bus from Pucón for an affordable and convenient trip.
🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The gravel descent can be slippery; good footwear is essential.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about El Cañi Sanctuary's breathtaking natural beauty, particularly its ancient Araucaria forests and stunning summit views. The well-maintained trails, helpful park staff, and accessible public transport are frequently praised. Some note the hike's steepness and the potential for slippery descents, advising proper footwear and pacing.
"A beautiful nature reserve. The rangers give you valuable advice and a commented map at the start of the hike. Plan a full day for the hike: the views at the top are amazing, and take time to enjoy the magnificent as true along the way."
Fred Garz
"Great hike up to the summit with spectacular views and nature. Easy to get bus from Carburgua bus station right to the park entrance and back home too. The park staff are friendly, have English maps and lend out free hiking sticks or poles. Note, there is drinking water half way up so you don't have to carry so much like we did."
Tim Traveler
"Nice hike in a peaceful woodland with birdsong, flowers, geckos and amazing trees. Nice views of araucaria and volcanos. Steep 4 hr climb and a slippery gravel descent where I sprained my ankle."
Debra Motherwell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach El Cañi Sanctuary by car, as the road is paved and there's parking available. Alternatively, take the Alto Huife bus from Pucón; it's an affordable round trip and buses run hourly.
Yes, the road leading to El Cañi Sanctuary is paved and accessible for all types of vehicles.
The bus fare from Pucón to El Cañi is approximately $1,700 CLP one way, or around $3,000 CLP for a round trip.
The sanctuary is located about 40 minutes from Pucón by car.
Yes, public buses like Alto Huife run regularly from Pucón to the sanctuary entrance, making it accessible without a personal vehicle.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for El Cañi Sanctuary is approximately $5,000 CLP.
It is highly recommended to book your tickets online in advance, especially during peak season, to guarantee entry.
Opening hours vary by season. In summer, entry is from 08:30 to 12:00, closing at 20:00. In winter, entry is from 08:30 to 11:00, closing at 18:00.
Yes, El Cañi Sanctuary is open daily, but operating hours differ between summer and winter seasons.
You can find detailed information about tickets and entry on the official website: www.santuariocani.cl.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The hike is described as steep, with a challenging 4-hour climb to the summit. However, it's very doable if you go at your own pace and take breaks. +1
The hike can take over 7 hours to complete for some visitors, so plan for a full day to enjoy the views and nature. +1
Expect to see ancient Araucaria trees, a peaceful woodland with birdsong, unique flora, and stunning views of volcanoes.
There are drinking water stations available halfway up the trail. Park staff also provide valuable advice and maps.
The views from the summit are spectacular, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape and volcanoes. +1
📸 📸 Photography
Late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour light for capturing the ancient forests and volcanic landscapes.
The ancient Araucaria forests, Laguna Bella with its resting trees, and the panoramic summit views are highly photogenic. +1
While not guaranteed, you might spot farm animals along the trails. The peaceful woodland also offers opportunities for bird photography.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast forests and landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for distant volcano shots.
Information regarding drone usage is not readily available, so it's best to check with park authorities before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the main hike to the summit is steep and may be challenging for very young children, there are shorter, more accessible paths within the lower forest areas that are perfect for a family stroll. 🚶 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Laguna Bella provides a unique, almost surreal scene with fallen trees in the water, perfect for capturing moody and atmospheric shots. The summit views are breathtaking, offering sweeping panoramas of volcanoes and the vast landscape, ideal for wide-angle lenses. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ancient Araucaria Forests
+1 The sheer scale and age of these trees are a testament to the sanctuary's natural preservation. Many visitors are struck by the 'living museum' aspect of the forest. You'll find fallen Araucarias that have been preserved in the unique ecosystem for hundreds of years, some even resting in the tranquil waters of Laguna Bella.
This creates a surreal and beautiful landscape, offering incredible photographic opportunities and a profound connection with nature's enduring power. The energy of this place is often described as incredible and amazing, living up to its name as a 'sanctuary.' Hiking El Cañi: Trails and Tips
Practical advice from hikers emphasizes the importance of sturdy footwear due to a slippery gravel descent.
Accessibility and Transportation
For those without a car, public transportation is a viable and affordable option. The Alto Huife bus service runs regularly from Pucón directly to the sanctuary entrance.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit