
Huerquehue Los Lagos Trail
Explore ancient forests, serene lakes, and volcanic landscapes on the stunning trails of Huerquehue National Park.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light & fewer crowds

Huerquehue Los Lagos Trail
Best Time
Best light & fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore ancient forests, serene lakes, and volcanic landscapes on the stunning trails of Huerquehue National Park.
"Hiking among the monkey puzzle trees was an experience of a lifetime!"

🎯 Book Tickets in Advance
Entry passes are mandatory and must be purchased online at www.pasesparques.cl. No walk-ins allowed!
🥾 Bring Hiking Poles
Essential for navigating muddy, steep, and root-covered trails. Abandoned sticks are sometimes available.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Laguna Verde
Los Lagos Trail
A stunning emerald lake, perfect for a magical lunch break with potential solitude.

Monkey Puzzle Trees
Throughout the park
Hike among ancient, unique Araucaria trees for an unforgettable, prehistoric forest experience.

Volcano Views
Los Lagos Trail
Enjoy breathtaking vistas of surrounding volcanoes as you traverse the scenic hiking routes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Entry Pass Online
Prepare for Muddy Trails & Snow
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tickets in Advance
Entry passes are mandatory and must be purchased online at www.pasesparques.cl. No walk-ins allowed!
🥾 Bring Hiking Poles
Essential for navigating muddy, steep, and root-covered trails. Abandoned sticks are sometimes available.
🏕️ Camp for Early Access
Camping in the park allows you to start hikes before tour buses arrive, offering a more serene experience.
🚗 Be Prepared for Dirt Roads
The last 8km to the park are unpaved and can be challenging in wet weather.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tickets in Advance
Entry passes are mandatory and must be purchased online at www.pasesparques.cl. No walk-ins allowed!
🥾 Bring Hiking Poles
Essential for navigating muddy, steep, and root-covered trails. Abandoned sticks are sometimes available.
🏕️ Camp for Early Access
Camping in the park allows you to start hikes before tour buses arrive, offering a more serene experience.
🚗 Be Prepared for Dirt Roads
The last 8km to the park are unpaved and can be challenging in wet weather.
🧥 Check Weather & Conditions
Trails can have significant snow and ice, especially in winter. Crampons may be needed.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Huerquehue National Park for its magical scenery, unique ancient forests, and beautiful lakes, particularly Laguna Verde. The well-marked trails offer a rewarding hiking experience, though many note the challenging muddy and snowy conditions, especially in certain seasons. Advance online booking is essential, and hiking poles are highly recommended.
"The road becomes dirt and gravel for the last 8km. I was able to do it in a crappy Chinese car, so not a big deal but it might be tough in wet weather.
Hiking trails to the falls were very muddy and partially covered in melting snow. It's mostly a forest trail without a ton of great views, but still peaceful.
The ranger at the entry gate was nice and kind and patiently explained the trail conditions to me in a language I pretended to understand."
Nathan Jones
"A wonderful experience from start to finish. They did have one English speaking ranger at the entrance who checked us in and was able to give us the hiking options in the park. All the trails are well marked and easy to follow. We hiked the Los Lagos trail and there were excellent bathroom facilities in the beginning of the trail. Hiking among the monkey puzzle trees was an experience of a lifetime!"
Emily Feldkamp
"Very good hiking to the 3 lakes. A lot of steep uphill at the start and then steep downhill at the end through twisty roots. Hiking poles recommended, or pick up some of the abandoned hiking sticks near the start if you are lucky enough to find some. Make sure to buy your entry passes a couple of days in advance: you won't get in if you go there without, and it is a long way there."
John Chinneck
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Huerquehue National Park is located about 30 minutes from Pucón. The final 8 kilometers of the road are unpaved and can be rough, especially in wet conditions. Many visitors drive, but be prepared for a dirt and gravel surface.
While not explicitly detailed in the provided content, it's common for national parks in Chile to have limited public transport options. It's advisable to check local bus schedules or consider organized tours from Pucón if you don't have a car.
The road becomes dirt and gravel for the last 8 kilometers. While manageable in a standard car in good weather, it might be challenging in wet conditions.
Many tour operators in Pucón offer excursions to Huerquehue National Park, which can be a convenient option if you prefer not to drive or navigate the unpaved roads yourself.
The Los Lagos Trail is one of the main routes within Huerquehue National Park. Once you've entered the park and paid your entrance fee, follow the well-marked signs to the trailhead.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You must purchase your entry passes online in advance through the official website www.pasesparques.cl. It's recommended to do this a couple of days before your visit as walk-ins are not permitted.
No, you cannot buy tickets at the park entrance. All visitors must have pre-purchased their entry passes online via www.pasesparques.cl to be granted access.
Specific park hours are not detailed, but it's generally advisable to plan your visit during daylight hours for hiking. Check the official park website or www.pasesparques.cl for any operational information.
Yes, there is an entrance fee, and it must be paid online in advance. Ensure you have your confirmed booking before arriving at the park.
If you arrive without a pre-booked entry pass, you will not be allowed to enter the park. This is a strict policy to manage visitor numbers.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The Los Lagos Trail is a medium-difficulty hike, approximately 6-7 hours long with about 700m of elevation gain. It features volcano views, lakes, and waterfalls. The trail can be muddy, rocky, and root-covered.
Yes, all the trails in Huerquehue National Park are well-marked and easy to follow, making navigation straightforward for visitors.
You can expect to see beautiful lakes like Laguna Verde and Laguna Toro, ancient monkey puzzle trees, and potentially volcano views. The scenery is described as magical and peaceful.
Yes, there are excellent bathroom facilities available at the beginning of the Los Lagos Trail.
Winter hiking is possible but can be challenging due to significant snow and ice on steep inclines, along with mud. Hiking poles and potentially crampons are recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
Laguna Verde is a highlight for photography, offering serene reflections and vibrant colors. The ancient monkey puzzle trees also provide unique photographic opportunities. Look for scenic viewpoints along the Los Lagos Trail.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. This also coincides with fewer crowds.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes and ancient trees. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections on the lakes. Consider a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions or long exposures.
Drone regulations can vary in national parks. It's best to check the official park regulations or inquire with park staff upon arrival to ensure compliance and avoid any issues.
To capture the scale of the monkey puzzle trees, try including a person in the frame for reference or use a wide-angle lens to emphasize their height and unique shapes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Emphasize the unique monkey puzzle trees as a point of interest for kids, making the hike feel like an adventure into a prehistoric world. The lakes, like Laguna Verde, can be a fun destination for a picnic. Ensure children are equipped with appropriate footwear, and consider bringing snacks and plenty of water. If visiting during seasons with snow or mud, be extra cautious and prepared for slippery conditions.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
Be prepared for varying trail conditions, especially mud and snow, and always carry essentials like water, snacks, and a first-aid kit. Hiking poles are highly recommended for navigating the terrain safely. The park's natural beauty, from the ancient forests to the serene lakes, provides a peaceful and inspiring environment for solo exploration.
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
Ensure you have your park entry passes booked online before you set off, as there are no on-site ticket sales. This will save you time and potential disappointment. The park offers a beautiful contrast to other attractions in the region, with its ancient forests and pristine lakes, making it a memorable stop on your journey.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Los Lagos Trail Experience
Key highlights along the Los Lagos Trail include Laguna Verde, a particularly picturesque lake often described as magical and a perfect spot for a break. You'll also hike amongst the ancient and distinctive monkey puzzle trees (Araucaria araucana), a truly unique experience. The trail also offers glimpses of surrounding volcanoes, adding to the dramatic landscape. Be prepared for steep ascents and descents, often involving navigating through twisty roots.
Given the trail's conditions, hiking poles are highly recommended to help with balance and reduce strain on your knees, especially on the muddy and steep sections. Some visitors have noted finding abandoned hiking sticks near the trailhead, but it's best to come prepared. The park also provides excellent bathroom facilities at the start of the trail.
Navigating Trail Conditions and Weather
Due to these conditions, hiking poles are strongly advised by many visitors. Some reviews even suggest that crampons might be necessary during winter or early spring months when snow and ice are prevalent. While the park has beautiful forest trails, the lack of prior warning about extreme conditions on their website was a point of frustration for some. It's recommended to check recent visitor reports or contact the park for the most up-to-date information on trail status before your visit.
Even with challenging conditions, the unique experience of hiking through snow-covered landscapes or navigating muddy paths can be rewarding. The park's natural beauty, including its ancient forests and serene lakes, offers a memorable adventure regardless of the weather. Being prepared with appropriate footwear and gear will significantly enhance your experience.
The Importance of Advance Booking
This online booking system is in place to manage visitor numbers and ensure a smoother experience for everyone. It's recommended to secure your passes a few days prior to your intended visit, as popular dates or times can fill up. The drive to the park can be lengthy, making it particularly disappointing to arrive only to be turned away due to a lack of a reservation.
While some national parks might have on-site ticket sales, Huerquehue strictly adheres to its online pre-purchase policy. This proactive approach to ticketing helps preserve the park's natural environment and ensures a more organized visitor flow, allowing you to focus on enjoying the stunning scenery rather than dealing with entry hassles.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit