Things to do & places to visit in Araucania Region, Chile

Araucania Region #8 destination in Chile 2023. The average rating score is 4.31 based on 18.7k traveler reviews, of 220 attractions. Timezone: America/Santiago, current date and time: Sunday, May 05, 2024, 0:15.

Top things to do (30)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Reserva Nacional Malalcahuello - Nalcas (188 reviews)
- Malalcahuello walks
Nature & Wildlife Areas

I really liked the Piedra Santa walk, which is easily accessible from the main road just 500m outside Malalcahuello town, buses can drop you off and take you back on there. The walk is 7km each way, takes about 5-6 hours total, going through pretty arauracia forest and on the top you have great views on several volcanoes. It is not a very busy walk so you may be by yourself. I also did the short Crater de Navidad, 1.5-2 hours, but here you need your own transport or a tour. This one leads through dark lava landscape up to the crater top. I recommend taking walking poles as getting up the unstable surface can be challenging. See more..
5.0 Parque Nacional Nahuelbuta (65 reviews)
- Charming Place
National Parks

It is a charming place, where the native species of trees such as araucaria and birds are preserved, while you go all over the park you can do trekkking, picnic, or go watch the sunset at the stone lookout of el aguila which offers a unique view, where yes or if you have to take pictures and pick up the trails with their unique vegetation. It is a paronama for the family friends or lovers of nature. The entrance to the park costs 1500CLP and has tourist guides. See more..
5.0 Parque Nacional Tolhuaca (49 reviews)
- A natural paradise.
National Parks

Wonderful place, full of passages, places to explore and discover, has all the magic the south of Chile, lush and beautiful places where the days fly, never a dull moment in this splendid park, 100% recommended. See more..
5.0 Rutas Australes (47 reviews)
- Great Chilean Volcano Ski Expedition
Sunday: Canyoning & Rappelling Tours • Ski & Snow Tours • Climbing Tours • Hiking Trails • Nature & Wildlife Tours

This was a dream trip for me, as I have always wanted to ski the beautiful volcanos of southern Chile. Rutas Australes and my guide Nico made it easy and fun. From my first contact through the last day of the expedition, everything was arranged and communicated clearly. Nico went out of his way to ensure my safety, comfort and enjoyment, whether that meant chasing down my lost skis, finding me an emergency dental appointment, or recommending routes and alternatives in each day's adventure. He was exceptionally competent as a mountain guide, but also very well-versed in the natural and cultural history of Chile. Finally he was just a great guy to hang out with, whether downing post-ski beers or enjoying a performance of la Cueca, the national dance of Chile. I would most strongly recommend Nico and Rutas Australes for any Chilean expedition. See more..
5.0 Centro Ecuestre San Pedro (35 reviews)
- Perfect
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Horseback Riding Tours

SAN PEDRO Equestrian Center HORSE BACKRIDING: in the Andean native forest trails, private natural park, great views from the volcanoes: Lanin, Quinquilil, Quetrupillán and Villarrica also Curarrehue Valley Duration: -1 and a half hours -2 and a half hours -3 and a half hours -5 hours, full day with picnic Small groups, attended by its owners. Includes, equipment (Chaps and helmet) RIDING LESSONS: For adults and children from 5 years jumping pony / horse, care and handling. Duration: One and a half hours (1 1/2hrs) - BED AND BREAKFAST AT THE BARN (satelital tv, WiFi, parking, picnic area ) - Hot tub See more..
4.5 Termas Geometricas (2.684 reviews)
- Worth the money and the trip!
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM Hot Springs & Geysers

Twenty-one slate covered pools with hot and cold thermal water in Chile's lake district. See more..
4.5 Volcan Villarica (2.432 reviews)
- Wonderful
Spent More than 3 hours Volcanos

You can see the red magma (molten rock) at the top of this still active volcano. See more..
4.5 Huerquehue National Park (1.461 reviews)
- Cerro San Sebastián hike
Sunday: 8:30 AM - 8:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours National Parks

This was a phenomenal day of hiking and really easy to get to and from from Pucon. The 8:30 AM bus from the Bus Caburgua station right across from theJAC station was easy and convenient. Just get a ticket at the booth before getting on the bus. It is 7000 pesos for foreigners to get into the park and the trail is generally very well marked. If in doubt just download the maps.me app before hand. 5 PM return bus was right on time and without having to hurry you will be able to complete the hike. If it is wet you might want a hiking pole as there are a few sections that can be steep and slippery. Otherwise the trail is good with just a few places of moderate hand scrambling. See more..
4.5 Plaza de Armas de Pucon (793 reviews)
- An excellent walking tour.
Points of Interest & Landmarks

In the Oficina de Informaciones we noticed that there was a free walking tour of Pucon starting in the Plaza de Armas. We showed up at the appointed hour and joined a small group hosted by Javier Kaltwasser. He proceeded to guide us through the park, then the lakefront, relating the history and landmarks of the town and the region. His English is excellent, and his local knowledge is very deep. On the walk, you will learn the best places for sunsets, town vistas, best hot springs, recommended bars and restaurants, and much more. Of course, a tip is expected at the conclusion, but Javier's commentary is well worth it. See more..
4.5 Monumento Natural Cerro Ñielol (528 reviews)
- Best of Temuco
National Parks

This is not just a hill with a lookout. It is a protected natural monument and preserves the original forest of the area with all its flora and fauna. The effect of being in the noisy Temuco downtown and 3 minutes walking distance encounter this pristine-looking forest is incredible. The way up can be done by foot very easily. It is a paved well kept tinny road that winds gently and is quite scenic. There are pedestrian-only footpaths as well. Near the top (you will reach it in around 15 -20 minutes walking in slow peace) you have an environmental info center. 4 lookouts (2 of them are tricky to find), a restaurant and a mapuche ceremonial place (la patagua) that is nice to see. See more..
4.5 Lago Villarrica (342 reviews)
- Beautiful!
Bodies of Water

If you walk down Av .O'Higgins (the main avenue in Pucon) you should arrive at a body of water by the name of "La Poza", not Lago Villarica (check the maps)! Lago Villarica itself can be reached by walking along the waterfront of La Poza. Regardless, be sure to check out both lakes!!! Whatever their names, they´re both amazing! Visit Lago Villarica at the sunset for great views! See more..
4.5 Museo Nacional Ferrioviario Pablo Neruda Temuco (274 reviews)
- Great collection of vintage trains
Speciality Museums

We didn't know what to expect and were delighted with the vintage trains, the roundhouse,the history, and the small museum. See more..
4.5 Lake Villarrica (253 reviews)
- Sustainable Fishing in Tolten River
Bodies of Water

If you like fishing, this is a must in Villarrica. You can rent a boat and have a nice 3 hour trip down the Tolten River where you can have a nice, relaxing and sustainable (catch and release) fishing with Julián Jimenez. Some tips: - Best season is around late December or early January. - Go equipped with some sandwiches and sodas. - Wear a hat and sunscreen. See more..
4.5 Conguillio National Park (243 reviews)
- Gorgeous and otherworldly
National Parks

Even though it is the most visited trail, you absolutely must hike the 7 mi. (roundtrip) Sendero Sierra Nevada. It truly is a moderate hike, with a steady, gradual climb most of the way. The views are spectacular, and the variety and uniqueness of the plants and trees are awesome. We had to park in the extra parking lot when we arrived about noon, but we hardly felt the presence of other hikers. It was really special. We are fit 60-somethings, and it took us 4 hrs of hiking total, and spent about 30 minutes at the top having lunch and enjoying the views. The desolation from previous volcanic eruptions was freaky looking as you drive through the park. So unique! See more..
4.5 Santuario el Cañi (219 reviews)
- Challenging hike with a beautiful reward despite poor lakes in summer...
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM National Parks

Si Es Posible, Incluyan Este Santuario De La Naturaleza, Es Un Lugar Soñado, Ideal Para La Gente Que Gusta Del Montañismo See more..
4.5 Estadio German Becker (197 reviews)
- Family
Arenas & Stadiums

Good place to visit for an afternoon to let the kids play in the large park area or to stroll through the walkways. They are currently working on the duck/ geese area improving it which is nice as well for the kids to see. See more..
4.5 Lago Calafquen (187 reviews)
- Picturesque Lake Without the Touristy Crowds
Bodies of Water

Having stayed in touristy and commercialized Pucon for six days, Lican Ray was a breath of fresh air. I was there in April, in between the summer and skiing seasons so the town was practically empty but the weather was warm enough for sunbathing on the volcanic beaches in Lican Ray off the Calafquèn Lake. There are two beaches in the town - Playa Grande and Playa Chico - and both are pretty in their own rights. To get to Lican Ray from Pucon, take the JAC bus (30 mins) to Villarica and then change to any bus headed to Coñaripe (another 30 mins). The bus terminals in Villarica are all located along the same street. Tip: Go during the off-peak season of April for warm sunshine and zero tourists. See more..
4.5 Salto El Leon (183 reviews)
- Nice place to visit
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Waterfalls

You can visit together 3 saltos: Palguin, Leon, La china which are very close to each other. Great place to take pictures and easy to get to. See more..
4.5 Parque Nacional Villarrica (117 reviews)
- Spectacular volcano in this park
Spent More than 3 hours National Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas

The volcano dominates the landscape for miles around but a visit highlights the lava flows and the terrain which is bolcanic tovk. Spectacular views of Lake Villaricca abound on the heights. The area is being developed as noted with all the building activity on the road up to the mountain witb condos being built for milez on bogh sides of the road. See more..
4.5 Chocolateria Norweisser (111 reviews)
- Great chocolate and lots of variety
Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

Excelente chocolate of almost any kind! Perfect as a gift or just to enjoy yourself. You choose, you weight and you pay, or you chose an already prepared box! Absolutely recommended!! See more..
4.5 Tres Saltos (87 reviews)
- Beautiful !!
Sunday: 10:30 AM - 8:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Waterfalls

Walked the three waterfalls and stopped off at the amazing cafe run by a wonderful lady and her Swiss husband. Very enjoyable and doable See more..
4.5 Feria Pinto (86 reviews)
- Great place to get local experience.
Spent < 1 hour Farmers Markets

Wonderful market selling local produce, meat, spices and flowers. All the colors, smells, and tastes that this market provides is a great way to get a feel for the local culture. See more..
4.5 Parque Cuevas Volcánicas (74 reviews)
- Fascinating
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM Caverns & Caves • Volcanos

Friendly, helpful and knowledgeable guide. September is the low season and we had the guide to ourselves, making the guided tour very special. See more..
4.5 Salto de la Princesa (73 reviews)
- nice waterfall just off the road
Spent < 1 hour Waterfalls

It was an easy stroll to the waterfall. the waterfall was very nice. A good way to end the day after a lot of hiking in the area. See more..
4.5 Salto La China (70 reviews)
- Great waterfalls
Waterfalls

This is privately owned and awesome, if a little hard to find. The walk is easy and short, in a peaceful setting See more..
4.5 Sidreria Los Toneles (66 reviews)
- Nice pub environment, Chilean cider
Sunday: Spent 1-2 hours Bars & Clubs

This is a nice, casual environment for chatting with friends. Good service, good cider, good Chilean-style pub food. The prices are very good also. The entrance is into a patio / walkway off the street first, then you will find doors leading into the pub. This place came on the recommendation of locals two years ago on my first visit to Temuco, and I go back every time I’m in town. It is a consistent experience. Definitely would recommend. See more..
4.5 Parque Salto del Claro (59 reviews)
- Beautiful falls!!!
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Parks

Short steep and slippery hike! Just don’t wear flip flops like we did ha ha! Not far from Pucón about 15 minutes. Was a little worried taking my small rental car on the dirt road and nervous squeezing by cars going other way but really not bad. See more..
4.5 Centro Turistico Yukatan (47 reviews)
- Muy buen lugar!
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Beach & Pool Clubs

El lugar me pareció increíble!
Las instalaciones muy buenas y cómodas.
La naturaleza exuberante... Bosque, grandes árboles, río. See more..
4.0 Ojos del Caburga (2.558 reviews)
- Crowded but amazing blue lakes
Waterfalls

There are 2 possible entrances, both on private land, to see the waterfalls from. The person at the hotel highly suggested we take the 2nd entrance, or christo. It involved a walk of 2 km on a ripio road, so you are about suffocated by dust by the time you arrive. However, with a bit op patience as the viewing platforms are not that large, one get to see the small lake into which 4 waterfalls fall, from several different angles. The waterfalls are not that large, but having 4 in one tiny lake, is impressive. And the lake is an amazing blue, really fantastic. There are several walkways one can follow as well as a short walk in the woods along the river. The main attraction is a hotspot for selfies and photo shoots, certainly amongst the Chilean visitors, which detracts a bit from the natural beauty, certainly on days when it is crowded. See more..
4.0 Lake Caburga (1.008 reviews)
- nice beaches
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Bodies of Water

the main beach is big and a bit crowded, better to walk to Playa Blanca which is smaller and nicer, also nice to walk by the lake, follow the locals See more..