Conguillío National Park, in the Araucanía region, combines two things that make it unique: araucaria forests that can be over 1,000 years old, and a volcanic landscape shaped by the eruptions of Llaima Volcano, one of Chile's most active.
What to see inside the park
Laguna Verde and Lake Conguillío, both of volcanic origin, are surrounded by araucaria and coigüe forest, with short trails accessible to most visitors. The more demanding Sierra Nevada trail climbs to a lookout with views of the lake and Llaima Volcano in the background.
When to visit
In summer (December to March) the park is fully accessible and it's when most trails can be hiked. In winter, the Los Paraguas sector opens as a small-scale ski center, a lesser-known alternative to the larger ski resorts in central Chile.
