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Touring around

Discover Araucanía: a circuit from Temuco that combines nature, hot springs, and mountain landscapes.

There are different itineraries to follow near the large city of Temuco that allow you to discover the attractions of the Araucanía Region. One of the most recommended options is the road to Curacautín and Lonquimay, where you can enjoy spectacular natural scenery with national parks and reserves, hot springs, valleys, and volcanoes of rugged beauty.

The route begins by leaving the city on Route 5 heading north, towards the Pino Hachado international pass. After passing through the towns of Lautaro and Curacautín, you must continue for another 17 kilometers to reach the Manzanar hot springs. This complex, with decades of history, has outdoor pools, thermal baths, and basic accommodation services, and continues to be a place for rest and recreation throughout the year. Visitors can go on various excursions, such as hiking, horseback riding,sport fishing, enjoying the natural surroundings.

It is difficult to continue with the itinerary after spending a good while enjoying this paradisiacal place, but the idea is to discover more corners of the region. Among the natural attractions of the route are the imposing Malleco Waterfall and other places of great scenic beauty, surrounded by lush vegetation.

A little further on, following Route 181, is the Malalcahuello Thermal Hotel & Spa. Located 115 kilometers from Temuco and 63 kilometers from Curacautín, this complex is recognized as one of the best thermal centers in Chile. In addition to its natural surroundings, Malalcahuello offers swimming pools, steam baths, hot springs, beauty treatments, fine dining, and first-class accommodations, all amid a landscape dominated by ancient araucaria trees and views of the Lonquimay volcano.

Volcanoes, Lagoons, and Valleys

On the other side of Route 181 lies the Malalcahuello-Nalcas National Reserve, which can be reached by a paved road. Within a lush area of approximately 31,000 hectares are the Lonquimay volcano, 2,820 meters high, where there is a ski center, and Tolhuaca, located to the north of the protected area, at 2,806 meters, towering over the Arenal, La Plancha, and Las Raíces hills. The high Andean forest covers the slopes with araucaria, lenga, coihue, oak, and raulí trees, which are home to pumas, foxes, chillas, culpeos, choroy, black woodpeckers, and owls, among other examples of native fauna.

Before reaching Lonquimay, the road passes through the historic Las Raíces Tunnel, located at 1,010 meters above sea level. Built in 1929 and measuring 4,538 meters in length, it remains the longest tunnel in Chile and one of the country´s most remarkable engineering works.

Leaving Sierra Nevada behind, at kilometer 51, the route joins another road that leads to the Gualletué and Icalma lagoons via the La Fusta hill. Gualletué, located in the middle of an extensive pampa, has beaches suitable for swimming and water sports, as well as horseback riding in the surrounding area. The road continues to the Icalma lagoon, which is of unparalleled scenic beauty, with camping area, rural accommodation, and ideal spots for sport fishing and relaxation.

Following the road along the shore, you will reach Melipeuco, a charming village with cabins and inns offering southern hospitality, located about 40 kilometers from Icalma. From this point, continue to Cunco, the last town returning to Temuco, thus completing a circuit that combines nature, history, and local culture.

See also: Hotels in Temuco and other accommodation venues