Introduction

The Reserva Nacional Laguna Torca is a protected area located in the commune of Vichuquen, and it is divided into two sections. The first is the north-eastern shore of the lake Laguna Torca, and the second is the sector Bosques de Llico.

The area by the lake allows for conservation of a special ecosystem with a great variety of bird life, whilst the sector Bosques de Llico is known to be a forest of exotic species of tree that were planted here more than a hundred years ago, including famous pine, eucalyptus and acacia trees. The main purpose of the forest was to stop the sand dunes from advancing.

This forestation project was an imitation of the successful case of the village Chanco, where at the end of the 19th century the German botanist Federico Albert planted a large forest with the same objective of conserving the area which is now known as Reserval Nacional Federico Albert. Over the years Conaf has taken charge of conserving this exotic forest whilst reintroducing native species at the same time. Among these native species the most successful have been the boldo, maqui and luma which have also been found growing naturally in the reserve. Furthermore, specimens of ruil or southern beech (nothofagus alesandrii), one of the most endangered and rarest Chilean trees, have also been reintroduced, as well as Chile cocopalms (jubae chilensis) which are almost extinct in the VII region.

The route El Árbol Gigante (lit. the Giant Tree) is known as such because of the hundred year old eucalyptus tree which has reach enormous proportions.

Appropriate season

All year around.

Access

The reserve is accessible from the town of Curicó. See here how to get to Curicó.

Private Transport

From Curicó follow the route J-60 west to the village of Licantén. From here continue towards Lago Vichuquén, and you will need to continue to the opposite side of the lake via its southern shore. Once you reach the end of the lake you will come to an intersection: the road to the left (west) leads to the village of Llico; the road straight on (north) continues to Boyeruca; and the road to the right (east) goes to Laguna Torca. Take the first option and turn left and continue towards Llico. From the crossing continue for 1km along a dirt road until you reach a turning to the Reserva Nacional Laguna Torca. To reach the reserve you will have to continue along a narrow dirt road off the road leading to Llico. Before entering the reserve, you will cross a wooden bridge which sometimes can be closed to vehicle access due to its poor condition. If this is the case you have two options:

• Park your car on the edge of the road before the bridge, and cross the bridge on foot to the reserve.
• Return to the crossroads at the end of the lake Lago Vichuquén and take the dirt road leading to Boyeruca. After approx. 3km there is a turning to the left (south) which descends and enters the park via a different entrance.

In total it is 122km from Curicó to the reserve.

Public Transport

Take one of the frequent buses from Curicó to Licantén and from Licantén take another bus to Llico. It is also possible to find direct buses from Curicó to Llico. For more information on timetables and prices call one of the following bus companies: Buses Díaz: (56-75) 2311905 or Buses Bravo: (56-75) 2312193.

Permits / Prices

The reserve is open all year round. In summer it is open from 8:30 to 20:00 and in winter from 8:30 to 17:30.

The entry fees to the reserve are as follows: Chilean adult CLP$2000 (approx. US$4), foreign adult CLP$3500 (approx. US$6), foreign and Chilean children CLP$600 (approx. US$1).

Accommodation / Facilities

There is a campsite run by Conaf by the start of the route. It costs CLP$3000 (approx. USD$6) per adult per day and CLP$600 (approx. USD$1) per child per day.

Recommendations

• To make the most of your visit, it is worth visiting the route El Pajonal which is located beside Laguna Torca and very close the Árbol Gigante.
• You will only find drinking water in the campsite. There is no water available along the route.
• Be on the lookout when crossing the bridge leading to the reserve entrance. From here you will able to see a great variety of fauna, especially birds. 

Gear

• Light trekking boots or trainers

Schedule

1. Curicó – Árbol Gigante - Curicó