Introduction

Parque Nacional Huerquehue is located in the Araucanía Region of Chile, in the communes of Cunco and Pucón and was created in 1967. This protected area is an excellent place to visit for those who find themselves near Lake Villarrica, as it is possible to see beautiful scenery and a large number of Araucaria, one of the most typical species of flora in the region.

This route crosses the Parque Nacional Huerquehue south to northeast or vice versa depending on where you start the route. It connects the sector Lago Tinquilco with that of Rio Blanco, and leads through forests of araucaria, lenga and ñirre among other species; as well as past lakes and rivers which in some cases form beautiful waterfalls like Nido de Águila. Whatsmore, in Río Blanco there are natural thermal springs where you can bathe in the hot water after a long day’s walking.

The word “huerquén” is from the indigenous language Mapudungun and means “messenger” in English, and hence Huerquehue is the “place of the messengers”.

The route described here starts at the southern entrance to the Parque Nacional Huerquehue.

Appropriate season

The best time of year to visit this trail is between December and March, where there is no snow on the higher parts of the circuit. In winter, to ensure the safety of visitors, Conaf restricts access to the route. It is recommended that you ask the park administrator directly if you wish to visit during the winter months: John Ruminot email:[email protected], mobile number: +56 9 61574089.

Access

Starting from Lago Tinquilco

Reaching Parque Nacional Huerquehue

Private Transport

From Temuco, the capital of the region, drive for 35km heading south along the Panamerican highway (route 5 – south) until you come to the intersection with route 199. Follow this second road heading east towards Pucón (a further 80km). This village offers a range of services and facilities.

From Pucón, follow the asphalt road toward Lago Caburgua. A little before reaching the lake, follow the turning to the northeast (right) to Paillaco, Huerquehue and Lago Tinquilco. When you reach Lago Tinquilco, continue for another 2m until you enter the Parque Nacional Huerquehue where you will have to pay the park entrance fee. The route is paved until Caburgua and then it is gravelled and is drivable all year round. Continue by car until you arrive at the car park located beside the picnic area at Lago Tinquilco.

Public Transport

In the town of Pucón, go to Caburgua bus terminal (Calle Uruguay N°540). The buses to the park depart from here at 8:30, 13:00, 16:00 and 18:20. The buses depart from the park to return to Pucón at 9:30, 14:10, 17:10 and 19:30. A one-way ticket costs CLP$2000 (approx. USD$4) and a return ticket costs CLP$3600 (approx. USD$7).

Starting from Río Blanco

The closest town is Pucón, see here how to get here. From the commune of Pucón follow route C-199 towards the village of Curarrehue. After 39km you will reach the village and continue on route S-965 leading northeast via a gravel road in good condition. It is another 67km to the sector of the thermal springs of Río Blanco, where the route begins. See here for more details regarding this first option.

A second option is to follow route 199 from Pucón towards Villarrica. Once in the town of Villarrica, continue on route S-69 heading north. Follow the road until you come to the end, where you should join route S-61 leading east until arriving at the village Cunco. From here, follow route S-75 southwards until you come to the thermal springs of Río Blanco. See here for more details regarding this second option.

There is no public transport for this route.

Permits / Prices

The Parque Nacional Huerquehue is open all year round. In summer it opens at 8:30 and closes at 20:00. In winter it is open from 8:30 to 18:00. You will have to pay an entrance fee and if you stay the night inside the park you will have to pay that fee separately. Costs below are per person and are from the season 2015-2016.

Prices:

Peak Season (November to March)

• Chilean adult CLP$3000 (approx. USD$4)
• Non-Chilean adult CLP$5000 (approx. USD$7)
• Disabled adult CLP$1500 (approx. USD$2)
• Disabled child free
• Chilean child 6 to 18 years old CLP$1500 (approx. USD$2)
• Non-Chilean child 6 to 18 years old CLP$3000 (approx. USD$4)
• Chilean senior citizen CLP$1500 (approx. USD$2)
• Non-Chilean senior citizen CLP$5000 (approx. USD$7)

Low Season (April to October)

• Chilean adult CLP$1500 (approx. USD$2)
• Non-Chilean adult CLP$2500 (approx. USD$4)
• Disabled adult CLP$1000 (approx. USD$2)
• Disabled child free
• Chilean child 6 to 18 years old CLP$1000 (approx. USD$2)
• Non-Chilean child 6 to 18 years old CLP$1500 (approx. USD$2)
• Chilean senior citizen CLP$1000 (approx. USD$2)
• Non-Chilean senior citizen CLP$2500 (approx. USD$4)
• Renahue Campsite
• Chilean CLP$15000 (approx. USD$22)
• Non-Chilean CLP$18000 (approx. USD$25)

On the other hand, if you enter the park from the north via Río Blanco you don’t pay the entrance fee to the Parque Nacional Huerquehue or the stay in Renahue Campsite.

Accommodation / Facilities

There are various private places to camp in the sector Lago Tinquilco. In the park there is only one campsite run by Conaf, and there are no toilets. In the Conaf administration offices you will find toilets and mobile phone signal.

In the sector of Río Blanco you will find the San Sebastián thermal springs and the Ecotermas Río Blanco. Here there are a range of accommodation available including cabins and campsites.

Recommendations

• Pets are not permitted in the park.
• Do not light fires in the park, only gas stoves are allowed for cooking.
• Check the weather forecast before starting.
• You will find drinking water in various streams and rivers that you will cross along the route, but ensure that you take at least 1 litre per person.
• Even though the route described here begins at the southern entrance to the park, remember that if you start from Río Blanco you will not have to pay the entrance fee to the national park or to camp in Renahue. However, as much as this makes starting from the north more appealing, take into account that there is no public transport to Río Blanco.
• There are various other options within this semi-circuit. It is recommended that you check the GPS track and the route description to see which option is the best for you.

Gear

• Camping equipment (tent, sleeping bag, stove and cooking set, mat)
• Head torch
• Trekking boots
• Windbreaker/warm clothing
• Sun hat and sun protection
• Basic first-aid kit

Schedule

Normal Itinerary

1. Pucón – Camping Renahue
2. Camping Renahue – Termas Río Blanco – Camping Renahue
3. Camping Renahue – Pucón

Relaxed itinerary, which allows you to enjoy the thermal springs in Río Blanco and return to the campsite without having to hurry.

Alternative Itinerary

1. Pucón – Camping Renahue
2. Camping Renahue – Termas Río Blanco – Pucón

A somewhat demanding itinerary which does not allow for much time to enjoy the thermal springs as you will have to return to Pucón or the start of the route in the same.