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Chile🇨🇱 | national parksHuerquehue National ParkSteep lake chain, Villarrica lookout, waterfalls, Pucón hike | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Huerquehue
👍 Recommendednational park ranked #9
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 19, 2026

Huerquehue is a hiking park with lakes at trail's end, not a drive-up lake resort, and the main path climbs steeply from the first minute. It sits in Chile's Araucanía Region, east of Pucón, near the Argentine border. Trails cross araucaria forest, pass a chain of lakes and open onto volcano views, though the lower stretch gets busy on summer weekends. Day-trippers cluster there because the first waterfalls and Lago Chico are close to the gate, so an experienced walker starts early and keeps going. I expected silence beyond the first lake. Instead, at Lago Toro, I heard only wind in the araucarias and a woodpecker, with nobody else around. Hikers who like climbing and quiet will love it; anyone wanting a flat lakeside picnic will not.

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #9 national park in ChileWhat makes it a must-see national park

Huerquehue National Park suits backpackers because everything works on foot and without a guide. One trailhead near Lago Tinquilco gives you a ready-made network, so you can improvise a day or an overnight at your own pace. The big draw is the sequence of lakes: Lago Chico, Lago Toro and Lago Verde arrive one after another, each wilder and emptier than the last. Past the waterfalls, the crowds thin quickly, and the trail rarely needs a guide because signage is clear. For longer stays, the Los Huerquenes sector and its small lakes reward people willing to carry a tent and camp on site. Also, araucaria trees, some centuries old, line the higher ridges, giving walkers a forest that looks nothing like the lowlands around Pucón.

💡 HighlightsDon't-miss highlights and experiences

  1. Lago Chico: The first lake on the main trail, reached after a steady climb, with calm water ringed by lenga and coigüe forest.
  2. Salto Nido de Águila: A waterfall just off the early trail, an easy stop for those with limited time.
  3. Salto Trufulco: A second cascade nearby, quieter than the eagle's nest falls and good in wet months.
  4. Lago Toro: A broader lake farther up, with a shoreline where you can sit and often hear only birds.
  5. Lago Verde: A smaller lake with greener, shallower water and a strong sense of seclusion.
  6. Mirador San Sebastián: A viewpoint high on the ridge, with sight lines toward Villarrica Volcano and the surrounding lakes.
  7. Araucaria forest: Stands of monkey-puzzle trees along the upper trail, with spiky silhouettes and thick, scaly bark.
  8. Lago Tinquilco: The lake at the park's entrance,
… read more 👉
  1. Lago Chico: The first lake on the main trail, reached after a steady climb, with calm water ringed by lenga and coigüe forest.
  2. Salto Nido de Águila: A waterfall just off the early trail, an easy stop for those with limited time.
  3. Salto Trufulco: A second cascade nearby, quieter than the eagle's nest falls and good in wet months.
  4. Lago Toro: A broader lake farther up, with a shoreline where you can sit and often hear only birds.
  5. Lago Verde: A smaller lake with greener, shallower water and a strong sense of seclusion.
  6. Mirador San Sebastián: A viewpoint high on the ridge, with sight lines toward Villarrica Volcano and the surrounding lakes.
  7. Araucaria forest: Stands of monkey-puzzle trees along the upper trail, with spiky silhouettes and thick, scaly bark.
  8. Lago Tinquilco: The lake at the park's entrance, a flat spot to rest before or after the climb.
Lago Toro and Lago Verde combine well in one day, since the short link between them adds little extra distance.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do near Huerquehue National Park

Villarrica Volcano ascent

Villarrica Volcano ascent

5.0(536)
From €172
per personViator
Guided Ascent to the Villarrica Volcano from Pucón

Guided Ascent to the Villarrica Volcano from Pucón

5.0(237)
From €195
per personViator
Villarrica Volcano Ascent - Zenit

Villarrica Volcano Ascent - Zenit

5.0(119) 9h
From €200
per personViator
Villarrica Volcano Ascent

Villarrica Volcano Ascent

5.0(109) 8h
From €200
per personViator
Guided Kayak Trip on Liucura River

Guided Kayak Trip on Liucura River

5.0(96) 3h
From €68
per personViator
Full Day Mountaineering to Villarrica Volcano from Pucón

Full Day Mountaineering to Villarrica Volcano from Pucón

4.9(62) 9h
From €177
per personViator
Horseback Trailride Excursion

Horseback Trailride Excursion

4.9(53) 4h
From €55
per personViator
Tour in Self-drive Electric Hot Tub Boat Nestled in nature!

Tour in Self-drive Electric Hot Tub Boat Nestled in nature!

5.0(36)
From €91
per personViator
Guided ascent to the Quetrupillán volcano from Pucón

Guided ascent to the Quetrupillán volcano from Pucón

5.0(26) 9h
From €163
per personViator
Villarrica volcano Ascent Full-Day Activity

Villarrica volcano Ascent Full-Day Activity

4.9(27) 9h
From €182
per personViator

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🌤️ When to go?Seasonal considerations and timing

  • Summer (December to February): Dry, stable weather is typical, with highs of 22 to 28°C (72 to 82°F) and lows of 8 to 12°C (46 to 54°F). Daylight runs long, the trails to Lago Chico, Lago Toro and Lago Verde are clear, and the lakes are warm enough for a quick swim. Crowds and prices peak, especially in January.
  • Autumn (March to May): Highs of 14 to 20°C (57 to 68°F). The araucaria and lenga forests turn gold and red in April, and the paths empty out. Rain becomes more frequent.
  • Winter (June to August): Highs of 6 to 10°C (43 to 50°F), lows near freezing, with snow on the upper trails to Laguna Abutillón and Laguna Huerquehue. Daylight is short and some services close. Prices drop.
  • Spring (September to November): Highs of 12 to 18°C (54 to 64°F), with snowmelt, mud and flowers.
Aim for February … read more 👉
  • Summer (December to February): Dry, stable weather is typical, with highs of 22 to 28°C (72 to 82°F) and lows of 8 to 12°C (46 to 54°F). Daylight runs long, the trails to Lago Chico, Lago Toro and Lago Verde are clear, and the lakes are warm enough for a quick swim. Crowds and prices peak, especially in January.
  • Autumn (March to May): Highs of 14 to 20°C (57 to 68°F). The araucaria and lenga forests turn gold and red in April, and the paths empty out. Rain becomes more frequent.
  • Winter (June to August): Highs of 6 to 10°C (43 to 50°F), lows near freezing, with snow on the upper trails to Laguna Abutillón and Laguna Huerquehue. Daylight is short and some services close. Prices drop.
  • Spring (September to November): Highs of 12 to 18°C (54 to 64°F), with snowmelt, mud and flowers.
Aim for February or early March, when the weather holds and the crowds thin out.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: excellent for travelingFEBFebruary: excellent for travelingMARMarch: highly recommended for travelingAPRApril: fair for travelingMAYMay: below average for travelingJUNJune: below average for travelingJULJuly: below average for travelingAUGAugust: below average for travelingSEPSeptember: fair for travelingOCTOctober: good for travelingNOVNovember: highly recommended for travelingDECDecember: excellent for traveling
when-to-go

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🛏️ Where to stay?Choosing the right base

The easiest base is Pucón, about 35 km (22 miles) from the park, with the widest choice of hostels (dorm beds US$12 to 25), plus cheap guesthouses and cafes. Buses and shared taxis run from there to the trailhead at Paillaco, so you can day hike without a car.

Inside the park you can camp at Lago Tinquilco, where Camping Lago Tinquilco and nearby sites charge roughly US$8 to 15 per person. Basic cabins and a few small lodges and hostels also sit around the lake, which suits a sunrise start on the Los Lagos trail. Book ahead in January and February. Bring most food from Pucón, since only small … read more 👉
The easiest base is Pucón, about 35 km (22 miles) from the park, with the widest choice of hostels (dorm beds US$12 to 25), plus cheap guesthouses and cafes. Buses and shared taxis run from there to the trailhead at Paillaco, so you can day hike without a car.

Inside the park you can camp at Lago Tinquilco, where Camping Lago Tinquilco and nearby sites charge roughly US$8 to 15 per person. Basic cabins and a few small lodges and hostels also sit around the lake, which suits a sunrise start on the Los Lagos trail. Book ahead in January and February. Bring most food from Pucón, since only small shops operate near the lake.

For quieter evenings, the lodgings along the road to Paillaco offer farm-style rooms. Villarrica is the cheaper alternative to Pucón, with a lower-key feel and good bus links.
Best hostels in Chile


Best quality hotels in Chile

👛 Costs (as of 19 October 2026)What things cost and how to budget

Expect to spend about US$55 per day at Huerquehue National Park on a typical backpacker budget in high season, with camping cutting that down.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entrance feeUS$8 to 12Foreign adults pay a daily fee at the Paillaco gate, lower for Chilean residents and children. Payment is in Chilean pesos.
Accommodation (high season)US$12 to 25Camping at Lago Tinquilco runs about US$8 to 15 per person, while dorm beds in Pucón cost US$12 to 25.
Accommodation (low season)US$8 to 18Dorm beds and campsites drop in price, but some close.
Local transportUS$4 to 8Buses and shared taxis run between Pucón and the Paillaco trailhead, usually in the morning with a late-afternoon return.
Food and suppliesUS$12 to 20Buy groceries in Pucón supermarkets. Meals at the lake are limited and pricier.
… read more 👉
Expect to spend about US$55 per day at Huerquehue National Park on a typical backpacker budget in high season, with camping cutting that down.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entrance feeUS$8 to 12Foreign adults pay a daily fee at the Paillaco gate, lower for Chilean residents and children. Payment is in Chilean pesos.
Accommodation (high season)US$12 to 25Camping at Lago Tinquilco runs about US$8 to 15 per person, while dorm beds in Pucón cost US$12 to 25.
Accommodation (low season)US$8 to 18Dorm beds and campsites drop in price, but some close.
Local transportUS$4 to 8Buses and shared taxis run between Pucón and the Paillaco trailhead, usually in the morning with a late-afternoon return.
Food and suppliesUS$12 to 20Buy groceries in Pucón supermarkets. Meals at the lake are limited and pricier.
Total Daily BudgetUS$36 to 65Roughly US$55 using the high-season dorm bed in Pucón.


source: conaf.cl
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🥾 TrailsHiking Huerquehue national park: highlights and difficulty

Huerquehue National Park is mostly a network of well-marked trails radiating from the Tinquilco entrance, and the terrain moves from muddy forest floor to rocky ridge as you gain height.
  • Los Lagos: About 12 km round trip, 4 to 6 hours, moderate. A steady climb past waterfalls to Lago Chico, Lago Toro and Lago Verde through native forest.
  • San Sebastián: About 14 km round trip, 5 to 7 hours, moderate to hard. Steeper ground leads to a ridge viewpoint and araucaria groves.
  • Cascadas: Short walk of 1 to 2 hours, easy. Gentle forest path to Salto Trufulco and Salto Nido de Águila.
  • Los Huerquenes: Multi-day
… read more 👉
Huerquehue National Park is mostly a network of well-marked trails radiating from the Tinquilco entrance, and the terrain moves from muddy forest floor to rocky ridge as you gain height.
  • Los Lagos: About 12 km round trip, 4 to 6 hours, moderate. A steady climb past waterfalls to Lago Chico, Lago Toro and Lago Verde through native forest.
  • San Sebastián: About 14 km round trip, 5 to 7 hours, moderate to hard. Steeper ground leads to a ridge viewpoint and araucaria groves.
  • Cascadas: Short walk of 1 to 2 hours, easy. Gentle forest path to Salto Trufulco and Salto Nido de Águila.
  • Los Huerquenes: Multi-day option, hard. Remote lakes and campsites for those carrying full gear.
Wildlife includes woodpeckers, Chilean pudú deer in quiet corners, and many forest birds. Expect mud after rain, loose rock higher up, and wind on the ridges.
Public buses run from Pucón to Paillaco and Renahue, where shared taxis or local transfers finish the trip to the entrance. Summer weekends bring the biggest crowds on the first lake section, while weekdays and early mornings stay calm. An entrance fee applies and is paid in Chilean pesos at the ranger post.
⚠️ Hiking info can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate. Before you hit the trail, check the latest conditions with locals. If you do spot anything that's off, I'd love to hear from you, so I can update it for fellow travelers.

🛡️ SafetySafety Tips and Common Scams in Huerquehue

Huerquehue is a well-marked, well-managed park, and most problems come from weather and footing rather than wildlife. The Los Lagos trail climbs steadily from Lago Tinquilco through araucaria forest, with roots and stones that turn slick after rain. Wear boots with grip and carry a rain layer even on clear mornings, because conditions in the Araucanía shift fast. In winter, snow and ice make the upper sections tricky and a guide or microspikes help. Carry at least 1.5 liters of water per person and start before midday so you finish in daylight. There are no dangerous large animals to worry about. Pack out all trash, stay on the path, and keep fires to the designated camping zones, as wildfire risk is real in summer.
Check Country Safety

FAQCommon questions from travelers

One full day covers the main Los Lagos circuit in Huerquehue National Park, about 10 to 12 km (6 to 7 miles) and 5 to 7 hours return to Laguna Verde and Laguna Chico. Two days let you camp at Lago Tinquilco and add the longer climb to Laguna Huerquehue and Laguna Abutillón. Three days suit anyone linking the park with the Pucón area.
Yes, Huerquehue National Park is easy to reach without a car from Pucón, about 35 km (22 miles) away. Local buses and shared taxis run to the Paillaco trailhead, usually in the morning, taking around 1 hour and costing roughly US$4 to 8 each way. From there you walk, or you can arrange a transfer. Tour agencies in Pucón also run day trips.
Yes, Huerquehue National Park charges an entrance fee, paid at the Paillaco gate in Chilean pesos. Foreign adults pay about US$8 to 12, with lower rates for Chilean residents and children. No separate hiking permit is needed for the day trails, but camping inside the park is paid per person, around US$8 to 15.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Chilean national parks near Huerquehue

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We 💚 feedbackParting advice and final tips

Huerquehue National Park deserves two days if you can manage it. One day covers the lakes, but sleeping in the park lets you see the upper trails before the day-trippers arrive. I would bring a tent, start at dawn, and keep the San Sebastián ridge for the clearest morning.

✈️ When did I visit Chile?
I have visited Chile, together with Argentina, in September 2012.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Chile, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



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Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

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