Huerquehue National Park sits 35 kilometers east of Pucon in the Andes foothills — a compact park of araucaria forests, crystal-clear mountain lakes, and waterfalls. The Los Lagos trail is one of the best day hikes in Chile's Lake District, climbing through ancient forest to three lakes set in volcanic craters above the tree line.
Los Lagos Trail
The signature hike. A well-marked 18-kilometer loop (or out-and-back to the first lake if you prefer a shorter day) that climbs from the park entrance through dense coigue and lenga forest into the araucaria zone, then breaks above the tree line to reach three lakes: Lago Chico, Lago Toro, and Lago Verde.
Each lake has a different character — Chico is small and forest-lined, Toro is larger with a volcanic beach, and Verde lives up to its name with vivid green water reflecting the araucaria canopy. The full loop takes 6-8 hours. The first section is steep — 700 meters of elevation gain in the first 4 kilometers — but the forest and the lakes make every step worthwhile.
Araucaria Forest
The park's araucarias are among the most accessible in Chile. The trees line the upper section of the Los Lagos trail, their distinctive umbrella canopies silhouetted against the sky. In autumn (March-April) the large pinones (seeds) litter the ground — the Mapuche people have harvested them as a food staple for centuries. Some trees in the park are estimated at 1,300 years old.
Waterfalls
Two waterfalls are visible from the Los Lagos trail — Salto Nido de Aguilas and Salto Truful-Truful. Both are best seen in spring (October-November) when snowmelt swells the streams. The Nido de Aguilas waterfall is a 20-meter drop visible from a viewpoint early on the trail.
Practical Information
Getting there: 35 kilometers from Pucon on a paved then gravel road. Drive (45 minutes) or arrange transport through tour agencies in Pucon. Some agencies run guided hikes including transport for $30-40.
Entry fee: Approximately $8 for foreign adults. Pay at the CONAF ranger station at the entrance.
When to go: November through April. The trail is hikeable in winter but snow covers the upper sections. Autumn (March-April) has the best araucaria colors and fewer people than summer.
What to bring: Water (no reliable sources on the upper trail), lunch, sun protection, rain layers (weather changes fast). Good hiking boots — the trail is rooted and rocky in sections.
Camping: A CONAF campground near the park entrance. Basic — pit toilets, no showers. Overnight stays let you hike to the lakes in the morning before day-trippers arrive.