Malalcahuello-Nalcas Reserve

On 25 December 1988 a new vent opened on the flank of Lonquimay volcano and erupted for more than a year, building a scoria cone that was named Navidad for the date and covering the surrounding forest in ash and lapilli. The reserve preserves the result: black volcanic ground with araucaria standing in it, some killed by the ashfall and left standing, some surviving. Lonquimay itself, a 2,865 metre cone, has a small ski centre on its northern side. The reserve joins Nalcas to the north and Conguillio further south, and the whole belt is a landscape of araucaria on volcanic ground.

What you actually see

• A crater from Christmas Day 1988 - the Navidad cone and its lava.
• Araucaria on black scoria - some killed by ashfall, standing dead.
• Lonquimay at 2,865 metres - with a ski centre on its flank.
• A belt of araucaria parks - joining Nalcas and Conguillio.

When to go

December to March for walking; June to September for skiing. A full day.

Honest expectations

Roads inside are gravel and volcanic dust. Snow closes much of it in winter apart from the ski access. Facilities are limited. The volcano is monitored and access can be restricted when activity rises.

Nearby

Conguillio is south; Curacautin and Tolhuaca are west.