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Tolhuaca National Park

Araucaria and a fifty-metre waterfall in the northern Araucania, reached only on rough gravel.

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Typenational park

WhereAraucania Region

Nearest cityCuracautin about 35 km; Victoria about 55 km

Best seasonDecember to March

Time to allowA full day

Getting thereGravel roads from Curacautin or Victoria; the last stretch is rough and often needs clearance

EntryPark entry fee

Tolhuaca is one of the older Chilean national parks, protecting araucaria, coigue and lenga forest on the slopes below the Tolhuaca volcano, with the Malleco lagoon in a basin and the Malleco waterfall dropping around fifty metres nearby. It is small by Chilean standards and among the least visited of the araucaria parks, which is a function of the access - the roads in are rough gravel in both directions and are the main filter. Thermal springs operate just outside the boundary. Fires have affected parts of the park in recent dry summers, and burnt araucaria stands are visible on some slopes.

What you actually see

Araucaria, coigue and lenga - below the Tolhuaca volcano.
The Malleco waterfall - about fifty metres, in the forest.
A lagoon in a basin - the park's other set piece.
Fire damage on some slopes - burnt araucaria from recent summers.

When to go

December to March; the park closes with snow in winter. A full day.

Honest expectations

Both access roads are rough gravel and slow, and low cars struggle. The park is small and facilities are camping only. Fire closures happen in dry summers. It rains often.