Hiking - Huincacara
Well off the beaten track, this marvellous hike leads through ancient Coigue and Araucaria (Monkeypuzzle tree) forests to the foot of the Volcano Villarrica.
Route description
The trail starts at a closed gate, where friendly Conaf warden Eliseo Ortiz has his house. After half an hour you pass the NP boundaries, fifteen minutes later you reach the araucarias. From the lookout above the tree line there's a spectacular view to the volcano and, glancing back, to the two lakes Calafquen and Villarrica. On the way back you can hike on the left side of Zanjon Pino Huacho, a dry riverbed-like canyon.
Getting there
Very few people visit the Huincacara sector of the Villarrica Nationalpark. There is no public transport available and hitchhiking is no option. It's a one-hour drive on a pretty bad gravelroad to the trailhead. Though no 4WD is necessary, a high clearance vehicle is best. If you go very slowly on the last section, a normal car will do as well.
Trip details
| Activity | Hiking |
|---|---|
| Type | Selfguided |
| Level | Medium |
| Duration | 3 - 4 hrs |
| Distance | 8 km |
| Alt. gain | 490 m |
| Highest pt. | 1450 m |
| Trailhead | 30 km |