Just outside of Pucón, Chile, lies one of the most stunning places I visited in all of South America: Huerquehue National Park. It’s a day hiker’s dream full of lush forest, turquoise lakes, and views that make every uphill step worth it. Here’s everything you need to know about hiking there, along with my own story from the trail.
What to Know Before You Go
- Park Entrance Fee: 10,000 CLP per person
- Camping Fee (if staying overnight): 10,000 CLP per tent
- Reservations: Required. Book online in advance. In high season, space is limited.
- Park Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- Latest Entry: 2:00 p.m. — they won’t let you in after this.
Tip: Save a screenshot or photo of your ticket, since cell service is spotty near the entrance.
How to Get There
1. Local Bus:
- Take the Caburgua bus from the terminal on Uruguay Avenue in Pucón.
- Departure times to the park: 8:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 4:30 p.m.
- Return times: 9:30 a.m., 2:10 p.m., and 5:10 p.m.
- Cost: About 6 USD round trip
2. Drive: If you have a car, it’s an easy drive to the park.
3. Tour: There are also guided tours available, which include transportation and a guide—ideal if you want someone to lead the way, but they can be more expensive and less flexible.
Day Hiking Options from Park Entrance
1. Circuito de los Lagos
- Distance: ~8 miles (4–6 hours round trip)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trail Overview: Starts near the entrance with a steady uphill climb. It’s well-marked and maintained, with plenty of scenic stops to catch your breath.
- Highlights: Along the way, you’ll pass several lakes: Lago Chico, Lago Verde, and Lago Toro. There are also two side trails to waterfalls where you can get close enough to feel the mist. Pack a lunch — there are plenty of perfect picnic spots.
2. San Sebastián Trail
- Distance: ~8 miles (5–7 hours)
- Difficulty: Challenging, especially the second half
- Trail Overview: A steeper, rockier climb with rewarding summit views of lakes, lagoons, and distant volcanoes.
- Note: This trail may close due to weather or trail conditions. Check with rangers at the entrance before you plan for it.
My Experience
We took the local bus, and even though it was busy, they sent extra buses to accommodate everyone. The ride took about an hour and dropped us off right at the park entrance. Rangers checked our tickets, had us sign in, and gave a short (Spanish) safety briefing.
When we visited in early November, the San Sebastián Trail was closed due to weather conditions. The rangers directed us to the Circuito de los Lagos and warned us it might be muddy. They were right — my shoes were soaked by the end — but it was absolutely worth it.
The day started off cold, but by late morning, it was sunny and warm enough for just a t-shirt. We hiked at a relaxed pace, stopping often for photos and to take in the views. As someone who has hiked in Colorado, I found the climb more challenging than expected, but totally manageable with breaks. Along the way, there are short detours to some magnificent waterfalls — you can stand close enough to feel the power of these beautiful, cascading wonders. I definitely recommend taking the detours. They’re only 5 to 10 minutes off the main trail and are clearly marked.
After a lot of uphill climbing, we finally reached the first lake, and from there the path leveled out. The lakes were stunning, each one framed by forested hills and dramatic skies. We packed a lunch and sat by the lakes enjoying the midday sunshine and spectacular views.
Camp Olga
We planned to catch the 5:10 p.m. return bus, which gave us plenty of time to enjoy the trail. On the way back, we spotted a sign for Camping Olga and decided to check it out — what a gem. We were looking for a post-hike pick-me-up and hoped to grab a coffee. The owner greeted us with a smile and was happy to brew us fresh coffee (a rare treat in Chile, where instant coffee is the norm). She invited us to explore the property while she got it ready.
We followed a short 5–10 minute trail that led to a small lakefront beach. A few kayaks lay nearby for use in warmer weather, along with benches and logs to sit on. We relaxed there for a while, enjoying the peaceful view of the lake before heading back to the main campsite.
The campsite itself had a cozy area with picnic tables, hammocks, and outdoor games for both adults and kids, plus a fire pit and soccer nets. When we returned, our coffee was waiting for us on a picnic table. I can’t say enough great things about Camping Olga — I’d love to return and spend a few nights in this peaceful natural escape. Finding this spot was the perfect way to wind down after the hike.
The return bus arrived right on time, and they even sent a second one due to the crowd. If you’re like me and worry about getting stranded, rest assured — they were well-prepared.
Final Thoughts
Hiking Huerquehue was one of the highlights of my entire Chile trip. The combination of lakes, forests, waterfalls, and views felt like stepping into a postcard. And that spontaneous coffee at Camping Olga? It reminded me that sometimes the best parts of travel are the unplanned ones.
Bring layers, wear shoes that can handle mud, and leave space in your day for little adventures off the trail. You never know what you’ll find.
