Puyehue National Park

Chile News and Travel | By Raul Silva M.
Salto del Indio, Puyehue

Parque Nacional Puyehue, established in 1941 and expanded in 1950 and 1981, is managed by the National Forestry Corporation. It is part of the Temperate Rainforests of the Southern Andes Biosphere Reserve and covers an area of 107,000 hectares.

Located 80 km east of the city of Osorno, the park lies between the Los Lagos and Los Rios regions and is considered the gateway to northern Chilean Patagonia. Puyehue is divided into three sectors: Antillanca, Anticura, and Aguas Calientes, each offering different natural attractions and tourist services.

Puyehue features a diverse range of natural landscapes, including volcanoes, lakes, rivers, forests, and hot springs. The park also boasts rich biodiversity of flora and fauna, which can be explored through its trails and viewpoints. Historically, this region was inhabited by Huilliche communities, the southernmost branch of the Mapuche people. Many local legends originate from this ancestral period.

Puyehue National Park is one of Chile's most iconic and significant national parks, known for its numerous natural attractions. It draws an increasing number of tourists each year, supported by robust tourism infrastructure amidst the pristine beauty of the region.

Climate

The climate throughout the area is temperate and rainy, with heavy rainfall year-round, averaging between 2,500 and 3,000 mm annually. Temperatures generally range from 41°F to 64°F, sometimes slightly higher, depending on the season and altitude. In winter, near the Andes, rainfall often turns to snow, and temperatures range from 17°F to 50°F. 


Location of Puyehue

FAQ
Parque Nacional Puyehue is located between the Los Lagos and Los Ríos Regions in Chile, approximately 80 km east of the city of Osorno. The park lies on the slopes of the Andes Mountains, offering an impressive and diverse natural environment.
The best time to visit the park is during the spring and summer months (November to March), when the weather is milder and conditions are more favorable for outdoor activities like hiking and wildlife watching. However, visiting the park in winter is entirely possible and offers a unique experience, especially for snow lovers, winter sports enthusiasts, and nature admirers. During this season, the park transforms into a magical winter landscape.
Yes, visitors must pay an entrance fee. The cost may vary depending on age and nationality. Here you can purchase online tickets for Chile's national parks
No, pets are not allowed in the park to protect the native flora and fauna. The park's regulations prohibit the presence of domestic animals to safeguard the biodiversity and local ecosystem. This includes both dogs and other pets, as they can impact the wildlife and the park's natural environment.
Yes, the park offers camping areas and cabins. It is advisable to book in advance, especially during peak season.
Visitors to Puyehue can enjoy a wide range of activities, including hiking, birdwatching, camping, fishing, and soaking in the hot springs. The park also offers scenic drives, with beautiful views of the Andes Mountains, lakes, and forests. In winter, visitors can enjoy snow-related activities such as snowshoeing, skiing, and snowboarding in the nearby areas.
Yes, it is generally safe, but some trails and areas may be closed due to snow or adverse weather conditions. It is recommended to check the park's status and prepare appropriately for winter conditions.

How to get to Puyehue National Park

To reach the Nature Sanctuary, take the CH-215 International Route, a fully paved road that connects the city of Osorno in Chile to the tourist destinations of Villa La Angostura and San Carlos de Bariloche in Argentina. At kilometer 76, you’ll find the U-215 fork leading to Aguas Calientes and Antillanca. There are bus services with daily departures to Puyehue from Puerto Montt, the capital of the Los Lagos Region. These departures increase in frequency during the summer.

The peak tourist season runs from December to early March, but any time is a good time to visit the park. Summer is ideal for outdoor activities such as excursions to the main attractions—Salto del Indio, Salto de la Princesa, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and visits to the Raihuen crater and the Casablanca stratovolcano. In winter, you can enjoy skiing at Antillanca Mountain Resort and contrast it with a relaxing session at Aguas Calientes or the Termas de Puyehue Thermal Baths.


Main features, attractions

Termas de Puyehue Wellness & Spa Resort
 The heavy rainfall in southern Chile gives rise to the evergreen forests typical of this region. The park's topography is a result of glaciations and volcanic activity that shaped the Andean massif.
  • Lakes of great beauty and valleys, such as those of the Gol-Gol and Chanleufú rivers, can be found here. Among its main attractions are the stunning waterfalls: Salto del Indio, Salto de La Princesa, Los Novios, and magnificent lakes such as El Encanto, Toro, and Rupanco—one of the most beautiful in Chile, to name a few.

Additionally, Puyehue features thermal baths that are a popular attraction for visitors. Located near Puyehue Lake, these natural hot springs offer therapeutic properties, making Puyehue an ideal spot to relax and enjoy nature.

  • One of the most popular tourist destinations is the Termas de Puyehue, featuring both outdoor and indoor thermal pools filled with mineral-rich waters, which are believed to offer therapeutic benefits. In addition to the pools, facilities often include saunas, steam rooms, and spa treatments.

  • Termas Aguas Calientes is a thermal center within the park, offering a natural and relaxing environment. The hot springs are a result of the area’s geothermal activity and provide a unique experience amid nature.

  • The Centro Turistico Anticura, also located within the park, is only a few kilometers away from the Cardenal Samore International Pass, which connects to the Argentine province of Neuquen. It provides camping facilities, cabins, and access to trails that allow visitors to explore various waterfalls, viewpoints, and the natural surroundings. The center also offers services such as parking, a gym, a bar, children's activities, and it is pet-friendly.

  • Trails: The park offers several trails suitable for all skill levels, including Saltos de Anticura Catrue, Mirador El Pionero, Crater Raihuen Volcán Casablanca, and Salto del Pudú. For more experienced hikers, there are advanced options like the ascent of Puyehue Volcano, which requires proper equipment and expertise. These trails traverse diverse ecosystems, showcasing endemic flora and fauna while offering unique landscapes, from evergreen forests to panoramic views of volcanoes.
  • The volcanic zone is more prominent in Antillanca, where the Casablanca stratovolcano, several craters, and volcanic groups stand out. To the north, the Puyehue volcano and the Caulle volcanic complex feature recent lava flows, thermal waters, and geysers.   

Flora:
Image: Termas Aguas Calientes, Puyehue
The dense vegetation is composed of a variety of species. In the lowest places you can find Ulmo and Coigüe along with Olivillo and Tineo. The undergrowth is abundant in bushes, lianas ferns, mosses and lichens, which give rise to a great floristic richness. At higher altitudes, are found Tepa and Mañío woods along with large Coigües, a species that at high parts becomes predominant. Near the vegetational limit, Coigüe de Magallanes and Lenga forests extend.

Fauna: Among the mammals, you can find the Puma, South American Gray Fox, Ferret, Coypu, Wildcats, Vizcachas, Monito del Monte (a small marsupial), and Skunks. Bird species include the Torrent Duck, Magellanic Woodpecker, Eared Doves, Black-throated Huet-Huets, Red-backed Hawk, Condors, Slender-billed Parakeet, Great Grebe, House Wren, and Buff-necked Ibis.

Other Attractions near Puyehue

 
 

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