WENU MAPU RESERVA ECOLOGICA www.wenu-mapu.org
Hurquehue National Park (More photos)
Hurquehue National Park (More photos)
Trees in Wenu Mapu (More photos)
Huerquehue National Park
5 kilometers (3 miles) drive from Wenu Mapu lies the border of Huerquehue national park. There you will encounter a wild paradise of dense forests, mountains, and icy streams that have cut deep canyons over countless years. It has a very abrupt geography with hills reaching 2,000 meters in height and deep ravines, originating in the glacial era. Inside the park are 17 lagoons and small pristine lakes, numerous waterfalls and views of nearby snow-capped volcanoes and the Lakes Region. It is a perfect place to take a day hike or spend several days camping in the backcountry. The park is a reserve for the Araucaria tree (Monkey Puzzle tree) and also has abundant Nothofagus forests. You can also see a wide range of birds, especially ducks, and with luck and patience you’ll be able to see the woodpecker (more detail, birds and animals), at work with its impressive red head.
How to Get Here
On the road heading east from Pucon and towards Caburgua Lake, continue 27 km along the asphalted road, take a right turn on a gravel road and then continue for another 8 km. After reaching the small village of Paillaco where there is a small grocery store take a right turn. Follow this steep and windy road for 3 kilometers until the entry sign of Huerquehue National Park and Tinquilco Lake appears where there will be a road veering off the road up and to the left. Follow this road for another 3 km until a gate blocks the road. Around 100 meters before this gate there is another road, which also has a gate, on the left side. Continue on this road on the left which is quite steep which will finally bump into the Wenu Mapu gate.
Pucon
With two National parks, one private park and other private reserves in its vicinity as well as being located on the Villarrica Lake shore, the small town of Pucon is a great starting point for a wide range of outdoor activities and adventures. The mountains, rivers and lakes are known by hikers, kayakers and adventurers.
How to get to Pucon
Pucón is located 109 kms. From Temuco, 25 kms. from Villarica, and 789 kms. from the capital city, Santiago. How to get to Pucón:
By Plane
Pucón has its own airport just 5 kms outside of town on the international road to Argentina. There are several taxi companies that will take you to and from the airport. Flying from Santiago is a quick and easy journey.
You can also fly to the Maquehue Airport in Temuco, located approximately 7 kms. from the Temuco city center. There are intercity minivans connecting you directly from the airport to Pucón, and it is possible to rent a car at this airport.
By Bus
There are frequent daily buses from many cities in the country. From Temuco there are departures every half an hour; and the majority of buses that come from Santiago, travel overnight.
By Train
Every night there is a train from Santiago to Temuco, which has three separate classes for traveling. From Temuco to Pucón there are several buses during the day, easily taken from the main Bus Terminal.
By Car
There are three principal ways you can get to Pucón by car. From the North, using the Pan-American Highway, you can come directly from Santiago, Concepción, and Temuco. Just south of Temuco you will need to exit the highway at Freire which heads towards Villarica. After Villarrica, Pucón is another 15 to 20 minute drive along the lakeside road. The distance from Santiago to Pucón should take about 10 hours. From the south you can take the same highway from Puerto Montt and Valdivia, passing through Loncoche and turning off when you arrive at Freire as mentioned before
Weather
Pucon has quite a rainy climate in the winter and a moderate summer which at times can become a bit hot. The rainfalls diminish around October and creep in around March. But the homogeneous and undying greenness that embellishes Pucon and its surroundings, is a clear signal that the rains can be quite sporadic. In general, it can be stormy at any time of the year. Either way, never fail to pack a raincoat.
What to bring With you
Apart from the seasonal clothing, it is advisable to be prepared for rain and cold weather at any time of year. It is a good idea to have the necessary equipment for hiking (hiking boots, water containers, back packs, sunscreen, warm clothes, etc.), swimming suits for hot springs, a flashlight, etc.