Vacation cabins in Malalcahuello – what you need to pack in your suitcase
Cabins in Malalcahuello
So you´ve reserved your cabin in Malalcahuello, you may now be wondering what you need to take with you. Here we have some suggestions for you.Hopefully your host or the reservation website has communicated clearly what your cabin includes and doesn´t include. The quality on offer in the cabins sector of Malalcahuello varies as do the inclusions/exclusions. Some of the main questions to ask the host are whether it includes sheets, hair drier, towels, soap and shampoo and firewood.
Some cabins may not be well insulated or the pillows may be uncomfortable, so if you have a favourite pillow, perhaps consider taking it along and some warm pyjamas. if you are visiting in the colder months
The Climate in Malalcahuello
The climate in Malalcahuello reflects its location at the base of the Andes mountain range 900m above sea level. The warmest and driest months are usually December to February with maximum daily temperatures reaching above 30 °C (86 F). Frequently there is an afternoon breeze that helps dissipate the heat and at night there is also a fresh, cooling breeze from the east.
Like many places in the world, Malalcahuello has experienced changes in the climate with less snow, more rain and more dry periods. The frequent rains typically start in May and last until the end of October. There is usually a good dumping of snow from July through to September with the last snowfall in November or occasionally December. The temperatures in winter reach minus 10° C (14° F) whilst the daily maximums are around 3-5 degrees in the thick of winter (July).
Whatever date in the year you are planning to visit Malalcahuello, it´s advisable to check the forecast http://mountain-forecast prior to packing if you can and always come prepared for a change in weather, no matter what the season. In summer it´s possible to experience weather just like winter.
In summer it is necessary to bring clothes for hot and dry but also cold and wet weather. Swimming costume/bathers are a must as are shoes or boots for walking/trekking. In winter and the in-between season, it´s a good idea to bring gloves, beanie, parka, boots, warm socks and a raincoat.
Things to do in Malalcahuello & how to prepare
Winter
In winter and spring the activities are centred around snow and thermal baths. Snow related activities range from scenic drives to climbing peaks, randonnée and downhill skiing/snowboarding. There is even the possibility to take short toboggan trips with snow dogs. There are quite a few options for renting ski gear, although not all of them offer clothing, gloves or snow goggles. It is also possible to hire climbing equipment for summit climbs and local guides are always keen take tourists on climbing adventures. If you come by car, it´s important to consider bringing tyre chains, although it´s also possible to hire them in Curacautín and Malalcahuello
Towards the end of April and the first week of May is arguably the most beautiful time of the year, although the winter snow scenery is hard to beat. In autumn, the tree covered mountains surrounding Malalcahuello change their colours to a spectacular array of oranges and reds interspersed with deep green colours.
Summer
The activities most popular in summer are the trekking en Parque Nacional Conguillío & Malalcahuello, National Reserve, visiting one of the thermal baths, swimming in the rivers, lagoons or swimming pools in the sector, cycling, rafting, kayaking, horseriding & scenic drives. You should come prepared for some cold weather days and perhaps some rain, you just never know.
Malalcahuello & Lonquimay were once connected by a railway line which has now been transformed in sections into a cycleway (although the two cities remain unconnected). The profile of both cycleways is flat with very gradual gradients that are barely noticeable, making them a great choice for a family outing on bicycles. Bicycles are available to rent at some cabins and in two rental shops in Malalcahuello. Professional guides are available for hire to take you hiking or climbing, best arranged with prior notice.
Remember to bring the sunscreen and hat in summer, the sun can be scorching.
Food
The closest city with a good range of provisions and supermarkets is Curacautín. Here you will find petrol stations, banks, pharmacies and most of the services one may need when on vacation. It boasts a hospital with limited emergency services, for anything serious one usually gets transferred to another city. Curacautín is 30km de Malalcahuello. Malalcahuello has some 4 mini-markets, a bread shop, fruit and vegetable shop, various restaurants and take way food options. There is also a pharmacy with limited hours of operation.
Contact us for more information.
