Conguillío – a natural treasure

Volcano Llaima

is one of the most active and voluminous volcanoes of South America. Formed 13,200 years before the present, it has experienced 48 events between 1640 and 2009 resulting in a majestic conical composite volcano that occupies a large space within the Park. The last glacial estimate of Conguillio National Park found a glacial surface area of 29 km2, making it popular with climbers.

Statistics

• Altitude:102.53 ft/ 30125m
• Coordinates: 38.7oS/ 71.73oW
• Basal area:490km2
• Recent major activity: 2008-2009

Mountaineering in Conguillío National Park

The majority of climbs of Volcano Llaima are done from the northern side of the volcano, from the Park entrance which is where climbers should register their route with the park rangers. There is an entrance fee around 6000 CLP for foreighers (2018). The climb is of some 1980m and 15km, a complete day. Although it´s considered moderate difficulty, like all climbing in the mountains, one must have much respect for nature. Tourists and climbers have died in their attemmpts to climb this mountain. Local experienced guides are available to assist the less experienced climb the volcano safely.

Sierra Nevada, also within Conguillío National Park, was once a huge volcano dominating the region but has been reduced to just the base. It has an altitude of 2540m (8.379 ft) and there is a track on the south side of the mountain well marked up to a glacier. The route up to the last lookout is approximately 12km return from the carpark. An alternative route is to climb the northern ridge from behind the thermal baths of Malalcahuello or from the private property of Chile Wild – Las Vertientes of Malalcahuello. The owners facilitate the climb for their guests by driving them up to the end of the private road, when conditions allow, which shortens the journey. The climb from there usually takes from 5-8 hours return.

• 38.7oS/ 71.73oW

Ski centre Las Araucarias

is located 82km from Temuco, within Conguillío National Park. From Temuco one takes the S-31 road to Vilcún and later Cherquenco. From there it´s another 22km to the ski centre, 17 of those kilometres are dirt road of reasonable grade. Accommodation options include 3 hostels and one 7 storey apartment block with furnished rooms.
The ski centre boasts a cafe/bar and the following:

• Altitude at base: 1500m (4900 ft)
• Maximum altitude: 1950 m.s.n.m. (6397 pie)
• Dominable ski area: 350 ha (865 acres)
• Lifts: 1 chairlift, 3 T-bars/pommels of 200m (656 ft), 650m y 1350m (4,428 ft)

Flora and fauna in Conguillio National Park

The flora within the Park is dominated by the handsome Monkey Puzzle tree (Araucaria araucana), an ancient tree that is capable of living more than 1000 years. It belongs to the family Araucariaceae whose relatives are found in Brazil (Araucaria angustifolia) and Australia (Hoop Pine, Wollemi Pine & Bunya Pine). This impressive tree is sacred to the indigenous peoples of the region, the Mapuche and related tribes. They depended on the fruit, called piñon, to sustain them. It is still popularly consumed, normally boiled but can be eaten raw when it has a nutty sweet flavour.

Araucaria forest has been declared Endangered by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature).It is only found within 3 degrees of latitude in the Andes Mountains and a small patch on the coastal mountain range in Chile. Chile contains 75% of the population while Argentina has the remaining 25%. Although they reproduce well, they are at risk from disease, habitat loss and wildfires. The Araucaria grows in the Park together with Nothofagus (beech) species and can be appreciated from the many walks in the Park

The fauna within the Park includes various species named by the IUCN as Vulnerable or Endangered. One of these is difficult to see, a native cat (Felis guigna) or the güiña. The Carpintero Magellanicus bird (Campephilus magellanicus) is easier to see because it is large, noisy and the male has a bright red head. There are many other species of birds that inhabit the Park, especially around the 3 lakes within the Park, for example the black-necked swan.

When is the best time to visit?

There are two periods popular for visiting Conguillío National Park: winter and spring/summer. Access to the Park is limited in winter due to snowfall, but the ski centre can be accessed with chains. Walking trails are all closed in winter until the snow clears.

In late spring the roads become transitable for vehicles with simple traction and the tracks open. Autumn is an overlooked period which offers unmatched beauty as the leaves on the beech trees turn first orange then bright red. The final days of April and the first week of May is usually when the colours are their most intense.