Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Araucarias National Park, located in the La Araucanía Region of southern Chile, protects a remarkable stand of ancient Araucaria araucana trees, also known as monkey puzzle trees, which are among the oldest living tree species on Earth. The park spans a high-elevation volcanic landscape that includes rugged mountains, deep valleys, and pristine forests dominated by Araucaria, lenga, and coigüe trees. Established in 1987, the park aims to safeguard this distinctive ecosystem and its endemic wildlife, including the rare Chilean huemul deer and Andean condor. Visitors enter a serene world of native flora and fauna, with crisp mountain air and panoramic views of nearby volcanoes such as Llaima and Lonquimay. Araucarias National Park is a prime destination for hiking, birdwatching, mountain biking, and nature photography. Trails wind through primeval forests and past sparkling mountain lakes, offering quiet solitude and a connection to the region’s indigenous Mapuche heritage, whose communities hold the Araucaria tree as sacred. Seasonal wildflowers bloom in spring and summer, while winter brings snow-capped peaks inviting adventurous snowshoeing. Despite its remote location and relatively low visitation compared to larger parks, Araucarias National Park remains a key sanctuary for biodiversity and a tranquil retreat for those seeking an immersive experience in Chile’s temperate rainforest and volcanic Andes.
