Huerquehue in 2026: what is open
Huerquehue National Park is reached from Pucón by way of Lake Caburgua. It is a walking park with forest, lakes and viewpoints. In 2026 it is not fully open. CONAF, the state forest service, reported that the park reopened on 12 August 2026, but only as far as the Los Lagos sector. The Quinchol and San Sebastián sectors are closed until 15 December 2026.
In practice, plan a day on the Los Lagos trail and not a full circuit of the lakes. Which section of the trail is open can change, so confirm it when you buy your ticket. This site is an independent guide and not run by CONAF or the ticket portal.
Hours, tickets and facilities
Before you set out, check these four points.
Opening hours
The ticket portal lists Tuesday to Sunday, 08:30–17:30, with last entry at 14:00. Hours can change with weather and safety. A tariff page that is not run by CONAF gives 18:30 as closing time. Plan to be back by 17:30.
Tickets
CONAF refers visitors to the Pases Parques portal for current conditions and tickets. Buying in advance is recommended.
Facilities
CONAF lists a car park, a picnic area, viewpoints and an environmental information center. Bring your own water and food.
Snow
CONAF notes snow on the trail from June to September. In those months expect cold, wet conditions and slower progress.
Our pick: a guided hike in the park
The park tickets are part of this day trip from Pucón, which suits the 2026 situation where the open trail sections can change.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Huerquehue and nature day trips from Pucón
Hikes, lakes, hot springs and the volcano around Pucón, with live prices and availability.
The Los Lagos trail
CONAF gives the Los Lagos trail as 10.8 km and about 4 hours one way, with medium difficulty. A municipal tourism FAQ gives 8 km one way. The two sources may measure different routes or end points, so do not double either figure to guess a round trip. Start early, allow most of the day and check the time you must be back at the gate.
Wear sturdy shoes and carry rain layers, water and food. Weather can change fast in the mountains. After a wet spell, expect mud. Be sure you can finish the distance you start.
The park has lakes and viewpoints. A view of the volcano cannot be guaranteed, because clouds can hide it. If you want the volcano as a subject, see our Villarrica volcano guide.
Ticket prices: what the sources say
Sources do not agree on price, and the portal does not explain its categories. Treat these figures as a guide and confirm the final price at checkout.
The Pases Parques list shows CLP 3,400 for Villarrica and Huerquehue without naming a category. A tariff page that is not run by CONAF lists the following for 2026.
| Category | Chilean (CLP) | Foreign (CLP) |
|---|---|---|
| Adults (18 and over) | 4,700 | 10,400 |
| Young people 13–17 | 3,200 | 5,200 |
| Children under 12 | 0 | 0 |
| Seniors | 0 | 10,400 |
| People with a disability | 0 | 10,400 |
The official portal groups visitors as 0–12, 13–17, 18–59 and 60–99. The other page labels children as under 12, so the exact cut-off is unclear. Ask at purchase which category applies to your child.
Getting there from Pucón
Take the road from Pucón toward Caburgua and turn off at Paillaco. The last 8 km are gravel. A municipal FAQ puts the distance at 35 km from Pucón. Buses leave from the Terminal Buses Caburgua at Uruguay 540. Check the current timetable and fare before you go, and ask for the return time.
You can combine the park with a stop at Lake Caburgua on the way back. See Ojos del Caburgua and Lake Caburgua. For other plans in the area, read things to do around Pucón and the weather guide.
If the trail is shorter than you hoped
Other places for the same day.
Planning your day in the park
The trail takes about 4 hours one way, and the last entry is at 14:00 with the park closing at 17:30. That does not leave time for the whole trail if you arrive late. Decide on a turning point before you set out, and keep to it. Tell someone at your accommodation where you are going and when you plan to return.
Park rules at a national park usually cover fire, litter and wildlife, so follow the signs at the entrance. Bring a bag for your rubbish, and stay on the marked trail.
Huerquehue National Park: frequently asked questions
Is Huerquehue National Park open?
Partly. CONAF reported reopening on 12 August 2026 only as far as the Los Lagos sector. The Quinchol and San Sebastián sectors are closed until 15 December 2026. Confirm the open section when you buy a ticket.
How long is the Los Lagos trail?
CONAF gives 10.8 km and about 4 hours one way. A municipal FAQ gives 8 km one way. Allow most of a day and watch the closing time.
What time does the park close?
The ticket portal lists 08:30–17:30 from Tuesday to Sunday, with last entry at 14:00. Another tariff page gives 18:30. Plan to leave by 17:30.
How much does it cost?
The ticket portal lists CLP 3,400 without naming a category. A tariff page not run by CONAF lists CLP 10,400 for foreign adults and CLP 4,700 for Chilean adults. Confirm the final price when you buy.
Can I take a bus to the park?
The municipal FAQ names buses from the Terminal Buses Caburgua at Uruguay 540. Check the current timetable and the return time. The last 8 km are gravel.
Is there snow in winter?
Yes. CONAF notes snow on the trail from June to September. Pack warm, waterproof layers in those months.