The 125-sq-km preserve, founded in 1912, is a little wonderland of waterfalls, alpine lakes and araucaria forests and the creatures that traverse them, including the pudú (the world’s smallest deer) and arañas pollitos (tarantula-like spiders that come out in the fall. Well-maintained and marked trails invite multiple days of exploration and Refugio Tinquilco, one of Sur Chico's loveliest lodges, beckons overnight stays, but a day trip from Pucón, about 35km to the southeast, is obligatory for the more hurried set.
Parque Nacional Huerquehue
Sur Chico
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
20.93 MILES
Towering over the adventure capital of Pucón, Volcán Villarica is the centerpiece of Parque Nacional Villarrica, one of the most popular parks in Chile…
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6.47 MILES
The nature sanctuary El Cañi is proof that concerned citizens can make a difference and affect conservation of old-growth forests. When logging interests…
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Museo Intercultural Trawupeyüm
15.09 MILES
A sparse but informative museum of Mapuche culture housed in a modern interpretation of a mountain ruka, a traditional circular Mapuche dwelling oriented…
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Museo Histórico Arqueológico Municipal
28.03 MILES
Mapuche artifacts (including jewelry, musical instruments and rough-hewn wooden masks) are the focus of this small museum behind the tourist office.
Nearby Sur Chico attractions
6.47 MILES
The nature sanctuary El Cañi is proof that concerned citizens can make a difference and affect conservation of old-growth forests. When logging interests…
2. Museo Intercultural Trawupeyüm
15.09 MILES
A sparse but informative museum of Mapuche culture housed in a modern interpretation of a mountain ruka, a traditional circular Mapuche dwelling oriented…
20.93 MILES
Towering over the adventure capital of Pucón, Volcán Villarica is the centerpiece of Parque Nacional Villarrica, one of the most popular parks in Chile…
4. Museo Histórico Arqueológico Municipal
28.03 MILES
Mapuche artifacts (including jewelry, musical instruments and rough-hewn wooden masks) are the focus of this small museum behind the tourist office.