This short self drive itinerary of Chile's Volcano Country follows a route through some of the most stunning and magnificent scenery of Chile. Take the opportunity to visit some of the amazing National Parks along the way, many of which protect rare types of native forests, volcanic lunar landscapes, hotsprings and beautiful lakes.

Day 1: Temuco - Malalcahuello Nacional Reserve (125 km / 78 mi)

Pick up your rental car at the airport or city office in Temuco. Before you leave Temuco, visit the fresh market in downtown Temuco where you can buy Mapuche crafts and silver jewelry. Head northeast for a pleasant and easy drive with great views of the volcanoes Tolhuaca, Llaima and Lonquimay. Passing through Lautaro and Curacautín, you will reach Malalcahuello Reserve, located on the slopes of the Lonquimay Volcano. Overnight in or close to the reserve.

Day 2: Malalcahuello Reserve

Today you will have time to explore some of the many surrounding national parks and reserves like Tolhuaca National Park, Nalcas or Malalcahuello. Most are within close driving distance and all offer spectacular native forests, falls, as well as hot springs and lagoons. Overnight in or close to the Malalcahuello Reserve. (B)

Day 3: Malalcahuello - Conguillío National Park - Trailanqui (160 km/100 mi)

After breakfast, you will start to cross one of the most interesting and beautiful national parks in southern Chile, the Conguillío National Park. It is located around the active Llaima Volcano which that last erupted in January 2008. Native Monkey Puzzle tree forests, small lagoons and a rough volcanic moon landscape complete the scenery. Overnight at a countryside lodge in Trailanqui. (B)

Day 4: Trailanqui - Pucón (56 km / 35 mi)

From Trailanqui you will first drive to the historical city of Villarrica, one of the oldest Spanish settlements in southern Chile. At the eastern end of Lake Villarrica you will reach Pucón. You will have a beautiful view of the perfectly shaped Villarrica Volcano, certainly one of the highlights on this tour. Overnight in or close to Pucón. (B)

Day 5: Pucón

Today you will be able to explore the attractive surroundings of Pucón. You can explore and hike in several national parks and reserves, see some of the numerous waterfalls and enjoy a relaxing hot bath in Termas de Huife or one of the other hot springs that abound in the region. You will also be able to participate in numerous other optional outdoor activities, like rafting or horseback riding. Overnight in or close to Pucón. (B)

Day 6: Pucón - Temuco (112 km / 70 mi)

After breakfast at your hotel, you will leave the Andes to drive back to Temuco. Return you car at the airport or downtown office. (B)

Please note that all our itineraries can be customized and modified to suit your wishes.

For further information and booking inquiries please send us and e-mail.

Hotels used with this itinerary

Option 1:

Termas de Malalcahuello**** Hotel Termas de Malalcahuello, is set in beautiful gardens overlooking Volcano Lonquimay and the Andean Mountain Range. It is partially constructed with natural, local materials such as local volcanic rocks and woods. It features 30 comfortable and fully equipped rooms with view of the volcano or the lagoon, park and gardens. The rooms are fully equipped with heating, TV, internet access, telephone, fax modem, safe deposit box. General facilities include: restaurant, lobby bar, laundry service. The hotel's Spa Center offers relaxing massages, as well as hydro-massage and Jacuzzi, directly fed with thermal waters.

Hotel Trailanqui*** Hotel Trailanqui, located at 67 km / 41,3 miles south east from Temuco, is a typical Chilean lodge built of natural materials such as native woods and volcanic rocks (Llaima volcano). The hotel features cosy, comfortable rooms in a rustic style, each equipped with central heating and telephone. General facilities include: restaurant, comfortable living-rooms with TV, golf-club, open-air swimming-pool bordered with volcanic rocks. For recreation the hotel offers activities such as trekking, horseback riding, live-music entertainment among others.

Hotel Monte Verde*** Hotel & Cabañas Monte Verde are located only 5 minutes away from Pucón. They feature , features 14 comfortable and fully equipped cabins with a spectacular view of the Lake Villarrica. The wooden cabins are set amidst beautiful gardens with lagoons, heated swimming-pool and playground. The hotel provides travel assistance with organizing activities such as climbing the volcano, Skiing and Snow-boarding.

Option 2:

Hostería La Suiza Andina** La Suiza Andina is a very small and cozy swiss-style family-run hostel. It comprises the main house and a cabin with a capacity for 29 people. Rooms are clean and furnished simply but comfortably. Rooms in the main house have private bathrooms, a desk and a safety deposit box and can sleep 1 - 4 people. Surrounded by volcanoes, the hostel is located at 1.000 m/ 3.281 ft above sea level, close to the town of Curacautín, snd about 1,5 hr drive from Temuco. Additional services include home-made breakfast, excursions such as Hiking, Horseback Riding and Trekking tours from the hostería to the surrounding national parks.

Hotel Trailanqui*** Hotel Trailanqui, located at 67 km / 41,3 miles south east from Temuco, is a typical Chilean lodge built of natural materials such as native woods and volcanic rocks (Llaima volcano). The hotel features cosy, comfortable rooms in a rustic style, each equipped with central heating and telephone. General facilities include: restaurant, comfortable living-rooms with TV, golf-club, open-air swimming-pool bordered with volcanic rocks. For recreation the hotel offers activities such as trekking, horseback riding, live-music entertainment among others.

Hotel Landhaus San Sebastián*** This small Inn, or "Landhaus" in German, is located 30-minutes by car from Pucón. It is close to the Lake and Waterfalls of Caburga and Huerquehue National Park. The setting is beautiful – with 56 acre / 23 ha of pristine nature on the doorstep. The Landhaus, owned by a young German family, provides personal service and homemade food. They have standard bedrooms and two suites available for guests, all with private bath and central heating. The surrounding countryside invites guests to explore the park's trails on horseback, or hiking. Rafting is aanother available option.