Sierra
Nevada (2554 m / 8379 ft.)
Between
Araucarias and Lakes
In
the east of the Araucania region is the Conguillío National
Park, which is one of the most spectacular and amazing nature
areas in Chile. The combination of green woods struggling for
survival amidst the recent lava flows, together with the formation
of lakes by continuous lava flows, creates an incomparable landscape
where one can see the continuous changes of an Earth that is still
alive.
The
route leads from Conguillío Lake through Nothofagus woods
up to Sierra Nevada. There are two viewpoints along the track,
from where you can see the majestic Llaima volcano, the beautiful
lake and the Sierra Nevada. In the upper part, many waterfalls
accompany you with their sensational murmuring sound.
Approach
by Road
There
are two ways to get to the Conguillío National Park from
Temuco. One is along the paved road to Curacautín via Lautaro
(84 km). Then follow the dirt road towards the area of the park
ranger's station Captrén (aprox. 34 km). On entering the
park, there are 12 km more along a road in fair condition to “Playa
Linda”. The other option is from Temuco on the paved road
towards Melipeuco (91 km). From there, a dirt road continues north
and after 9 km you arrive at the park ranger's station Truful-Truful
of the Conguillío National Park. In this area the track
traverses the lava flows which have been created by the various
eruptions of the Llaima volcano. You can see tree species such
as the mountain cypress which is waging an heroic struggle for
survival in the face of volcanic destruction, and the so-called
“Valle de la Luna”, a plain of lava basalt that formed
hundreds of ridges and lava formations. All this black and grey
scenario contrasts with the green Nothofagus woods which give
rise to the characteristic colour of the Arcoiris lagoon. Continuing
towards the north, the track leads through Araucaria woods, until
you get to the area of Playa Linda. From the park entrance up
to here there are approximately 20 km.
From
Temuco to Curaucautín, the bus company Erbuc (phone: +45-272204)
has three departures every day: 07:30 – 10:15 – 11:15,
leaving from the terminal “Buses Rurales”. Further
on there is no more public transport.
For
the second option there are buses up to Melipeuco. The bus company
Nar-Bus (Phone: +45-407740) has four departures every day: 08:00
– 09:00 10:30 – 12:00. From this point on there is
no more public transport.
Admission
Admission costs: $2800 (USD 4) per person.
Day
1 (5-7 hrs.)
The
route is pretty easy; there are only two passages of some technical
difficulty. You should take crampons, ice-axe, rope, compass and
a map. It is necessary to take some precautions because the route
goes across a glacier with some fair-sized crevasses. Moreover,
in case of bad weather you can easily go astray and loose the
way back.
The
starting point at Playa Linda is signposted. From there, the trail
leads up through the woods on the steep eastern shore of the lake.
There are two beautiful viewpoints along the track. Then the trail
crosses a mountain ridge and enters the Sierra Nevada area. At
both sides of the path, you may have a look into deep canyons
with several waterfalls.
The
ascent takes some time, requiring medium technical skills. If
you are in good shape you can climb the northern peak in about
5 to 7 hours, and the ascent of the southern peak takes about
3 to 5 hours.
The
descent takes aproximately 3.5 hours.
Guide for this tour
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