Villarrica National Park, Nature reserve in La Araucanía and Los Ríos regions, Chile.
Villarrica National Park is a nature reserve in the La Araucanía and Los Ríos regions featuring three prominent volcanoes whose snow-covered peaks rise to 3,776 meters. The park spans approximately 63,000 hectares and is characterized by temperate rainforests that blanket the volcano slopes.
The park was established in 1940 to protect ancient Araucaria forests that have grown in this region for thousands of years. Its creation proved to be an important step in preserving an ecosystem that has sustained the Pehuenche communities since time immemorial.
The Mapuche communities maintain deep connections to this place, especially through the Araucaria trees whose seeds have shaped their food traditions for generations. The park represents for local people a living relationship between humans and nature that remains visible in their everyday practices today.
The park offers hiking trails for different skill levels, ranging from short nature walks to multi-hour trekking routes. Weather changes quickly here, so plan for varying conditions and bring appropriate gear for your visit.
Within the park lies Termas Geométricas, a system of around 60 natural hot springs connected by wooden boardwalks that wind through a forested canyon. This thermal spring setup offers visitors an unexpected experience tucked within the wilderness.
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