China Muerta National Reserve, National reserve in Malleco Province, Chile
China Muerta National Reserve is a protected area in Malleco Province, La Araucanía Region, southern Chile, covering forests of araucaria, southern beech, and other native trees. The terrain sits on a volcanic plateau and offers walking trails through a range of vegetation zones, from dense woodland to open highland areas.
The reserve was created in 1968 by government decree at a time when deforestation was increasing across the region, making the protection of native forests a growing concern. This was part of an early national effort to safeguard woodland areas dominated by araucaria and other native species in southern Chile.
The name China Muerta comes from Mapudungun, the language of the Mapuche people, and loosely refers to a concept tied to the earth and its cycles. Walkers in the reserve often pass through groves of araucaria trees, which the Mapuche consider sacred and have been part of their daily life for centuries.
The reserve is reached by dirt roads and trails that can become difficult to pass in wet weather, so checking conditions before heading out is a good idea. Paths inside are made for walking, but the volcanic terrain can be uneven, so sturdy footwear is worth bringing.
The reserve sits on a plateau shaped by old lava flows, and this volcanic base gives the soil and tree roots an unusual appearance that becomes noticeable along the trails. In some open sections, walkers can spot exposed basalt formations pushing through the forest floor.
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