Malleco National Reserve, National reserve in Malleco Province, Chile.
Malleco National Reserve is a protected area in Malleco Province with dense forests of araucaria trees and volcanic terrain. The landscape features rolling hills covered in evergreen growth shaped by ancient lava flows, creating a mix of forest and rocky outcrops.
The reserve was established in September 1907 as one of Chile's earliest efforts to protect native forests. This decision came during a period when the region began recognizing the need to safeguard its natural lands from further loss.
The reserve holds deep meaning for Mapuche communities who maintain their traditional ways of living close to the land. You can feel this connection in how people interact with and respect the forest around them.
The area is accessible from the village of Malalcahuello, with multiple hiking trails branching out into the forest. Summer offers the best conditions for exploration, as weather is more stable and trails are easier to navigate.
The reserve forms part of a larger network of protected lands alongside Tolhuaca National Park, creating a continuous wild corridor. This connected space allows wildlife to move across much larger distances without crossing inhabited zones.
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