Alto Biobío National Reserve, National reserve in Malleco Province, Chile

Alto Biobio National Reserve is a protected area in the Andes that spans mountains and high-altitude valleys with mixed forests. The landscape is shaped by rivers and streams flowing through steep gorges and open plateaus.

The reserve was created in 1912 to protect the Araucaria forests and mountain ecosystems from logging and exploitation. This decision came as concern grew about forest loss across the region.

Pewenche communities have lived here for centuries, relying on the Araucaria trees as a food source and spiritual center of their world. Their traditions shape how the land is used and understood today.

The main approach is the paved international route from Victoria or Lautaro through Curacautín, Malalcahuello, the Las Raíces tunnel, Lonquimay and Liucura to the Pino Hachado pass, 223 km from Temuco and 42 km from Lonquimay. The road is passable year-round, except in higher sectors of the reserve where snow accumulates in winter.

On 30 June 1983 UNESCO added the reserve, together with Conguillío National Park, to the Araucarias Biosphere Reserve at the request of the Chilean government. The reserve itself lies entirely in Chile, in Lonquimay commune, Malleco Province; the Pino Hachado pass road to Argentina crosses it. Its 33,525 ha were reduced from 40,000 ha in 1929.