Chile & Easter Island Travel Guide by Lonely Planet

Author:Lonely Planet
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Lonely Planet Pty, Ltd

Río Liucura Valley

Heading east out of Pucón, the wishbone road splits into two valleys – 24km to the north you will find Lago Caburgua and its wonderful Playa Blanca, as well as the waterfall-heavy Ojos del Caburgua, as highlights of the Río Caburgua Valley; to the northeast, the Camino Pucón-Huife road leads to myriad hot springs, El Cañi nature sanctuary and views of the silver-ribbon Río Liucura that cuts through this richly verdant valley. Both roads eventually link back up with the road that goes to to Parque Nacional Huerquehue.

The nature sanctuary El Cañi (Km21; admission with/without guide CH$10,000/3000) is proof that concerned citizens can make a difference and affect conservation of old-growth forests. When logging interests threatened the area in 1991, Fundación Lahuen, a small cluster of concerned folks with start-up funding from Ancient Forests International, formed to purchase the land and develop a drop-dead-gorgeous park with an emphasis on education and scientific research. This success story is now a reserve that protects some 500 hectares of ancient araucaria forest, all of which has been turned over and now successfully maintained by a local guide association, Cañe Guides Group ( 098-373-928; santuariocani@ gmail.com).

A hiking trail (9km, three hours) ascends the steep terrain (the first 3km very steep) of lenga and araucaria to arrive at Laguna Negra. On clear days the lookout – another 40 minutes – allows for spectacular views of the area’s volcanoes. In winter, when the underbrush is covered in snow, the area is particularly gorgeous. All hikers must go with a guide except in summer when the trail is easier to find. An alternative route, which detours around the steepest part, starts along the road to Coilaco; a guide is required. Camping is also now available (CH$3000).

Arrangements to visit El Cañi can be made at ¡école! (Click here) or Aguaventura (Click here) in Pucón or at the entrance to the park. Alternatively, Buses Caburga ( 098-038-9047; Uruguay 540, Pucón) can drop you at the park entrance – it has services several times per day.

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