Towards Lonquimay through Pino Hachado

Caviahue is a good starting point to go on a getaway to Chile and pay a visit to the District of Lonquimay: a very picturesque area with plenty of vegetation, usually chosen by those who enjoy outdoor life.

We drove to this destination and crossed the international pass called Pino Hachado to enter the neighboring country. The route features varied scenes and constant altitude changes, but it ensures a pleasant ride.

Once we carried out all the necessary proceedings to enter Chile, we crossed a tunnel known as Centenario, which features a length of 4,500 meters and was built to join commercial areas in both countries. A set of traffic lights controls the circulation of vehicles. It was curious to see other similar -now abandoned- passes on the mountain slope.

As we reached Lonquimay, we were surprised to see a small but well designed settlement. Its streets have been laid out following an elliptical shape. The town has a slow pace and is immersed in a high valley with large green spaces resulting from the humid winds coming from the Pacific and retained by the Andes Mountain Range to the East.

This community has always lived on cattle-raising and afforestation. Tourism began to develop in the last few years as a result of its natural location in a zone of great visual impact.

Lonquimay is part of the area known as Araucanía Andina and as a community located on the foothills of the Andes, it is blessed with woods, lakes and rivers that guarantee very interesting tours. Horseback rides, hiking tours, angling and ski are very popular choices among visitors of all ages.

We drove on for a few more kilometers towards Curacautín to find the Manzanar hot springs and visited the venue to see its facilities. There is an imposing hotel which was inaugurated in 1952 and everything a hot spring resort usually offers: outdoor and screened pools, hot tub baths in individual cabins and extra beauty and health services. Its waters are highly recommended to heal rheumatic conditions, skin disorders and stress.

Besides, tours on horseback, on 4WD, hikes and fishing outings may be hired at the venue. Some usual destinations for these tours are the waterfalls known as Princesa, Indio and Malleco, located in zones of lush vegetation and wild charm.

As our ride around this Argentinian-Chilean corridor came to an end, we felt that we needed more time to see the natural beauties around Lonquimay. There are more than enough offers and the warmth of the people is worth a thorough visit.