- Address: Melipeuque, Araucanía, Chile;
- Website: parquenacionalconguillio.cl;
- Phone: +56 65 297 2336;
- Area: 608 km ²;
- Date of Establishment: 1950
Chile is rich in nature reserves, some of which are especially loved and visited by both tourists and Chileans. These include the Congiglio National Park, located in the Araucanía region, it was opened in 1950, 120 km from the city of Temuco . Due to the peculiarities of the area, the territory of which he occupies, a unique tree grows in the park: araucaria is considered the national treasure of Chile.
Famous places in the park
On an area of 608 km², nature has created amazing lakes, waterfalls and streams in an immeasurable amount. The park got its name in honor of the lake, located on its territory - Congiglio. It is notable for beaches that can compete with European ones in terms of cleanliness and beauty. They have long been chosen by locals and tourists, so on the beach, always someone rests.
Congiglio National Park is also famous for the fact that here is one of the most active and high volcanoes of Chile - Llajma, the height of the mountain is 3125 m. Tourists come here to personally see the traces of numerous eruptions. And it's simply impossible to hide them, because they formed a powerful stream, visible even for an inexperienced tourist.
The park differs from others in the presence of a large number of rivers. On its territory the following water arteries flow: Blanca, Rio Alipen, Rio Imperial. If we compare water bodies to size, then the first place is occupied by Lake Congiglio, its area is 780 hectares. It is surprisingly also because it has an underground spillway. Together with Lago Verde, Karpten and Laguna Arcoiris, the lake is included in the unified hydrological region of Bio-Bio, Rio Imperial. Since the Chilean government takes care of the nature of the country, at its request, in 1983, UNESCO included the park in the Biosphere Reserve.
Futuristic landscapes of almost lifeless desert are replaced by species with lakes. The color of water and transparency - that's what surprises travelers. Wander around under the giant trees - a pleasure, because almost nowhere else you can find 60-meter araukanii. You can look for one and a half kilogram cones of trees that the indigenous tribe of Indians use for food.
Useful information for tourists
To get to the park from the nearest city Temuco , you have to rent a car and drive about 2 hours. There are several entrances to the park, but whatever choice is made, it is necessary to pay for the ticket. The cost of the ticket depends on the season, when there are not enough visitors, then you will have to buy a ticket for $ 2.5. In return, you can talk with caretakers and get a bunch of useful tips.
For the convenience of tourists through the thickets of vegetation are laid paths. With their help it is more convenient to study the park, as the car in some places simply will not pass. You can stop in the nearest cities, tourism is a developed industry in the country, therefore, and the hotels are open in sufficient quantity.