Laguna Captren

The short walk to Laguna Captren heads west for about 4km along a straightforward path, from the park's administration centre. The trail takes you through the theatrical landscape of Conguillio NP's ancient forests: lofty araucania trees, with their classic towering trunks and canopy like branches.

A narrow path circles the shoreline of Laguna Captren, a small lake formed just half a century ago. Walkers can glimpse the eerie drowned trees beneath the surface, overwhelmed by the waters of the Rio Traful-Traful when the lava flows of Volcan Llaima blocked the river's channel.

Above the trees to the north loom the snowy slopes of the rugged Sierra Nevada, a dramatic backdrop to this peaceful lake; to the south, invisible through the luscious temperate rainforests, lie the barren hinterlands of the volcano itself.

This quiet walk is a lovely way to explore the fascinating, ancient landscape of Conguillio NP. If you're inspired by the scenery, spend some time exploring the Sierra Nevada, or climbing fiery Volcan Llaima.

For more information and photos, including detailed practical information and some warnings, see our Conguillio NP walk page.