Navidad Crater Hiking Route

Ascend the Lonquimay volcano to enjoy breathtaking views of the Navidad crater on this guided hiking excursion starting from Malalcahuello. Prepare to be amazed by the stunning scenery!

Hiking Route to Navidad Crater

Our adventure begins at 7:30 am at Kilometer 0 of the Lonquimay Volcano Crossing. Situated in the heart of the Chilean Andes foothills, Malalcahuello serves as our starting point for an unforgettable medium-difficulty hike that spans approximately 5 kilometers (3.1 miles).

The trek through these picturesque landscapes will elevate us to an altitude of 1,765 meters (5,790 feet) above sea level, where we will find the remarkable Navidad crater. This pyroclastic cone of Lonquimay began its formation on December 25, 1988, following a fissure eruption that lasted over 13 months!

As we navigate the northeastern slope of Lonquimay, we'll be treated to stunning panoramic vistas of the Navidad crater, a vast cavity measuring 190 meters (623 feet) in diameter, opening to the northeast. This crucial site witnessed a lava flow that extended more than 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) and reached a thickness of up to 60 meters (197 feet).

We will pause near the crater to enjoy a quick energy boost with a snack, including an energy bar, a candy, and an isotonic drink. After this refreshing break, we'll commence our descent, exploring additional attractions of the volcano along the way.

In conclusion, we aim to finish our hike by 12:30 pm, returning to our original meeting location.