The hike to Laguna Verde from Laguna Tinquilco is one of the most beautiful and accessible day hikes in Huerquehue National Park, leading to a pristine emerald lake surrounded by ancient Araucaria forest and volcanic peaks. Starting from the shores of Laguna Tinquilco, the trail enters dense temperate rainforest, where towering coigüe and lenga trees filter the sunlight and the air feels cool and deeply alive. Wooden boardwalks and soft forest paths wind steadily upward, with birdsong and the occasional glimpse of smaller lakes hinting at the landscape ahead.
As the climb continues, the forest opens gradually, revealing clearer views of the surrounding mountains and the distinctive silhouettes of Araucaria trees, some over a thousand years old. The trail passes several scenic lagoons along the way, each with its own character, before reaching Laguna Verde, whose clear turquoise-green waters reflect the forested slopes and distant volcanic terrain. The stillness of the lake, broken only by gentle ripples and wind in the trees, creates a sense of calm that defines this part of the Araucanía.
After spending time at the shoreline, most hikers return along the same trail to Laguna Tinquilco, retracing the route through the ancient forest. The hike is moderately demanding but never technical, making it ideal for a full-day adventure immersed in one of Chile’s most unique ecosystems. On clear days, it’s among the most memorable hikes in the Lake District, combining volcanic scenery, ancient forest, and the quiet beauty of Patagonia’s northern edge.
