Monumento Nacional Cerro Ñielol

Several hiking trails wind through the 89.5 hectares of forest shrouding Cerro Ñielol (hill with holes). Founded in 1939 to protect native flora and fauna, its the only one of the country’s national monuments located in an urban center. From the park entry, Sendero Agua Santa (750 meters / 2437 feet long) leads to a font of sacred water. Sendero Los Lotos (980 meters / 3185 feet) passes waterlily pools, ending at La Patagua, where once stood the tree under which the Chile-Mapuche peace treaty was signed in 1881. Now giant wooden men and women guard this historic space. The Sendero Los Caoihues cuts through a grove of the national flower, which blossoms in fall and winter. Other trails and an interpretive center are also worth exploring.

Location:
North end of Calle Prat
Temuco, Chile

Hiking Types:
Historical site

Travel Tips: If coming to birdwatch, avoid weekends. Some flora is identified. Caminatas educativas, or guided nature walks, are done Monday-Friday whenever a group gets together. Check the Calle Prat entrance ranger station for more information.

Price Description: Nationals: Adults $1.40, seniors $0.70, children $0.40. Foreigners: Adults $2, seniors and children $1.

Relative price: Budget

Open Hours from:Daily 8:30 a.m.

Open Hours to:Daily 6 p.m.

Travel Skills: None

You Need to Bring: Take water, sun screen and hat. Bring along a picnic or have lunch at Restaurant La Cumbre de Ñielol (Tel.: 21-4336) with a fantastic view of the valley.

Browse the Museo Regional de la Araucanía, Museo Nacional Ferroviario Pablo Neruda and art galleries; hop the Tren de la Araucanía steam train.

Currencies accepted
Chilean Peso

By Lorraine Caputo

Upon re-declaring her independence at age 29, Lorraine Caputo packed her trusty Rocinante (so her knapsack's called) and began traipsing throughout...

Created: 16 Dec 2008

Updated: 06 Jul 2009

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