Navidad Crater Hiking Route

Climb the Lonquimay volcano to admire its spectacular Navidad crater on this hiking route from Malalcahuello. The views will leave you speechless!

Navidad Crater Hiking Route

We'll begin the activity meeting at 7:30 am at Kilometer 0 of the Lonquimay Volcano Crossing in Malalcahuello. This medium difficulty hike covers a total of 5 kilometers (3.1 miles).

The trail ascends to an area located 1,765 meters (5,790 feet) above sea level, where the Navidad crater is situated. This pyroclastic cone began forming on December 25, 1988, with an eruption that lasted 13 months, originating from a ground fissure.

As we ascend the northeastern flank of Lonquimay, we will enjoy panoramic views of the Navidad crater, which is a 190-meter (623-foot) cavity open to the northeast, where the lava flow descended over 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) long and 60 meters (197 feet) thick.

A break by the crater will allow us to refuel with an energy bar, a candy, and an isotonic drink. Following the snack, we will begin our descent and explore other areas of the volcano.

The trek will conclude at 12:30 pm when we return to the meeting point.