Lakeside walks at Lago Lanalhue invite visitors to observe the area’s native flora and fauna. The lake lies between the municipalities of Cañete and Contulmo in the Cordillera de Nahuelbuta. In addition to trekking along the shore, visitors can also enjoy water skiing and kayaking here. Those exploring Arauco Province will find both land trails and water activities around the lakes.
Lakes and Activities
Nearby, Lago Lleu Lleu also offers different ways to enjoy the outdoors: kayaking, windsurfing, fishing, trekking in the surrounding area and horseback riding. With an area of 4,300 hectares, it is a striking part of the lake landscape. It lies on the western slope of the Cordillera de Nahuelbuta, 40 kilometers south of Cañete via the San Ramón access point and 14 kilometers from the access point in the municipality of Contulmo.
Kayaking is possible both at Lago Lanalhue in Arauco Province and at nearby Lago Lleu Lleu. Other activities mentioned differ: at Lanalhue, the focus is on water skiing and lakeside trekking, while Lleu Lleu also offers windsurfing, fishing and horseback riding. Compare the activities that interest you most as you plan your trip.
Mapuche Culture and History
In Cañete, the Museo Mapuche presents Mapuche territory and the Mapuche worldview in six adapted spaces open to the public. The Cementerio o Eltún de Antiquina in the municipality of Cañete offers a different cultural perspective. Its explicitly tangible and implicitly intangible values are rooted in the worldview of the Mapuche people and remain alive.
Fuerte de Tucapel in Cañete is also connected with the region’s history: it was the setting for significant events during the Arauco War. At Ruka-Lelbun, visitors receive a short presentation on traditional Mapuche customs, gastronomy and handicrafts. The Palomitas de Laraquete, meanwhile, are associated with the municipality of Arauco and are recognized as a Tesoro Humano Vivo.
Contulmo’s Houses and Heritage
In Contulmo, a tour of 18 houses featuring heritage-listed architecture from the German founders’ era is recommended. On Millaray Street are the Pfaaff and Vhymeister houses, as well as the former Hotel Central. The poet Pablo Neruda was among its former guests. The tour brings together architectural heritage and individual houses whose histories extend beyond their present-day appearance; Hotel Central is specifically a former hotel.
Landscapes and Isla Mocha
The landscapes of Provincia de Arauco extend from the Pacific to the Cordillera de Nahuelbuta. They include ancient forests and native fauna. On Isla Mocha, the endemic Fardela blanca (Ardenna creatopus), a seabird classified as endangered and of particular scientific and tourist interest, lives in the Reserva Nacional Isla Mocha.
The island can be reached by air taxi, with flights departing from Tirúa airfield or Carriel Sur Airport in Concepción. Maritime access from Lebu or Tirúa is limited to freight transport, depends on weather conditions and boat availability, and is not offered regularly. Confirm access conditions again before your trip.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Frutillar, Tirúa, Arauco, Contulmo, Curanilahue, Cañete, Provincia Concepción, Ñuble Province.
For the overview of the wider region: Bío-Bío.
