Parque Nacional Laguna del Laja
This hikers' paradise, a few hours' drive southeast of Concepción, converts to a maze of ski runs in winter. Part of the Sendero de Chile, or Chilean Trail, there are several routes for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, some of which have gentler grades for people with mobility problems. Most impressive is the 36-km (22-mile) trail that rings Laguna del Laja, the country's largest natural reservoir. It crosses dozens of wooden footbridges before arriving at a valley carpeted with hardened lava—a sign of the last eruption of the now-dormant Antuco Volcano. About four dozen different species of birds can be spotted in the park, including the condor and black-headed Andean gull. Predators like the Andean fox and the puma prowl the perimeter. The ski runs are open during snow season: June through September. To get to Parque Nacional Laguna del Laja, take Ruta 5 south to Los Angeles, then Route Q45 east toward Antuco. Some parts are unpaved, so take care in adverse weather conditions.
