Discover Lonquimay: Routes, Landscapes and Culture

Lonquimay combines a distinctive townscape with its location in the Río Lonquimay Valley and several routes described in different ways. For your trip planning, you can choose between a drive across the Cordillera de Las Raíces, a cycling loop, hiking destinations and cultural insights in town. Tourist services include accommodation, restaurants, shops and various activities.

Townscape and Landscape

The urban area of Lonquimay lies in the Río Lonquimay Valley. The river flows from west to east; in the center, the Plaza de Armas stands out for its layout, shaped by elliptically curving streets. The valley setting and street pattern offer different points of reference: one describes the location of the urban area, while the other describes the layout around the square.

Driving, Cycling and Hiking Routes

From Lonquimay, you can take the approximately 20 km alternative route, Cuesta de Las Raíces. It crosses the upper part of the Cordillera de Las Raíces and passes through a landscape dominated by araucarias (Araucaria araucana). Georoute 19 offers a different perspective on the Cuesta: this 62 km cycling loop runs from Manzanar via the Cuesta and Lonquimay town center to Sierra Nevada. This distinguishes the approximately 20 km alternative driving route from the longer cycling route, although both include Cuesta de Las Raíces.

Georoute 17 is the georoute of the Valle de Lonquimay and can be started in the center of Lonquimay. Georoute 11 is a hiking route from Lonquimay to Salto Lonquimay. The routes are described in different ways: Georoute 17 highlights its possible starting point in the center, while Georoute 11 focuses on the hike to a specific destination.

Nearby are the wetland and Laguna San Pedro (G71), 4 km from the urban area. Sendero La Cascada, also known as Salto Alaska, is 8 km from the urban area. Both distances are measured from the urban area and help locate these two nearby destinations.

Culture and Crafts in Lonquimay

Plaza Ciudadana Bicentenaria was designed as a public space in keeping with Mapuche-Pewenche identity and intended for outdoor activities. Together with the Plaza de Armas, it shows two different sides of the town: a square with a layout shaped by elliptical streets, and a public space whose design reflects Mapuche-Pewenche identity.

The Mercadito Campesino of the Mesa de la Mujer Rural de Lonquimay involves 18 women artisans. Supported traditional crafts include Witral weaving and work with native wood, including Picoyo and Roble. These names offer a specific insight into the craft materials and techniques represented at the Mercadito.

Local Traditions and Products

Goat roast is at the heart of the traditional Fiesta del Asado de Chivo y Las Tradiciones de Lonquimay. One edition of the festival was announced for February 13, 14 and 15, 2026; the announcement also mentioned music, crafts and family activities. The festival tradition described thus brings together food, cultural events and community activities.

Agro-processed products were among those mentioned for the Mercado Campesino de Lonquimay in 2020. This product category adds to the picture of local markets alongside the crafts represented at the Mercadito Campesino.

Plan Your Stay

If you are looking for a hotel in Lonquimay, the travel interests mentioned can give your plans a specific focus: a drive across Cuesta de Las Raíces, the 62 km Georoute 19, a hiking route, or culture and crafts in town. This lets you match your choice of destination with the activities you want to focus on during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Ranquíl, Collipulli, Purén, Victoria, Traiguén, Curacautín, Lumaco.

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