Curicó: Trails, Birdlife and Living Traditions

At the Reserva Nacional Laguna Torca in Vichuquén, hiking options range from the easy Árbol Gigante, which takes about 45 minutes, to the challenging La Duna, which takes around four hours. In between is Achupalla, of moderate difficulty and with a walking time of about two and a half hours. This lets you weigh up the duration and difficulty of the trails as you plan.

Hiking Trails and Access to Radal Siete Tazas

The Reserva Nacional Radal Siete Tazas is in Molina, in the Province of Curicó, and was reclassified as a national park on March 27, 2008. The Siete Tazas–Salto de la Leona trail is 1.5 kilometers long, takes about an hour in total, and is considered easy. Seasonal hazards may change, so check current conditions before your hike.

The main access road connects Molina with the Parque Inglés sector. The first 25 kilometers are paved, while most of the remaining stretch is a gravel road. Since road conditions can change seasonally, check them before setting out.

Laguna Torca: Lakes, Birds and Three Trails

The Reserva Nacional Laguna Torca has hiking trails and an environmental information center with a photo exhibition on local birdlife. The lake system includes Laguna Torca, Lago Vichuquén and Laguna de Agua Dulce. The latter has no surface outflow and is endorheic. More than 90 bird species are found at Laguna Torca, including the black-necked swan, osprey, Plegadis chihi and coscoroba swan.

The trail lengths also offer different time frames: Árbol Gigante is 1.4 kilometers long and takes about 45 minutes; the 6-kilometer Achupalla is listed as taking around two and a half hours. La Duna covers 10 kilometers, takes about four hours and is considered challenging. The three hikes therefore differ in both duration and difficulty. Operating conditions may change; check the current trail conditions before your visit.

Townscape, Crafts and Traditions

Pueblo de Vichuquén is designated a Zona Típica. Its open town layout consists of two parallel streets and three cross streets. In town, you can visit artisans who make white ceramic vessels, woven textiles, crafts from plant fibers, and carved figures and household items. The townscape and its different craft materials offer two distinct insights into Vichuquén: its street layout and the work of its artisans.

The Kiosco Cívico is located in the Plaza de Armas in Curicó and is designated a Monumento Histórico. The structure is made entirely of metal and combines cast iron with wrought iron.

In Lora, in the municipality of Licantén, the Baile de Negros is held every year on the third Sunday in October. A ritual group pays homage to the Virgin of the Rosary through music and dancing; the celebration is an expression of popular religiosity. The Baile de los Negros de Lora was recognized as a Tesoro Humano Vivo in 2011 by the Consejo Nacional de la Cultura y las Artes and UNESCO.

A Look at the Maule Region

In the wider travel area of the Maule Region, various wineries in the Valles del Maule y Curicó offer tours and tastings; dining options are also part of the regional visitor experience. If you plan to visit a winery, confirm its availability in advance.

Discover more destinations: Curicó, Molina, Vichuquén, Licantén, Llico, Sagrada Familia, Talca Province, Cauquenes.

See the overview of the wider travel area: Maule Region.