santuario el cañi

This seems to be a new reserve. We hiked up based on a Lonely Planet information. Km to the lake and panorama view point must be seriously off, when we were long past the distance we thought it would take is, we turned around and went home. A good decision, since according to GPS we were far away from the lake still when we gave up!They need to work on marking the trail, and giving realistic distance information. Also, we wanted to pay our entrance fee, but no one was there at the beginning and end of our hike (beautiful weather on a week day, no holiday).

The main trail in this private reserve is both long and steep, and features various flora found on different heights around Pucon. However, there was no one at the reserve's entrance, and the refugios are all abandoned, so one would do well to research before going (and print your own map)

A very hidden access to start, followed by the steepest and dustiest hill we have faced during our week hikes in pucon takes us to this less beaten park of the area. The view on top is very pretty, the lakes are not as nice as huerquehue though.

I arrived in Pucon around 8:15 after an overnight bus from Santiago and checked into my hostel. Since it was too late to do the Volcano trek (6:30) and I had missed the earlier bus to Huerquehue National Park, this was an ideal alternative as there are very regular buses to and from the Santuario and I didn't want to waste a day hanging around the hostel and town (not that either were bad).I took a bus around 10:15, which arrived about half an hour later (its the bus station opposite the JAC terminal around the corner from Pullman). I just mentioned El Cani and jumped on the right bus, the driver should shout when you get to the spot. A brief walk and you need to pop into the hut they have and pay entrance (3,000 pesos I think / 6 dollars) and you get a basic map that one of the guys write on (there is a check point further up where you may or may not have to show this (I didn't...un-manned).In all honesty, the first part of the hike up to the refugio is very dull and not particularly fun (dirt tracks). The map indicates about 2 hours to get there albeit I did it in almost half the time as I was on a bit of a mission that day and ran a little. After the refugio the hike got a reasonable amount easier as you start heading to the lakes.The lakes were a big disappointment for me being perfectly honest. The first was almost completely dried up and the second was quite small and also part dried. From the second lake however, you start a tough 30 minute ascent to the mirador (viewing point), and believe me, that was worth it. The views from the top are pretty spectacular, with three volcanoes in the distance (including Villarica of course). Its pretty clear up there and there are plenty of rocks to perch yourself and rest your tired feet whilst munching a few snacks. I actually got to the top in two and half hours so it can be done a lot quicker than indicated.Whilst parts of the above sound quite negative, the view really is fantastic and I imagine the rest of the park would be much better out of peak summer time when the lakes have more water, or when the trees are covered in snow. The other additional bonus is that most people go to Huerquehue and so you practically have it to yourself (I was the first person in the park even at 10:45). Well worth a visit, especially for the more budget conscious seeking a panoramic view.

A friend of mine recommended me a hike in this nature reserve. Thanks to him, we have discovered a place with beautiful landscapes, less well known that Huerquehue National Park, but just as beautiful and much less crowded. I recommend this hike to all nature freaks and those who love the silence.

Steep and tough hike up but rewarded with the most stunning view you can imagine! Three outstanding volcanoes (Lanin, Villarrica and Llaima) are waiting for you, a lotof beautiful araucaries and small lagoons, nearby 360 degree of absolute fantastic, untouched nature. Try to be up there for sunrise or sunset. Easiest way to do so is to bring your tent, you can sleep short before the viewpoint and go up for sunrise.

I did the hike to the Mirador at El Cañi last week in sunny weather and the view was fantastic. You get to see the volcanos of the region, beautiful auraucaria trees, the lagoons, many lizards and even gigantic spiders. But don't worry. I was told their bite is not dangerous. Similar to the sting of a wasp. Anyway, they didn't seem to be aggressive at all.Get there with an early bus so you have no problems getting a bus back to Pucón. And don't forget plenty of water - you might need it on the steep way up.

We hiked Cani today and loved it. We took a bus at 12 from Pucon. The first 2 hours are very steep, then there is 1 hour ok steep and last 30 minutes are quite steep again. However, it is the last point, the mirador, that is trully rewarding. You will get views of volcanoes, lakes, araucaria trees and mire. The trees themselves can be observed from the second lake already, but you should finish the hike, to really appreciate the place. Watch out: we were told the last bus runs at 20.10 but it never arrived so we had to hitchhike. The last one was actually at 19.45 and we just missed it. Confirm with the bus station before going.

My husband and I hiked to a lagoon past Sanctuario el Cani, so we went right through it. The view on the way up is stunning. The hike up is brutal. :-) It's 2 hours straight up. No joke. If you're game for a little exercise amid natural beauty, it's well worth it. Don't forget water and food. :-)

Cani is a park that requires a very lenghty and hard climb but what a reward! The only regret is that we did not bring a tent to stay one or 2 days there.Higly recommended

Unbelievable hike. It is straight up for an hour and a half, from the trailhead to the refugio. I've done it twice and never had trail traffic. The refugio is a great place to sleep for a night. It has a fire pit, wood planks for sleeping, a pot for water, and a hose with drinkable water running from the river. Hike to the lagunas for an incredible sunset/sunrise. There's a campsite at one of the lagunas too. Gorgeous views, quiet and awesome naturaleza.May or may not have to pay 3.000 luca at the trailhead & register your name. They've got a map of the area as well. Take the Huife bus from Pucon and get off at El Cani.

Sanutario El Cañi is a gorgeous reserve, with lots of snow in the winter. It is a bit of a hike, 7 hours to the top lagoons and back. Did not make it to El Mirador due to a lot of snow and a cloudy evening. Take a public bus from the Pullman station about 30 minutes to get there. Guys in charge are very friendly and know El Cañi like the back of their hand. If you go in winter you will want a walking stick and snow shoes, which you can rent in town or at the Reserve.

The views from the top are spectacular, on a clear day. To get there though, it takes a long time. Make sure you get an early bus.

Es un parque privado en un lugar que fue un campo forestal...es un sendero bien empinado que vale la pena recorrer,el santuario es si ,...es arriba en la cumbre...donde estan las araucarias,las lagunas y las mejores vistas.. ideal si llevas carpa y te quedas en el refugio... no se si te puedes alojar directamente en el refugio. NO HACER FUEGO, POR FAVOR! ecosistema muy fragil y solo para gente con criterio formado.

Excelente trekking muy lindos bosques en la zona final, aun q los primeros km es mas bien como el campo de la zona, pero vale la pena de todos modos, no dejen de ir al mirador! se maravillaran! s eobservan 4 volcanes de la zona, Villarrica, Quetrupillar (Mocho), Lanin y Llaima! Cobran entrada de 4.000!