Caviahue-Copahue Provincial Park wilderness guide
Provincial Park · Neuquén, Argentina

Caviahue-Copahue Provincial Park

Caviahue-Copahue Provincial Park is a rugged, volcanic park renowned for its geothermal activity, alpine landscapes, and outdoor adventure opportunities in the Argentine Andes.

Provincial Park235,000 acres4+ Trails
DesignationProvincial Park
Total Wilderness Area235,000 acres
Elevation / TerrainDiverse Wilderness
Field Editorial Guide

About Caviahue-Copahue Provincial Park

Caviahue-Copahue Provincial Park is a rugged, volcanic park renowned for its geothermal activity, alpine landscapes, and outdoor adventure opportunities in the Argentine Andes.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Located in the Neuquén Province of Argentina, Caviahue-Copahue Provincial Park encompasses a dramatic landscape marked by active volcanoes, thermal springs, and high-elevation forests. The park centers around two striking volcanic peaks, the Copahue Volcano, known for its active fumaroles and sulfuric emissions, and the nearby Caviahue volcano. This dynamic geological setting creates a rich mosaic of ecosystems including lenga beech forests, high Andean meadows, and volcanic soils that support diverse flora and fauna. Indigenous Mapuche culture has deep connections to the area, utilizing the region's thermal waters for healing for centuries. Outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to Caviahue-Copahue for its unique combination of thermal springs, winter sports at nearby ski areas, hiking trails traversing volcanic landscapes, and opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. The park’s remote location enhances its appeal for visitors seeking tranquility and unspoiled wilderness. Key landmarks include the turquoise Caviahue Lake, steaming fumaroles at Copahue Volcano, and ancient araucaria forests. The park's geothermal activity also supports natural hot springs that visitors can enjoy year-round. The blend of volcanic geology, native forests, and cultural heritage makes Caviahue-Copahue a compelling destination for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers.

Field Guide · Provincial Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Caviahue-Copahue Provincial Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Copahue Volcano fumaroles – active geothermal vents emitting sulfur gases✦ Caviahue Lake – a stunning turquoise glacial lake ideal for scenic views and fishing✦ Natural hot springs – therapeutic thermal waters used for centuries by indigenous peoples✦ Araucaria (Monkey Puzzle) forests – ancient, rare Andean conifer groves
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Caviahue-Copahue Provincial Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Caviahue-Copahue Provincial Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Caviahue-Copahue Provincial Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Caviahue-Copahue Provincial Park
Park Recreation

Snow Sports

Available in Caviahue-Copahue Provincial Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Caviahue-Copahue Provincial Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Caviahue-Copahue Provincial Park
Park Recreation

Thermal Bathing

Available in Caviahue-Copahue Provincial Park
Park Recreation

Mountain Biking

Available in Caviahue-Copahue Provincial Park
Park Recreation

Scenic Drives

Available in Caviahue-Copahue Provincial Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Caviahue-Copahue Provincial Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No formal entrance fee; access is generally open but check for volcanic activity updates

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Caviahue-Copahue Provincial Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Caviahue Campground

Located near Caviahue Lake, offering facilities and easy access to lake activities and hiking trails.

Las Maquinitas Primitive Site

A rustic camping area close to thermal springs, ideal for visitors seeking solitude and proximity to geothermal features.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Caviahue-Copahue Provincial Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Lonquimay, Araucanía Region
⌖ 34.91 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Lonquimay, Araucanía Region

Lonquimay is a rugged mountain town in Chile’s Araucanía Region offering hiking, skiing, and biking amid volcanoes and ancient forests. It’s the perfect base for adventurers seeking volcanic landscapes and pristine wilderness.

October to April for hiking and biking; June to September for winter sports
Explore Town
Lonquimay, La Araucanía Region
⌖ 34.91 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Lonquimay, La Araucanía Region

Lonquimay is a tranquil mountain town famed for volcanic landscapes and diverse outdoor adventures year-round, from summer hiking and biking to winter skiing in Chile’s southern Andes.

Summer (December to March) for hiking and biking; Winter (June to August) for skiing.
Explore Town
Malalcahuello, Araucanía Region
⌖ 38.69 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Malalcahuello, Araucanía Region

Malalcahuello is a quiet mountain village offering rugged volcanic landscapes, pristine forests, and year-round outdoor adventures including hiking, mountain biking, skiing, and camping.

Summer (December to March) for hiking and biking; Winter (June to September) for skiing
Explore Town
Curacautín, Araucanía
⌖ 45.32 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Curacautín, Araucanía

Curacautín is a peaceful Andes town in Araucanía offering vibrant outdoor adventures—from hiking volcanic trails in Conguillío National Park to skiing Tolhuaca’s slopes and paddling nearby volcanic lakes.

December to March (summer) for hiking and paddling; June to August (winter) for skiing
Explore Town
Curacautín, Araucanía Region
⌖ 45.32 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Curacautín, Araucanía Region

Curacautín is a charming town nestled in Araucanía, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts eager to hike volcanic trails, bike rugged terrain, paddle pristine lakes, and ski nearby slopes. It’s the ideal basecamp for exploring Chile’s dramatic southern Andes.

Summer and Early Fall (December to April)
Explore Town
Antuco, Biobío Region
⌖ 46.86 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Antuco, Biobío Region

Antuco is a rugged Andean town known for volcanic landscapes, pristine lakes, and year-round outdoor adventures. Hike crater trails, paddle Laguna Laja, or ski in winter's snowy playground.

Summer for hiking and paddling; Winter for skiing
Explore Town