El Manco Lagoon

El Manco Lagoon can be considered a little-known natural treasure of the commune of Tucapel. Its combination of native forest, mountains, water and biodiversity gives it strong potential for ecotourism, adventure tourism and nature tourism. It's also one of the attractions helping diversify the tourism offer of Biobío Province beyond its traditionally known destinations. Access begins in Polcura, from where the route starts; the path includes uphill stretches, and some sections cross private land, so it's important to get informed beforehand and obtain authorization where required. Because the trail can be poorly defined and mountain weather conditions can change quickly, we recommend doing this hike with people familiar with the area. The main draw of the area is its nearly pristine natural setting, characterized by clear waters, native forest, abundant vegetation, and a variety of wildlife and bird species. The presence of copihues, a characteristic plant of the area's vegetation, also stands out.

🥾 Trekking info

Distance: 11 km (round trip) Technical difficulty: Moderate. Maximum altitude: 1,280 to 1,295 m a.s.l. Route type: Out-and-back, same trail. Elevation gain: +924, -170 (±1094)

🌿 Flora, fauna & fungi

Flora, fauna and natural richness The trail around El Manco Lagoon is surrounded by a lush native forest of temperate and Andean character, one of the area's main natural attractions. Notable plant species include coigüe, ñirre, lenga, quila and copihue, forming a landscape of great beauty and ecological value. As for wildlife, the area's isolation and natural conditions favor the presence and shelter of various wild species, especially birds typical of mountain and native forest environments. These include upland geese (caiquenes) and chucao tapaculos, as well as various native amphibian and reptile species, such as small frogs and lizards. Mammals such as the chilla fox and culpeo fox, characteristic of the foothill ecosystems, can also be found here. Additionally, the seasonal humidity typical of the Biobío foothills favors a significant diversity of fungi and other organisms associated with the native forest. During the wetter seasons you can spot species such as digüeñes (Cyttaria espinosae), along with specimens of the genera Cortinarius and Mycena, plus various shelf fungi growing on trunks and trees. Together, the diversity of flora, fauna and fungal species makes El Manco Lagoon a place of great interest for nature tourism, biodiversity observation, photography and environmental education, underscoring the importance of conserving and protecting this natural ecosystem.

💡 Route tips

We recommend hiking this trail with company, especially if you're not familiar with the route or the terrain conditions. - Footwear: Wear proper trekking shoes, ideally with good grip and a non-slip sole. - Sun protection: Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Sun exposure can be intense even on cloudy days. - Hydration and food: Bring at least 2 liters of water per person. We recommend packing ready-to-eat, easy-to-carry food that provides energy during the activity. - Clothing: Wear appropriate mountain clothing plus an extra warm layer, since temperatures can change along the route. - Safety gear: We recommend trekking poles, a fully charged phone and, if possible, a power bank. A headlamp or flashlight, a small first-aid kit, and basic personal items are also important. - Fitness: Stay hydrated, take breaks when needed, and always move at your own pace, respecting your physical limits. - Planning: Before starting the hike, let someone you trust know your itinerary, and check the weather forecast and trail conditions. - Environmental care: Respect the flora, fauna and trail signage. Don't leave any trash behind, and be sure to carry out everything you bring in.

📍 Destination area

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Upcoming trips to El Manco Lagoon