Salto las Chilcas and Salto Torbellino

The waterfalls of the Rio Laja are the most visited attraction in the Biobio Valley of Araucania region: however, fortunately for visitors to Laguna del Laja NP, the most famous are the Salto Laja, near the old Pan-American Highway and far downstream from here. Hidden in this small national park are the Salto las Chilcas and Salto el Torbellino - upstream alternatives with none of the commercial hype surrounding Salto Laja. 

From the Conaf (Chile's national forestry commission) hut, the park's administrative centre, the cascades are just an hour return walk, on an easy path. The first you will reach, and viewable from a basalt platform, are the Salto las Chilcas (take note of warning signs, the Lonely Planet guide warns that this natural platform is cracked, and likely to collapse at any time). 

Taking the left hand path from here leads down a short path to a ridge from which you can watch the thundering progress of waters spilling over the Salto el Torbellino. Fauna here is gorgeous, make the most of greenery and pretty wildflowers before the short return walk and a longer trek into the wilderness landscape of the Volcan Antuco Circuit. 

For more information and photos, including detailed practical information and some warnings, see our Laguna del Laja NP walk page.