Adventure in Araucanía

Duration	5 days - 4 nights
Season	October to May
Included	Accommodation - Adventure tourism insurance - Bilingual Guide - Breakfast - Dinner - Lunch - Tea
Bookings	Two months in advance
Nº of Pax	Min 6 - Max 12
Price	From US $275p/pax (more detail)
Optional	Extension to Argentina

Araucanía, having an interesting history and remarkable geography, offers its volcanoes, lakes and hot springs, for an unforgettable adventure. The invitation is to travel across this region visiting some of the most active volcanoes in the world, and to walk through National Parks, and take the time for relaxing at hot springs without forgetting that a horseback ride could be interesting too. This program is designed for people that like nature and want to have some kind of activity. This does not require any hard physical effort or specific knowledge. It is suitable for all ages. Horseback rides could be replaced by guided walks through the Valdivian forest.

Picture of Waterfall in Huerquehue National Park

Description

Day 01

Departure from Temuco airport to "Termas de Manzanar" Hotel, passing through the towns of Lautaro and Curacautín ("meeting stone" in Mapuche language).
Lunch at the Hotel.
During the afternoon we will meet our local Guide Pepe (José Córdova) and his wife Cristina, owners of Quincho Mahuida, with whom we will explore the following day. The Lonquimay (means "dense forest") area. After an evening sharing their hospitality and friendship, overnight is at the same Hotel.

Day 02

After a well provided breakfast at the Hotel we will leave with the people of Quincho Mahuida towards Lonquimay volcano's foothills. The Volcano is 2.865m height, because of it's flat cone it is also called "Mocho" by the local people.
The road takes you through a forest of Araucarias to the base of the Volcano where a small ski center is located.
Here we will take a 6 hours Trek towards Navidad crater, the one that was formed after the last eruption on December 25th 1988.
We will have an assorted picnic lunch at the top, admiring the majestic beauty of Las Raices range.
On our way back to the Hotel we will pass through Las Raices tunnel, formerly a railway and road at the same time, nowadays only the path for the international main road to Pino Hachado.
Dinner and overnight at the Hotel.

Day 03

Departure towards Parque Conguillio.
After breakfast we will be driving to Conguillio National Park one of the mayor beauties of Chile. Here we will appreciate the "umbrella shape "of the Araucarias, the reason why this place is recognized too as "Parque Los Paraguas". This day we will be shocked by the scenic variation of this extensive area. The landscape will be permanently dominated by the Llaima volcano, offering alternative paths and Lagoons (volcanic ponds) such as the Arco Iris, Verde and Captrén. The biggest is Lago Conguillio, placed in the base of Sierra Nevada, where we will take a two hours Trek. The chances of good photography here are numerous. Our Guide will explain the volcanic phenomenon that made this place look like it does.
A suitable boxed lunch will be provided.
After driving through lava roads we will leave the Park to "Santa Elvira de Tracura". Local inhabitants and small land owners have also decided to venture into the tourism business.
Dinner and overnight at the country cabins of Sra. Gladis and don Joaquín.

Day 04

After mid-morning breakfast and a short walk around the place, Sra Gladis will offer us an asado (South American barbecue).
Around mid-afternoon we will be leaving to visit El Canelo water fall at Fundo Matanza.
At this time we will be already touring the lowlands of the region, where agriculture and livestock activities are predominant.
And the day will end at La Bastilla with a good dinner.
Overnight at La Bastilla.

Day 05

After breakfast we will be driven on an oxcart to visit some of the small pockets (around 5 has each) of ancient forest. Here we will appreciate the Rain forest that characterizes this part of southern Chile.
Horseback riding or biking is an alternative for those who want to live and experience the spectacular views and rolling hills of the place.
To take a drive around could be the easiest way.
Lunch will be waiting at the main house of the Fundo.
And to say good bye to one of the best National product, a good selection of wines will accompany us.
At the end of our adventure you will be driven to Temuco airport.

Extension of two days

Between Day 04 & Day 05, we recommend taking the following extension to Argentina.
Staying Day 04 in Villa Pehueña, 11/2hour from Santa Elvira, small town on the Alumine lake side. The border path is Icalma.
On Day 05 after breakfast a walk to Paso Del Arco and a Tour to Batea Mahuida (which is a non active volcano) are very challenging. Both places are walking distances from the Hotel. The Hotel chosen for this experience is a small one, only 12 bedrooms with private bath and the owners are a charming Argentine middle age couple.
Continuing with our idea of giving you the best, dinner takes place in a Restaurant beside the Lake, where Argentinean meat is their speciality.
Overnight in the same Hotel.
On Day 06 drive back to Chile, and after lunch with the Fuentes and the visit of El Canelo, arrival to La Bastilla.

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