As an Emerald, a special gem

Description

Day 01

Departure from Temuco airport to "Casona Suiza" at Fundo La Rinconada, on the banks of the Toltén River. Half an hour's drive and we will be ready to start our new experience in Araucanía. Peter, our Landlord, will attend us in his usual friendly style.

Lunch will be held at the Casona Suiza. Every meal here is generously accompanied by wines and spirits. During the afternoon we will be taken on a floating trip, in wooden boats guided by expert native oarsmen along the Toltén River. For those who enjoy photography, this is a unique opportunity. Dinner and overnight stay at the Casona.

Day 02

After a full breakfast provided by Peter, including many home made products, we will leave towards Fundo Flor del Lago, on the north side of Lago Villarrica facing the volcano. The road that we will be driven on takes us through the lowlands of the region, and you will notice how quick the landscape changes from soft slopes to the Andean range.

At Flor del Lago, Amelie will be our hostess. Her enchanting personality will lead us through the paths carefully designed to show us the wonder of the Valdivian forest. Our easy trek here will take us a couple of hours and a picnic lunch will be served, providing it doesn't rain, in gardens of Amelia's home, otherwise it will be in her house.

After lunch we will be continuing our trip to Parque Metreñehue, where we will have dinner and stay overnight at Ursula's Cabins.

Day 03

After a good breakfast in German style our departure will be in the direction of Huerquehue Park. The Trekking this morning (moderately easy) will take us for a 6 hour walk up, sometimes in steep zigzags. From Lago Tinquilco to Lago El Toro and Lago Verde the route will be offering us permanent surprises, from Monkey Puzzle trees to the rich fauna and a wide variety of birds (the best season for birdwatchers is March to May & September to October).

We will have an assorted picnic lunch at the top, admiring the majestic beauty of the Park and its lakes. This is a paradise for photographers. On our way back to Metreñehue we will visit some of the relaxing hot springs that are well equipped and developed in the area, taking advantage of this volcanic phenomena. Dinner and overnight stay will be at Parque Metreñehue.

Day 04

After breakfast we will depart towards Curarrehue. During this drive we will take the international highway that follows the Río Trancura (for years the place for fly-fishing).

Once at Curarrehue town, a place where we can enjoy some indigenous Pehuenche meals, or buy their souvenirs, we will take the gravel road to Reigolil. This road goes along the Maichín River.

Our next stop after half an hour from Curarrehue will be Fundo "Corral del Agua", a special place green as an emerald in spring and red as a ruby in autumn. This is Where Rodrigo Sugg the owner will make us feel at home in the middle of the mountains.

This Fundo is a Private Protected Area. Rodrigo is an active member of the Chilean Ornithologist Association and member of the Committee for the protection of nature and wildlife.

Here our host will organize a trek for us, climbing the nearby mountains guided by him. His enormous experience will offer us a great opportunity to improve our knowledge about Southern Andean life.

Nothing could be more wonderful than watching the flight of the Condor at midday. This usually happens here. Lunch, dinner and overnight stay will be at Rodrigo's cabins.

Day 05

Overwhelmed by the beauty of this place, we'll spend another day Trekking (moderate but long) around the 1,750 acres of Corral del Agua in the company of Mr. Sugg. This Trek is followed by pack horses which gives us the chance to rest for a while without interrupting our trip. Rodrigo will take care of feeding us, he is a very good host.

All meals will be served here. During the Treks meals will consist of asados (roasts), or picnics depending on our visitors and their preferences. Overnight will be at the cabins.

Day 06

After a late breakfast, we will drive back to Temuco. Here we will visit the Mapuche Museum and the town. The plane departure time will determine where we have lunch. The Tour ends here.

Extension of 1 or 2 days

For those keen to learn more about these mountains, and to discover the beauty of the Lanín volcano, we suggest they stay longer in Curarrehue and make the tour towards the Chilean side of the Lanín National Park, visiting some magnificent lagoons at the foot of this gorgeous mountain. With 2 additional days, the best idea is to visit the Argentine towns of Junín de Los Andes and San Martín de Los Andes. Staying in comfortable Lodges and eating out in very good Restaurants. These two Argentine Towns are a paradise for fishermen.