Majestic mountain peaks, clear rivers and mysterious lakes

4 days/3 nights tour

This four-day program takes you to the historical paths of the Pehuenche indigenous people, who inhabit the Andes Mountains in Chile’s Araucanía region. The Pehuenche are often considered the Andean brothers of the Mapuche people. Even in current generations, traditions, legends, and myths are still part of everyday life. Among majestic mountain peaks, clear rivers and mysterious lakes, discover this region on horseback and explore magical Araucaria forests, which have always been the most faithful companions and main source of food for this ethnic group.

Program

Start your trip in the town of Los Angeles, near Temuco in Chile’s Araucanía Region. We pick you up and take you to the area of Alto Bio Bio, located on the banks of the eponymous river. Its population consists mainly of descendants of the Pehuenche people. We reach your host family in the village of Pitril, where the families live scattered at large distances from each other near the banks of the river Queuco. For centuries, one of the most important activities of the Pehuenche has been animal husbandry, especially sheep, chickens and cattle, which move around freely. Many families also keep bees and produce honey of excellent quality. Nowadays, an increasing number of Pehuenches lives from handicrafts made of wool.

Accommodation: Cabin of our host family. (Dinner)

Start this day with a five-hour horse ride through Andean forests to the beautiful Cauñicú Lake. On the way, enjoy wonderful views and learn about the native vegetation, which includes endemic tree species like Roble, Raulís, Radales or Coigues, in higher altitudes also Lenga and the impressive Araucaria.

In the afternoon, we reach the shores of Lake Cauñicú, which is of great cultural importance to the local Pehuenches. The area serves as a breeding ground for their animals, but is also used as summer quarters for the collection of the piñon. The piñon is the fruit of the sacred Araucaria tree, which is traditionally processed into all sorts of delicious dishes.

Accommodation on the family-run campsite near the lake shore. (Breakfast, boxed-lunch, dinner)

The day begins with a hearty breakfast on the shores of Lake Cauñicú. As soon as we feel ready, we ride our horses back to the starting point. After lunch, a transfer takes you to the community of Pitril, where your hosts are waiting for you. Use the afternoon to relax or to participate the fabrication of simple handicrafts.

Accommodation: Cabin of our host family. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner)

A morning with various activities awaits you while participating in the routines of the local community. Afterwards, you can help to prepare a traditional Pehuenche meal. Enjoy a farewell lunch before returning to Los Angeles in the afternoon, where the tour ends. (Breakfast, lunch)