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Chile

Classic Chile / Santiago area / Patagonia / Lake District
Easter Island / Biking / Atacama Desert / Expedition Cruises
Fiord Cruises / Treks / Multisport / Sea Kayaking / Hacienda Life

P U C Ó N , V A L D I V I A & E N V I R O N S

Pucón is located at the eastern end of Lago Villarrica (pronounced veeya-reeka) at the base of Volcano Villarrica. It is a popular excursion to climb the volcano because this is one of the most accessible of all the volcanoes in Chile. While crampons, and a good level of fitness are a must, the summit of this volcano is relatively easily accomplished, and the weather is much more co-operative than in other areas of Chile. Experiencing first hand, the escaping steam and excitement of the earth’s gurgles of molten lava accompanied with a spectacular view for many miles all around make this a terrific excursion. And sliding back down the upper slopes of snow on a summer‘s day is an experience one will not soon forget. For those who would sooner observe from afar, the volcano also offers a very special magic after dark when, in the night sky, a romantic orange glow can be seen emanating from inside the cone. Much of the area around Pucón is geo-thermally active. Thus there are many hot-spring spa type lodges and hotels. Pucón is the ideal place to stay for excursions to Villarrica National Park, Lago Caburga (pronounced ca-boor-go), Huerquehue National Park
(wear-Kway) and the many hot-spring resorts. It is a beautiful summer town in a tremendous setting with a large floating population through the summer months. There are good hotels, terrific restaurants and even
lots of shopping. This is a fashionable place where well-to-do Chileans have summer homes to spend
their vacations. The principal, exotic black sandy beach is ideal for swimming and water-sports of all
kinds. In winter there is good skiing – and a tremendous panoramic view of the surrounding countryside, on the slopes.

Valdivia is located about 15 km (approx. 9,3 miles) inland on the Rio Valdivia (pronounced val-dee-vee-ah). It is very picturesque and there are many sailing boats and river excursions. Valdivia played an important role in the Spanish Colonial period. There are a ring of remains of historic fortifications surrounding the town. The fortifications on Isla Mancera, Niebla and Corral can also be seen. Valdivia was the center for the German colonization of the Lake District, but unfortunately very little of the original architectural heritage survived a seaquake in the 1960’s. However one clearly notes the German presence in the various restaurants, cafe’s, street names and local brewery. From town there are terrific walks out on the estuary and to the historic
fortresses. In town there is a university, interesting museums and every year in February the „Noche
Valdiviana“ with chilean folklore and fireworks takes place.

TRAILANQUI – PUCON – PUYEHUE 6 days / 5 nights

Day 1 Trailanqui
Reception at the airport in Temuco. Transfer to the Hacienda Trailanqui, a traditional Chilean ranch recently restored and converted into a beautiful hotel. It’s still very much a working ranch, in fact, most of the meals you will enjoy during your stay here, are home-made grown on the Hacienda itself. Trailanqui is situated on the bow of a river amidst the foothills of the Andes. A brook passes underneath the terrace of the dining room and there is a private beach to enjoy on the banks of a neighbouring river. In the afternoon you will want to have a walk on one of the many marvellous nature trails all around the lodge. For later in the evening there is a large and cozy living room with a wonderful hearth and fireplace made out of lava rocks.

Day 2 Trailanqui – Pucón (B)
Morning at leisure with time to enjoy the Hacienda walking, on mountain bike and / or on horseback. In the afternoon we shall set out along the shores of Lago Villarrica towards Pucón. On route we shall visit the town of Villarrica, located on the western end of Lago Villarrica and from there continue on to Pucón itself where you will spend the night at your chosen hotel.

Day 3 Pucón (B)
Leisure day, time to relax or enjoy an excursion in the surrounding area. Overnight at selected hotel.

Day 4 Pucón – Termas de Puyehue.(B)
As we leave behind Pucon we head towards to the Termas de Puyehue which is part of the 117 thousand hectares of the imposing National Park Puyehue, sanctuary of nature. The land access is through the international route 215 that connects Chile with Argentina, and boarders the lake Puyehue, with incomparable volcanos like the Puntiagudo and the Puyehue, between two lakes, Puyehue and Rupanco. Termas de Puyehue is one of the most complete thermal centers in Chile you will enjoy, from the original source, the kindness of the pure, healthy and revitalizing thermal water. Other rograms here include tours, mountain bike rides, horseback rides and trail hikes towards the volcano and the caves and geysers, rappelling, fly fishing, nautical sports and snow sports. The only canopy installation in a Chilean national forest, our Canopy tour in the heart of Puyehue National Park will take you in flight over the ancient forest. Overnight at Termas de Puyehue.

Day 5 Termas de Puyehue – Puerto Varas (B)
Transfer from Termas de Puyehue to Puerto Varas. Before heading towards Puerto Varas we shall visit the lakeside town of Frutillar. In Frutillar itself there is a wonderful openair museum with restored colonial homes and furnishings from the early German settlement period, as well as an operating blacksmith shop. Throughout the summer there are various festivals of classic music organized in Frutillar.
Overnight in Puerto Varas.

Day 6 B
Transfer from hotel in Puerto Varas to the airport in Puerto Montt.

Rates per person double in US$ :

PUCON – VALDIVIA – PUERTO VARAS 6 days / 5 nights

Day 1 Pucón
Reception at airport in Temuco. Scenic drive along the shore of Lago Villarrica to Pucón. On route we shall visit the town of Villarrica, located on the western end of the lake. Transfer to your preferred hotel in Pucón. Afternoon city tour of Pucon. Overnight at selected hotel.

Day 2 Pucón (B)
Leisure day, time to relax or enjoy an excursion in the surrounding area. Overnight at selected hotel.

Day 3 Pucón – Valdivia (B)
Private transfer with guide in the morning to the city of Valdivia. Enjoy a tour of the city of Valdivia including the Plaza de la Libertad and the modern cathedral. From city center we shall set out for the nearby coast following many bends in the river and stopping at Isla Teja, where the Austral University and Botanical Garden are located. From here we continue on towards Niebla and one of the historic forts of the region. Part of this fort was restored in 1992 and offers a very interesting museum of Chilean naval history. Further on in the middle of the Valdivia River on the Island of Mancera, the Castle of San Pedro de Alcantara can
be seen. Overnight at Hotel Villa del Río (or similar).

Day 4 Valdivia – Puerto Varas (B)
Early transfer with guide from Valdivia to Puerto Varas. On the way enjoy the scenic sites of volcanoes and lakes. Afternoon at leisure or perhaps enoy a tour (optional not included in rate). Overnight at selected hotel.

Day 5 Puerto Varas (B)
Leisure day, time to relax or enjoy an excursion in the surrounding area. Overnight at selected hotel.

Day 6 Puerto Varas – Puerto Montt (B)
Transfer from hotel in Puerto Varas to the airport in Puerto Montt.

Rates per person double in US$ :

optional tours that can be added to above itinerary on day 2:
Volcano Villarica and Cavernas Volcanicas (described on day 2 below) = $74 per person
Termas de Huife & Ojos de Caburga (described on day 3 below) = $74 per person

Pucon Adventure 4 Days / 3 Nights

PUCÓN 4 days / 3 nights

Day 1 Pucón
Reception at airport in Temuco. Scenic drive along the shore of Lago Villarrica to Pucón. On route we shall visit the town of Villarrica, located on the western end of the lake. Transfer to your chosen hotel in Pucón. Time to explore the town of Pucón on foot.

Day 2 (B) Situated at the foothills of Villarrica Volcano, 12 kilometres from Pucon, the visit to the volcanic caves will provoke an interesting and emotional sensation when you enter one of the two tunnels made of lava. They are lava tunnels generated 2 million years ago by a thick stream of lava that even after its top layer turned to rock underneath the lava kept flowing, forming the caves, which are presently fitted with walkways and are lit for up to 650 m. Formed naturally following numerous eruptions of the Villarica Volcano it
invites us to descend approx. 300 metres to observe its geological construction. The excursion within the caves takes approx. one hour, with an expert guide to accompany us on this interesting tour. Later we will return to the entrance of the Rucapillan sector, of the National Park of Villarica (of 61.000 ha), the road to the right is taken and we continue until we arrive at the cafeteria of the ski centre. Free time to enjoy the panoramic view, walk, and we will then return to our hotel in Pucon.

Day 3 (B) The Ojos del Caburgua is a beautiful group of wells surrounded by woods, where the Caburga lake subterranean water springs, and other streams. Leave Pucon and head North, at km 19 we will visit these beautiful rapids The waters flow with great force. After our visit we will enter the Araucania region privileged by the presence of volcanoes which have lead to a great presence of thermal baths which are surrounded by beautiful vegetation. Las Termas de Huife are located 33 km east of Pucon on the banks of the Liucura River. With three large outdoor thermal pools of a temperature between 38ºC and 58ºC. The pools are located at the same level as the river allowing guests to alter between a hot bath and a cool swim in the river.

Day 4 B Transfer to the airport in Temuco after breakfast.

Rates per person double in US$ :

Hotel Villarrica Park Lake
The hotel is surrounded by beautiful gardens and boasts spectacular panoramic views from each one of its facilities. The spacious areas emphasize elegance and quality and assure a quiet and relaxed atmosphere throughout the year. The hotel is made up of 70 rooms with private terrace and a lake view, all equipped with facilities to make a guests stay comfortable and convenient.

Hotel Del Lago (5*)
Hotel Del Lago Resort & Casino has large rooms, all of them with marbled bathrooms carefully decorated with all that is necessary to give you the comfort you deserve. Hotel Del Lago Resort & Casino has 82 rooms, 2 Presidential Suites, 8 Volcano Suites, 24 Suites, 27 Deluxe Double Suites and 21 Double Twin Suites.

Hotel Monte Verde (4*)
This hotel has just been opened a season ago. It is situated only 5 km from Pucon with a magnificent view of the Villarrica Lake. It has 6 spacious rooms delicately and individually decorated with different themes. Apart from this there are also 14 warm and welcoming cabins of different sizes and equipped with all you may need during your stay. All of them are constructed from wood. The site has a pool, sauna and hot tub, and also a spacious recreation room.

Hotel Malahue (3*)
A cozy hotel found amidst beautiful surroundings with a view of the Villarrica Volcano. The rustically decorated rooms have charm and a nice atmosphere. The town centre of Pucón is just 15 minutes away.