Spirit of Araucania - 4 days
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Experience the Mapuche Culture. The Mapuche are the only indigenous group in South America that were able to fiercely defend and successfully maintain their independence, bravely protecting their nation from, first, the Incas, and later the Spanish. Today, 80% percent of Chile’s indigenous population is Mapuche, with the largest concentration residing in Araucanía
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DAY 1: FREIRE AIRPORT – TEMUCO
This day, will mark the beginning of our extraordinary program. After arriving to the Freire Airport we will be taken on a city tour of Temuco, the capital of La Araucanía Region.We will explore Cerro Ñielol, a natural monument nestled in the city. Here, we will wander through the surroundings, immersing ourselves in the rich history of the area and its profound connection to Mapuche culture. We will visit the Pablo Neruda Railway Museum, where we will uncover the stories surrounding the poet's life in Temuco and the early days of the railway in Chile. We will then head to the iconic Aníbal Pinto Square, the heart of the city, and also explore the Araucanía Pavilion, a reconstruction of the prominent Chilean pavilion from the 2015 Milan Expo. If time and our interests allow, we will venture to explore further places such as the picturesque Estación district, renowned for its impressive architecture dating back to the early 20th century; the Pinto Market, a local market where Mapuche culture intertwines with daily life, and Isla Cautín Urban Park, a green oasis amidst the bustling cityscape. After visiting Temuco’s highlights, we will arrive to our hotel. Overnight in Temuco. DAY 2: TEMUCO – BUDI LAKE Today our cultural journey will begin when we are whisked away to the coastal section of the La Araucanía Region. It is in this sector that we will find the ethnic Mapuche community of Llaguepulli, located on the Budi Lake. This location is known for its incredible beauty and a variety of avifauna that migrate to this salt lake every year. Upon our arrival, we will enjoy a traditional lunch made with local products of the region. As we enjoy our meal we will learn about what life as a Mapuche is like and their spiritual connection with the ocean and nature. After a full stomach, we will have time for a little rest and relaxation. Later that day we will have the opportunity to enjoy a ride on an ox drawn carriage. We will be taken to a homeopathy garden where we will learn all about the different plants used in Mapuche medicine, known for their natural healing properties. Our day will conclude with a homemade dinner, prepared with fresh ingredients. Overnight in a traditional ruka (Mapuche house) near Budi Lake. (B, L, D) DAY 3: BUDI LAKE NAVIGATION & SURROUNDINGS Our morning will start early when a hearty breakfast is served inside our rukas. Afterwards we will be treated to a navigation across Budi Lake where will have the opportunity to enjoy this serine landscape, flora and fauna. During our boat trip, we will make a stop at a nearby cavern where we will learn about the formation of this lake and history of the land. Following our fun excursion, we will then proceed to a vegetable garden to gather the products we will need for our lunch. After a delightful meal and little time to ourselves, we will then visit the house of a local artisan. There we will participate in a workshop to learn ancient techniques used in wool handcrafts. After this artistic experience, we will have a little down time. Towards the end of the night, we will gather around a fire to reflect on our day, life and beliefs. Our wonderful day will end after we have a delicious dinner prepared by local cooks. Overnight in a traditional ruka (Mapuche house) near Budi Lake. (B, L, D) DAY 4: BUDI LAKE – FREIRE AIRPORT After a country style breakfast, we will make our way to back to the Freire Airport. Our trip will have ended, but we will have witnessed true Mapuche spirit. (B) |
Price per person in US$, double occupancy :
Hotels we use in this program: Hotel Dreams Temuco & Lewfu Budi
Included: - 1 overnight in Temuco with breakfast. - 2 overnights with full board in Lago Budi. - Meals according itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner, LB= Lunch Box). - Transfers and excursions in private with English speaking guide. Please Note: Lewfu Budi: accommodation in a Ruka (Mapuche house) or Cabin
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