This active adventure trip combines hiking, horseback riding and white water rafting in an unforgettable journey through Chile's Lake District. Volcanoes, Lakes, hot springs and awesome Araucaria forests (Monkey Puzzle Trees) - the scenery is spectacular and the adventures are thrilling. This adventure week itinerary is for active travellers. It does not require superhero capabilities, but participants should be have a good fitness level.

Day 1: Temuco - Curacautín

You will be picked up from your hotel or at the airport by a comfortable mini bus. We set off to the region of Curacautín, north-east of Temuco. Along the way we can enjoy views of the waterfall Salto del Indio before arriving at your hotel. The afternoon is free to relax or explore the surroundings. (D)

Day 2: Navidad Crater

Today we are heading for 'Navidad Crater' named after the day it was formed, on December 25th, 1988 during an eruption of Lonquimay Volcano. The crater is an ideal destination for hikes. After breakfast we start on our way with a drive to the ski center Corralco, situated at 1,600 m / 5,250 ft on the slopes of Lonquimay. From there the hike leads for 2-hour through black volcanic sand to the crater. Afterwards, you can take a well-deserved, relaxing bath in the recently opened Malalcahuello Hot Springs. (B,BL,D)

Day 3: Horseback Riding in Lonquimay

After the trek of the previous day, you will be able to relax today and let a horse do the walking for you. First you will pass Cuesta las Raíces with magnificent views of Lonquimay on your way. We will visit a goat's cheese factory at Socapril, where you will be shown around the grounds. Our horseback tour will lead us through the beautiful surroundings of the village of Sierra Nevada. A local huaso (cowboy) will show us how to handle the horses and guide us through various types of forest to impressive lookout points on hills and mountains in the region. (B,BL,D)

Day 4: Conguillío National Park

Today we will explore one of the most beautiful and best preserved national parks of Chile. The park features ancient (600-1,200 years of age) Monkey Puzzle trees as well as other native tree species, Llaima Volcano and several lakes. Spectacular scenery all along the way. You will drive directly from the Suizandina to the park. As we cross it we will make several stops to visit Laguna Captrén, the Visitor's Center, the Conguillío lagoon, the Arcoiris and Verde lagoons in the southern section of the park. At Playa Linda we will start on a 2½ hour hike beneath the Llaima Volcano on the "Sierra Nevada" trail. (B,BL,D)

Day 5: Lake Gualletue National Reserve & Mapuche Culture

After breakfast you will say farewell to La Suizandina and depart for Icalma, situated on the border to Argentina in the Lago Gualletue National Reserve. We first drive through the longest tunnel in South America before you ascending to La Fusta pass. Shortly after arriving at the national reserve, you will pass Lake Gualletue, from where the well known Bío Bío River originates. The chatacteristic forests of Southern beech trees are mostly inhabited by indigenous Mapuche and Pehuenche. You will be able to visit a local family to learn about the present-day life of these native people. You will stay overnight in cabañas close to Icalma. (B,BL,D)

Day 6: Rafting the Allipén River - Trailanquí

After breakfast we will drive to Melipeuco and Río Allipén, where we will exchange the vehicle for a raft and enjoy an exciting whitewater rafting trip (grade 3) on Río Allipén. Afterwards you will continue on to the country-style Hotel-Resort Trailanquí where you will be able to participate in a wide variety of activities on the grounds or in the beautiful natural surroundings. A heated pool, golf course, mini zoo and tennis courts are some of the facilities available for your enjoyment. (B,BL,D)

Day 7: Trailanquí - Temuco

After breakfast and in due time you will be transferred to Temuco airport. (B)

Rates for 2008/2009 - per person

Included:

6 overnights with breakfast (4 nights at Hostería Suizandina, 1 night at cabin in Icalma and 1 night at hotel at Trailanqui), dinners on all days, lunch boxes (mineral water included) on day 2 to 6, transfers and excursions with driver and bilingual guide, entrance fees.

Not Included:

International or national airfares, airport taxes, travel insurance of any kind, meals not mentioned in the itinerary, beverages, alcoholic beverages, expenses of a personal nature, tips or gratuities

Rates may vary due to currency exchange rate fluctuations.

For further information and booking inquiries please send us and e-mail.

Accommodations used for this Itinerary:

Hostería La Suiza Andina** La Suiza Andina is a very small and cozy swiss-style family-run hostel. It comprises the main house and a cabin with a capacity for 29 people. Rooms are clean and furnished simply but comfortably. Rooms in the main house have private bathrooms, a desk and a safety deposit box and can sleep 1 - 4 people. Surrounded by volcanoes, the hostel is located at 1.000 m/ 3.281 ft above sea level, close to the town of Curacautín, snd about 1,5 hr drive from Temuco. Additional services include home-made breakfast, excursions such as Hiking, Horseback Riding and Trekking tours from the hostería to the surrounding national parks.