This soft adventure explores two of the most beautiful National Parks of the Curacautin Region: Tolhuaca and Conguillo National Parks. Native flora - most notably the archaic looking Monkey puzzle trees, the Araucarias from which the region takes its name, along with native southern beeches cover the slopes of the volcanoes and mountains. In between we come across gorgeous lakes and hot springs and waterfalls. A magical landscape. We take short journeys on foot - by far the best way to really explore the terrain and discover its charms.

Day 1: Temuco - Malacahuello

Upon arrival in Temuco, a transfer in a comfortable minibus will take you to the Curacautín Region. Along the way you will be able to see the waterfall 'Salto de la Princesa' before we arrive at your hotel, your home for the next 3 nights. You will receive a welcome drink and have time to settle in. You will also have a chance to explore the surroundings of the hotel. (D)

Day 2: Tolhuaca National Park

After breakfast we will depart from the hotel to drive to the Tolhuaca National Park. At a 72 km / 45 mi distance from the hotel, the park contains typical mixed woods, made up of bamboo, southern beech tree and Monkey Puzzle tree. You will participate in a 1 ½-hour walk to the beautiful Laguna Verde, an ideal spot for your picnic lunch. We will then return to the vehicle and drive to the Laguna Malleco for another 2-hour hike. On a level path through the woods, you will reach the magnificent Malleco Waterfall, which is 50 m / 164 ft high. We will return to the vehicle afterwards to drive to the nearby hot springs of Tolhuaca, named after the volcano that you will get to see close up. Here you will be able to take a relaxing bath in the hot water before we return to your hotel. (B,BL,D)

Day 3: Conguillío National Park

After enjoying your breakfast you will be picked up for a ride to Conguillío National Park, the most beautiful park in the region, located on the slopes of the Llaima Volcano. We will drive through the wonderful scenery of the park and make short stops at the Laguna Captrén, visitor information center and Laguna Conguillío to enjoy the beauty of the park; in the southern part we will visit Laguna Arcoiris and Laguna Verde and then return 5 km / 3 mi north to Playa Linda. Here we will find the trailhead for the "Sierra Nevada" trail , a 2 ½-hour hike through various types of woods beneath the towering Llaima Volcano. (B,BL,D)

Day 4: Malacahuello - Temuco

Today you will have to leave this beautiful place and return to Temuco - after a final visit to the waterfall Salto del Indio. (B)

Rates for 2008/2009 - person

Includes:

3 overnights with breakfast, 2 lunch boxes and 3 dinners, 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, 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.

Hotels 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.

Termas de Malalcahuello**** Hotel Termas de Malalcahuello, is set in beautiful gardens overlooking Volcano Lonquimay and the Andean Mountain Range. It is partially constructed with natural, local materials such as local volcanic rocks and woods. It features 30 comfortable and fully equipped rooms with view of the volcano or the lagoon, park and gardens. The rooms are fully equipped with heating, TV, internet access, telephone, fax modem, safe deposit box. General facilities include: restaurant, lobby bar, laundry service. The hotel's Spa Center offers relaxing massages, as well as hydro-massage and Jacuzzi, directly fed with thermal waters.