This exciting adventure week combines hiking through lush native forests, climb Lonquimay Volcano in the Malacahuello and Nalca National Reserve, take a horseback ride in Conguillio National Park, climb Llaima volcano with its two craters, and even ascend to the Sollipulli glacier and finally end the tour by going canyoning through Queipude River to geothermal hot springs. An adventure filled week for active travellers.

Day 1: Temuco - Malalcahuello

Upon arrival at the airport you will be transferred to Suizandina guest house in Malalcahuello. On the way we stop to visit Salto de la Princesa waterfall. Arriving at the guest house a welcome drink awaits you. The rest of the day is at your leisure, you can relax at the guesthouse or take a walk on their nature trail. Dinner and overnight at Suizandina. (L,D)

Day 2: Lonquimay Volcano

After breakfast we set off by vehicle to Malacahuello and Nalca National Reserve. Our destination is the base of Lonquimay Volcano at 1,600 m / 5,250 ft, where our trailhead begins. From here we will hike up to the peak at 2890 m / 9482 ft above sea level. Magnificent views of glacier and 14 volcanoes in a 500 km /311 mi radius north and south of the Lonquimay are a fantastic reward for the effort. Return to Suizandina, dinner and overnight. (B,BL,D)

Day 3: Conguillío National Park

After the strains of the previous day's hike you can relax today and enjoy a drive through one of the best preserved national parks in Chile. We will first visit Salto del Indio waterfall and pass through Curacautín, before we eventually arrive at the national park from the north. Your guide will accompany you and lead you on several stops along the way through magnificent forests, to lagoons like Lago Conguillío or Lago Verde. After a 3-hour drive we will reach Cabañas Vista Hermosa, beautifully located in the southern part of the park. This will be our home for the next 2 nights. After lunch you will take an easy horseback ride, which leads you through the pristine forests of the park. Dinner and overnight at the Cabañas Vista Hermosa. (B, BL,D)

Day 4: Llaima Volcano

At 3125 m / 10.253 ft, Llaima Volcano is one of the tallest peaks of southern Chile. The volcano distinguishes itself by a very unusual feature: it has two craters! Moreover, it is one of the most active volcanoes of the American continent. All equipment necessary for the ascent will be provided, as well as appropriate food, and an expert guide will lead the way. Beautiful views and magnificent landscapes await you. Dinner and overnight at the Cabañas Vista Hermosa. (B,BL,D)

Day 5: Camp Nevados de Sollipulli

Today you will drive up to a unique Camp, beautifully located in a remote spot of the Hualalafquen National Reserve. We will exchange the mini bus for a 4 x 4 vehicle at Caren Bajo and follow the "Route of the Falls" up to the camp. After getting situated and having some lunch, you will be guided on a 4-hour walk on the slopes of the nearby mountains. Dinner and overnight at the Camp. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Ascension of the Sollipulli Glacier

After breakfast you will start your hike up to the extinguished Sollipulli Volcano. This volcano is covered with a 6 x 4 km / 4 x 2.5 mi glacier which you will be able to walk on. The path up will initially lead you through a forest of Coigues, Ñirres, and Lengas, it will later change into a fantastic Monkey Puzzle tree wood. From the mountain top you will see all the nearby volcanoes, lakes, and maybe a majestic condor will pass by, flying overhead. Return to the Camp Sollipulli, dinner and overnight. (B,BL,D)

Day 7: Canyoning Queipude River - Temuco

Today, a rather unusual and exciting activity awaits you after breakfast and transfer to the Queipude River. On a trail that passes between steep rock faces you will hike along this river to geothermal hot springs; After 7 hours we reach the hotsprings and can enjoy a well deserved dip in the natural pools willed with thermal waters and relax while watching for condors. Your canyoning tour ends here and a transfer will take you to Temuco. Dinner and overnight at the Hotel Bayern. (B,BL,D)

Day 8: Temuco

After breakfast your guide will drop you off at the airport to board your connecting flight. (B)

Rates for 2008/2009 - per person

Included:

7 overnights with breakfast (2 nights at Hostería, 2 nights at cabins, 2 nights at Eco camp, 1 night at hotel), dinners on day 1 to 6, lunch boxes on day 1 to 7, beverages during meals (limited), transfers and excursions with bilingual driver - guide, entrance fees.

Not Included:

International or national airfares, airport taxes, travel insurance of any kind, meals not mentioned in the itinerary, beer, wine or liquor during lunch boxes and dinners and expenses of a personal nature, tips or gratuities.

Rates may vary due to currency exchange rate fluctuations.

Notes

Excursions

The excursions won’t exceed 10 km / 6,2 miles per day. But nevertheless a medium level of physical condition will be necessary, as you are going up to 3.000 m / 9.840 ft when climbing the volcanoes.

Equipment List

Warm clothes, Fleece jacket or windbreaker and rain coat, In-town clothes and shoes, Trekking Shoes, Sun block, Hat, Sun Glasses

Weather

The Araucanía Region has a very Mediterranean climate, with special characteristics due to its location at the foot of the Andes. Its annual average temperature is of 12°C / 53,6°F, with a maximum of 17°C / 62,6°F (in January) and a minimum of 7,6°C / 45,7°F (in July). Rainfalls can reach up to 1.180 mm / 46 inches a year approximately and diminish in the summer (between October and March).

Itinerary can be changed due to weather conditions.

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.

Cabañas Vista Hermosa offers basic but comfortable wooden cabin accommodation with fantastic views in a prestine forest setting in the southern part of the Conguillio National Park. Facilities are shared facilities.

Camp Sollipulli Camp Sollipulli, located in the heart of the Araucania region, is a true eco-camp lodge. Five comfortable geodesic dome tents are equipped with a wooden floor, double beds with electric blankets, central heating, lights, and electricity. Each comes with a private bathroom with showers and hot water, providing travellers with a very comfortable base camp from which to explore the beautiful surrounding mountains and lakes. Lodge facilities also include a central communal area with a restaurant, bar and fireplace.

Hotel Bayern*** Hotel Bayern is a comfortable tourist class hotel located on one of the main squares in Temuco. It features 40 fully equipped rooms, in standard and superior class, with cable TV, mini bar and telephone. Hotel facilities include a cafeteria, dining room and bar, laundry service, private parking, room service and a small business center with conference hall.