Day 1 (December 11th, 2020): Arrival to Pucón. City Walking Tour and River Ducky excursion
Pucón, Chile
Welcome to Chile’s Lake District, an area of rolling green fields, snow-capped volcanoes, and deep blue lakes. From Temuco airport, we make the drive of around 1.5 hours to Pucon, Chile’s pintsized adventure capital, where you check in at your hotel. Pucon is a charming town known for its excellent gastronomic fare, regional arts, and crafts scene, and spectacular views (if the weather is favorable) of the Villarrica Volcano, rising 2.847mts/9.340 feet above sea level. A short walk from its center we will find the black-sand shores of Lake Villarrica, and explore the beaches of La Posa and Playa Grande. We will then head out on a half-day River Ducky kayak trip. We finish the day with a delicious dinner with our guides.
- Overnight at 3-star basic hotel
Day 2 (December 12th, 2020): Hike Lagos Andinos Trail and dinner with Mapuche family
Pucón, Chile
We start the day by driving into the heart of the Andes mountains to the border with Argentina. This stunning area is a paradise for birdwatching, where we visit 2 to 3 Andean lakes surrounded by forests of ancient Araucarian trees. We explore the woodlands ( of mostly Nothofagus trees) with a gentle hike offering striking views across to Lanin volcano (3,780m), the highest volcano in all of the Lake district. Afterward, we head back to town to get our mountain gear fitted for tomorrow. We end the day with the Colipi Family, a local Mapuche family who have prepared our dinner in order to share their culture and stories.
- Overnight at 3-star basic hotel
- Hiking: 3-4 hours
Day 3 (December 13th, 2020): Parasite Craters Hike & Volcanic Caves
Pucón, Chile
Today we will drive to the Villarrica National Park where we will do an easy hike through the ancient forest. At the Parasite Craters, formed from the Villarrica Volcano’s past eruptions, we will learn all about its amazing past before visiting the world’s only visitable caves that are inside an active volcano. From here you can walk hundreds of meters to see the hardened remains of what was once an active lava flow. Tonight is yours to go out and explore Pucon, and maybe eat out. For our dining and shopping recommendations, ask your guides.
- Overnight at 3-star basic hotel
- Hiking: 3 hours
Day 4 (December 14th, 2020): Solar Eclipse at Pichilancahue Glacier & Geométricas Hotsprings
Pucón, Chile
Today we drive 60 km to Coñaripe, a small village located in Los Rios Region, and take a back road through the Llancahue river valley to Villarrica National Park. Expect to see more incredible views here, over to majestic snow-capped volcanoes of Quetrupillan and Rucapillan, and witness the vegetation change from rauli and hualle forests (Nothofagus) to thousand-year-old araucarias. We reach Chinay, the day’s highest point at 1.250m above sea level, where we take the trail to the ash-covered, Pichi Llancahue Glacier, a phenomenal glacier which is absolutely covered by the blackish volcanic ashes of the Villarrica volcano. This stunning backdrop is where you will experience the solar eclipse, followed by a visit to the Geometric Hot Springs. This unique spot offers the perfect combination of 16 thermal pools, nature views and simple but cozy facilities (a simple meal is available at the hot springs’ cafeteria).
- Overnight at 3-star basic hotel
- Hiking: 4-6 hours
Day 5 (December 15th, 2020): Transfer to Temuco airport
Pucón, Chile
The time has come to leave the magical forests and volcanoes of Chile’s Lake District behind. After breakfast, we will transfer to Temuco Airport for you to catch your flight back to Santiago.
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