A true cultural fusion is seen powerfully in Araucania, where it mixes student life more than a dozen universities in Temuco, with the experience of sharing with the communities of the Mapuche and Pehuenche people.

Going to Los Andes of Araucania is discovered in its pure form: volcanoes, the ancient araucaria tree and glassy lakes, which form an unforgettable composition of Chile, highlighting the Huerquehue, Villarrica and Conguillío National Parks.

In Villarrica and Pucon has activities covering the interest of all travelers, foodies, consumerist or outdoors enthusiasts, because here the variety ranges from casinos, restaurants, fairs and markets, to spa circuits and national parks.

In both cities combine the unique heritage of German settlers in the traditions of the Mapuche ethnic group resulting in a wide range of attractions for different interests, from a casino night playing to a traditional dinner in a "Ruca" mapuche - traditional home of the ethnic-located in the heart of Villarrica.

Explore and enjoy yourself with towns like Curacautin and Lonquimay, which highlights the Pehuenche culture and its influence on the local cuisine. He knows his worldview, his beautiful silver handicrafts, their textiles colored with natural dyes and why the Araucaria tree is essential to their culture.

As to culminate National Park is Conguillio where araucarias decorate the hills and the Llaima volcano towering stands as one of the most active volcanoes on the continent.

In contrast to the area of ​​Pucon and Villarrica, located a little further south, here the focus area is not large settlements, nightlife and casinos. This is the Araucania greener, quieter, more rustic, where tourism is synonymous with adventure and nature.

How to get there

By plane. There are daily flights from Santiago to Temuco Maquehue Airport (1 hour), located approximately 7 km from the city. In summer and ski can find flights from Santiago to Pucon Airport (located 5 km).

By Bus. Buses depart daily from Santiago to Temuco (9 hours). Most buses depart from Santiago circulate overnight. There are regular daily transportation from Temuco to Pucon and Villarrica.

By Car. From Santiago to Temuco on Route 5 South (676 km). From Temuco to Villarrica are 81 km, to Pucon, 107 km. The route is in excellent condition and, under normal conditions, you get to these locations takes between 9 and 10 hours.

Activities

In Lake Villarrica, Pucon where summer along with the required destination and leading southern Chile, the cuisine is rich and varied.

Outdoors activities dominate the Lake District of Araucania are kayak on the lake, river rafting as Trancura, take a trek or climb volcanoes.

In the Conguillio Park you can practice trekking, biking, kayaking, and skiing.

Discover the Mapuche culture reliving their myths, knowing his silver handicrafts, traditional medicine and textiles dyed with natural dyes.

If you are looking for some relaxation and pleasure, in the area of Lonquimay and Curacautin there are four spas: Tolhuaca, Malalcahuello, Manzanar and Rio Blanco, in addition to natural pools in the towns of Ranquil and Melipeuco. The Spa complex Malalcahuello are more complete and comprehensive as it includes indoor heated pools and spa services. In winter, visitors can accompany spa and ski resorts Las Araucarias and Corralco, both located at active volcanoes.

In the Lake District of ​​Araucania also has important health and hotsprings spas. Impossible to miss the Coñaripe, San Luis, Huife or Geometricas, or take a tour to the Huerquehue National Park, with splendid natural wonders such as Lake Verde.

Finally you can visit various resorts in the Lake Villarrica, in Lake Calafquen, and Lake Caburgua. It is also possible to extend the tour through Mamuil-Malal, in just over 200 km of good road links Pucon to San Martin de los Andes in Argentina, in a landscape full of Araucarias.