The long ridge of the Cordillera del Cani is home to the giant Araucaria. The Araucarica, unique to Chile, is a living fossil and
inhabited the earth unchanged for 200 million years, since the dawning of tree life in Gondwanaland. Walking these trails, surrounded by volcanoes and passing high
lakes rimmed by deep forest is an experience reminiscent of the age when the dinosaurs walked on earth.
The Cochamo Valley is home to the Alerce tree, one of the most successful creations of nature, reaching some 4000 years old. It is awe-inspiring to tread softly
at the feet of ancient trees as old as the pyramids.
DAY 1:
Reception at Temuco airport and transfer to hotel. At lunch, we get together to discuss the itinerary for the following days. Mid-day, we start driving towards Lake Caburga, stopping in between to admire
the fierce blue water emerging from underground at Ojos del Caburga and at Huife Hotsprings for a healthy thermal bath. Return to Pucon for the night (L).
DAY 2:
Free to relax, sun and swim on the sandy shore of Lago Villarica, raft, mountain bike or ascend the Villarica Volcano (optional). Overnight in hotel (B).
DAY 3:
Depending on the participant's physical condition and on the weather we will choose between trekking or horse riding the entire day in Cordillera del Cani.
With daypacks, we start trekking or riding up to El Cani National Reserve, passing typical countryside houses, small orchards and ascend an old logging trail to the Natural Reserve boundaries.
Beyond this point, we enter the primeval domain of the ancient Coihue and Araucaria trees. We advance silently till we reach the pristine El Espejo Lagoon, an ancient volcanic crater, from where we follow a
narrow trail until rocky crops bar our way. We continue hiking to El Mirador, from where we enjoy a splendid view over the neighbouring valleys and volcanoes before returning to the lagoon for lunch. After lunch, we ride or walk the Puhuenche
Trail to the Llancalil Lagoon. Before driving back to Pucon for the night, we enjoy a swim in the lagoon and a typical dinner hosted by a local farmer (B L).
DAY 4:
Today, we spend most of the day driving southwards to the Cochamo Valley. Overnight in wooden cabins (B L D).
DAY 5:
We trek or ride along the Cochamo River. The area is surrounded by pristine Valdivian rainforest, which hosts more than 300 species of plants and trees, as well as
freshwater salmon, plenty of bird life and some elusive mammals. The small trails we follow are used by the locals to connect the rustic farms in the foothills of the
Andes and to transport their produce with oxcarts. Carrying only a daypack, we pass waterfalls, Alerce forests, alpine lakes and valley meadows and finally arrive at La Junta in
time for a typical asado, a lamb or fish barbecue, prepared by the guides over an open fire. Night at the lodge in La Junta (B L D).
DAY 6:
After breakfast, we start hiking the Andean rainforest in search of the famous Alerce trees, some of them over 1000 years old. We return to the lodge for a well-deserved hot shower and
a hearty dinner. Overnight in the La Junta Lodge (B L D).
DAY 7:
We descend to the Cochamo Valley entrance in time for lunch and a shower. Early afternoon, we drive to Puerto Montt airport in time to board the departure flight or bus to Santiago (B L).
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Included: Accommodation in double rooms in guesthouse, transport and meals as specified, experienced guides, packhorses to carry personal and
common equipment on days 4 and 6 in CochamO, horse & saddle for the ones riding on days 3,4,5 and 6, park entrance fees.
Not included: Meals not mentioned, flight to Temuco and from Puerto Montt
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