Rainforest Wildlife Expedition

"Chile"

The surrounding deserts, mountains and ocean make the temperate rainforest of Chile a biological Island, with a great variety of bulbous plants, orchids and a large diversity of flowers, only found here. We explore the Valdivian forest on the slopes of the Andes and the coastal mountain ranges as well as the ancient Araucaria and Alerce forest. The Araucaria is considered a living fossil, as it inhabited the earth uninterrupted for some 200 million years, since the dawning of tree life in Gondwanaland. Once food for the dinosaurs, it has survived eons of natural predation only to become endangered by the modern industrial human. The Alerce cypress reigns in Southern Chile in pristine splendor. It is one of the most successful creations of nature, reaching some 4000 years old. The dense forest makes spotting animals difficult, but hidden in there and observing us are several species of mammals such as foxes, puma, wild cats etc.. Birds however are a lot easier to spot in the high canopies of the temperate rainforest. Among the most typical ones we find the Magellanic Woodpecker, hummingbirds, slender-billed parakeet, carrion hawks, Chilean lapwings to name but a few. Aquatic birds are commonly seen on the many rivers, lagoons and lakes are the spectacled duck, speckled teal, herons, coots, ringed kingfishers and black neck swans.

Chilean rainforest - Lake District - Chile

DAY 1:
Arrive in Concepcion with the morning flight and drive to Angol for lunch. From here, we drive to the entrance of the Nahuelbuta National Park, located on the coastal mountain range. Nahuelbuta is the only place close to the ocean that hosts Araucaria forests. Of remarkable interest and beauty are the more than 15 species of orchids found in the park that blossom in December and early January. We spend the night at the park's camping facilities (L D).

DAY 2-3:
We spend two days exploring Nahuelbuta, through it wonderful trails that cross streams, gorges, ancient forests and crawl to the top of mount Piedra del Aguila, offering a spectacular view over the distant Pacific Ocean and snowed Andean peaks. Overnight in camp, or, if the weather turns rainy, in Angol (B L D).

DAY 4:
We drive towards Pucon, the gateway to the Lake District. Overnight in hotel (B L).

DAY 5:
An easy day, exploring the area around Pucon, swim and sun on the sandy shore of Lago Villarica, raft or mountain bike (optional). In the evening, we drive towards Lake Caburga to admire the fierce blue water emerging from underground at Ojos del Caburga. On our way back to Pucon, we stop at Huife Hotsprings for a healthy bath in the properly conditioned Termas de Huife Hotel or in the rustic natural pools of the upper Huife. Return to Pucon for the night (B).

Huerquehue National Park - Lake District - Chile

DAY 6:
Depending on the participant's physical conditions and on the weather, we spend the entire day trekking or horseback riding either on the Cani Private Reserve or in the Huerquehue National Park. With daypacks, we trek rarely walked paths through virgin forests of Araucaria. Overnight in Pucon (B L).

DAY 7:
An early start insures we arrive in Puyehue National Park in time for lunch. The park is crowned by the Puyehue Volcano and crossed by many rivers that form beautiful waterfalls such as La Princesa and El Indio. The park is very well known for its thermal waters. Overnight in hotel (B L D).

DAY 8-9:
Two days exploring this pristine temperate jungle. One of the highlights if the park is that it hosts different types of forests, ranging from Valdivian forests to the timberline and Andean highland grasslands. Overnight in hotel (B L D).

DAY 10:
We arrive in Puerto Varas on the shore of Lago Llanquihue in time for lunch. Time to explore this German style town. Overnight in hotel (B).

DAY 11:
The Alerce Andino National park is home to some 20.000 ha ancient Alerce forest, in between craggy mountains, deep gorges and lagoons of different sizes. Also the Copihue flower is widely seen here. Return to Puerto Varas for the night (B L).

DAY 12:
After spending some time wandering around the Angelmo handicraft market and a hearty seafood farewell lunch, we are ready for the departure flight from Puerto Montt (B L).

The best season is November-December but the journey is available from October to April

Rated: Easy

Read this program just as a sample itinerary. We then customise similar expeditons for groups depending on their main interests. Contact us !

Included: Lodging in first class camping or guesthouses, meals and transport as specified, experienced naturalist guides,

Not included: The excursions in PucOn during the morning of day 5th day are optional and not included in the cost, meals not mentioned, flight to Concepcion and from Puerto Montt.

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