+56 (2) 2570 8620
1-800-906-8056
(11) 5219-4105
(11) 3958-7071Araucanía Andina: Temuco and its surroundings
In the Andean Araucanía we find the largest presence of Mapuche people and it is where we can visit places to learn about their traditions and their culture, gastronomy and lifestyle. You can learn more about them by visiting the Araucanía Regional Museum, with several collections of their heritage. The Mapuche influence can also be seen in the celebration of the Mapuche New Year, "We Tripantu" "Rise of the New Sun", which takes place every year in June, during the Winter Solstice, in which they thank the earth for the previous harvest and ask for abundance and protection for the coming year.
The capital of the region is Temuco, fully equipped with all the services for tourism and also surrounded by interesting natural areas that can be visited. One of them is the Cerro Ñielol Natural Monument, located approximately 7 blocks from the city's Plaza de Armas. Here we can find more than 80 hectares of native forest, with specimens of the Valdivian rainforest with trees such as canelo, mañío, laurel, copihue and notro, among others specific to that ecosystem.
It also has abundant fauna such as foxes, hares, the Chilean marsupial monito del monte del monte, thrushes, bandurrías and many more.
Apart from its natural relevance, Cerro Ñielol Monument has historical importance. Here was signed the peace treaty between the Mapuches and Spaniards in 1881, where the former ceded some land to begin the construction of Temuco. As a reminder we find the Patagua del Armisticio, a ceremonial center with a wooden totem. If you are interested in gastronomy, crafts and culture, a good place to visit is the Temuco Municipal Market, where you can also enjoy a hot dish prepared with local recipes such as casseroles, pailas marinas and pastel de choclo.
In the surroundings of Temuco there are wonderful places like Termas del Manzanar, which has hot springs and outdoor pools to enjoy the healing and relaxing properties of these waters. In this area you can also enjoy nature and outdoor activities such as horseback riding, trekking and fishing.
You can also visit beautiful waterfalls, such as Salto de la Princesa, 25 meters high. To reach this beautiful area you must travel approximately 80 kilometers from Temuco to Curacautín, and from there continue along the road that leads to Malalcahuello. The waterfall is 500 meters inside the main road, surrounded by lush vegetation. Approximately 160 kilometers from Temuco there is a park that is not very well known, the Tolhuaca National Park.
In its more than 6000 hectares we can find a complete ecosystem of flora and fauna, in which the coigue stands out, which reaches several meters high, and also araucarias in the highest sectors. As for the fauna, we find various species of birds such as ducks, eaglets and nucos; and mammals such as pudu, puma, foxes and coypu. In addition to this, the Tolhuaca Park has archaeological interest, since in this area have been discovered vestiges of elements possibly belonging to the ancient inhabitants of the Pehuenche people. There are marked trails, such as Prados de Mesacura, 12 kilometers long, and Lagunillas. In both we can observe wonderful landscapes and some species that inhabit the park, especially birds.
In Tolhuaca Park you can also enjoy spectacular waterfalls such as Salto de la Culebra, which draws attention for its caves and lush forests. In this park there are beautiful lagoons, such as Laguna Verde and Laguna Malleco - the largest - where you can also contemplate the impressive Salto de Malleco, which, like that of La Culebra, is framed by vegetation such as coigue and raulí.
When we reach the heights of the park, we find the extinct Tolhuaca volcano, currently surrounded by glaciers due to the low temperatures that freeze the water. To recover after this adventure, it is best to dive into the hot springs at the entrance of the park, where they are developing increasingly better tourist services, and certainly worth it and try the local cuisine offered there.
Temuco is very close to two famous border crossings, Icalma and Pino Hachado, which in addition to offering a wonderful landscape of araucaria forests allow you to reach the Argentine Patagonia, and visit other places like Aluminé, Villa Pehuenia and Neuquén.
Why book with us?
- Best price without complications
- Best Quality Guaranteed
- Passenger service available 24/7
- Tours and Experiences selected by experts
- Industry leader
- 18 years of experience
Relacionados