Southworld Adventures Ltd.

Culture and Eco Adventure in Chile Santiago de Chile, Chile
From Southworld Adventures Ltd.

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Tour Itinerary

DAY 1 ARRIVAL SANTIAGO – WELCOME DINNER SHOW

As soon as you arrive at the airport, we will transfer you to your hotel, where you can take a shower and you have the afternoon to relax and to explore the city.

In the evening we will collect you from your hotel and drive you to the Bali Hai restaurant in Las Condes where you will be welcomed by five enormous Easter Island Moai. Inside, the fountains, walls of coral and collection of Polynesian artwork and sculptures will help to put you in the mood for an unforgettable evening of Chilean and Polynesian food, drinks, music and dance.

Enjoy a mouth watering meal, and taste some fine Chilean wine whilst you sit back and enjoy the show. The show consists of a tour of Chile and starts with music and dance from the southern island of Chiloé, renowned for its mythical culture and close relationship with the sea. There will then be performances from the “huasos” of central Chile and the deeply religious community of La Tirana in the far north. The show culminates with exotic dancing and music from the mysterious and romantic Easter Island and Tahiti. After this the Bali Hai band will take over and play all-time hits, inviting everyone to enjoy the rest of the evening on the dance floor. (D)

DAY 2 REMEMBRANCE TOUR

The main focus of this special tour is the institutional, cultural and social legacy of the most controversial leader of the past 30 years, General Augusto Pinochet and ex-president Salvador Allende. This is not a tour for sensitive people, because it leaves you with a deep and sometimes disturbing vision of the past and present of Chile and also a view of the forces that are forming the future.
Palacio de la Moneda
We will drive through the historical centre of Santiago to La Moneda, the presidential palace where the socialist president Salvador Allende committed suicide while air force planes bombed the 18th century palace back in September 1973. His statue was placed later in the Constitución Square, in accordance with a law which states that past presidents must be depicted in the plaza.
Having seen the location of the first events of the military coup we will head to the foundations of some of the key figures who had important roles during those years and which keep their legacy alive today.
Augusto Pinochet Foundation
We will visit the Pinochet Foundation, where we will have the opportunity to hear and exchange opinions with some of the closest collaborators of the former general, who will not only explain the main achievements of his government but also the motives that brought him, together with the armed forces to stage a military coup in September 1973.
Fundación Solidaridad
Founded after the military intervention this Cooperation Committee for Peace in Chile began by supporting the production and sale of handicrafts made by political prisoners detained in prisons and detention camps. Years later, hundreds of community organizations from Santiago's poorest areas, seeking to earn a living to alleviate their economic difficulties, are being added to the workshops of political prisoners.
We will have time to stop for lunch at “Tienda Comercio Justo” and discuss what we have learnt so far, before continuing with our look back at Chiles striking history.
National Stadium
We’ll go past the national stadium, one of the most visited and famous detention places due to the death of the famous singer Victor Jara, and many other famous people who were detained there before heading to the Villa Grimaldi.
Victor Jara Foundation
Victor Jara was a famous folklore singer-songwriter, and artist and activist who spoke out about, and sang about human rights issues. He was assassinated in the time of the Pinochet government. The Victor Jara Foundation was created to preserve the life and memory of this famous artist for future generations. In the foundation there are photos and items from the early years of his life as well as creative artwork from those people who feel inspired by Jara’s example of bravery, love of life, and respect for Human Rights. (B-L)

DAY 3 TREKKING RIO CLARILLO AND CONCHA Y TORO

We will leave Santiago and drive to the Río Clarillo National Reserve, which is located in the Andean foothills southeast of the capital, surrounded by beautiful mountains and woods. The river Clarillo flows clean and clear between curious rock formations, with great natural pools where you can take a nice swim to refresh yourself without being in any danger.

We will set out on a gentle walk along the paths in Quebrada Jorquera and Peumo Carlos Diaz sectors of the park, home to an amazing collection of fauna and flora.

Once we have returned to our starting point, we will drive to the nearby village of Pirque, where we will have lunch (optional) at La Vaquita Echa which is well-known for its traditional Chilean country cooking.

After lunch we will drive on to our next stop, Concha y Toro, the biggest and perhaps the most important wine exporter in Chile. We shall visit the oldest of their bodegas located just south of Santiago in the Maipo Valley. Founded in 1883 it sits in a beautiful park next to the old family mansion, which dates back to before the turn of the century. Our visit to the vineyard includes a tour of the facilities and the historical museum. The best-known brands made by Concha y Toro are Don Melchor, Marquéz de Casa Concha and Casillero del Diablo. You will have the chance to sample some of the wines before we drive back to Santiago in the late afternoon. (B-L)

DAY 4 VALPARAISO

Today you will go along the “route de vinos” to Valparaiso. Valparaíso is known as “the jewel of the Pacific” and is famous for the oldest funicular system in the world. We´ll take a funicular which will transport you up into the hills from where there are always spectacular views of the port and the city. We will also visit the port, the financial district, the squares and a variety of monuments. By taking a walk on Concepción Hill you will have the chance to discover the small quaint alley ways and enjoy the constantly changing views which make Valparaíso so special. Remarkable in Valparaíso is the array of colorful houses tumbling down across the steep hills.

We will visit the Central Market where you can taste the typical Chilean seafood cuisine before heading back to Santiago and catching our flight to Temuco
(B-L)

DAY 5 TEMUCO – THE MAPUCHE

After a light breakfast you will get picked up by a bilingual guide, and you will head towards Carahue. Today you have the chance to learn more about the indigenous culture and history of Chile. Carahue was founded in 1552 by Pedro de Valdivia. Carahue, in the past known as La Imperial or Antiqua, was destroyed as a result of the war of Arauco in 1600, and refounded in 1882 and renamed. You will see old machinery along “la avenida” which was the main road to Puerto Saavedra. From here you have a lovely view over the river Cautín en Eduardo Frei Bridge, the main character of the city. Also you can have a look at a small shop with Mapuche handicrafts.

We will continue our walk to Puerto Saavedra, but first we will visit Don José and Doña Marcelina, two Mapuches who are still preserving “ la Ruka” from their grandparents. You can see the big collection of handicrafts and articles of the Mapuche that is still kept in their house. Don José and his kids will tell you about their culture and tradition. After this rich and educational experience about the Mapuche culture we will continue our journey to Puerto Saavedra, a small fishing harbour where we will enjoy a delicious lunch before heading back to Temuco. (B-L)

DAY 6/7/8 MOCHA ISLAND

Legendary pirates, who plundered ships to steal the gold and the silver from them. They used to anchored their ships in Mocha Island , as they were attracted by the tranquility of the island, in order to obtain water, food and rest..

You will visit and explore this tiny Island, unknown by Chileans and tourists.

After breakfast you will get transferred to Tirúa, from where your short minute during flight to Mocha Island will leave. In Mocha Island we will check in the beautiful cabaña. A local guide will take us on a trip around the Island by jeep. The rest of the day is yours and you can do whatever you want. If you have little experience of diving, then it is definitely worth it to try this interesting dive.

Other optional activities at the Island are a trekking through The Mocha Island National Reserve, a trip through the countryside to enjoy the island and the beaches from a different perspective and the chance to participate in activities such as milking cows, feeding livestock, horse back rides, or visit the sea lions colonies or Birds Island. In conclusion, at Mocha Island there is a lot to explore and to do.

During your stay at Mocha Island, 3 homemade meals per day are included enjoyed together with the locals of Mocha Island.

On day 8 we will fly back to Tirúa where you will get picked up and transferred to Pucón, where you have the time to explore the city and the lake and to relax a bit and review your first week of eco tourism and culture.

OPTIONAL TOUR ENDING

After day 8 you have the opportunity to continue this trip, head back to Santiago, or you can choose one of our extensions to Patagonia, San Pedro the Atacama, or Eastern Island. (B-L-D)

DAY 9 TREK HUERQUEHUE

Some of Chile’s most beautiful National Parks are located in this region so during the this day we’ll dedicate some time to visit the Huerquehue National Park. Huerquehue, famous for its more than 20 lagoons, is considered as one of the most beautiful national parks of Chile. We will enjoy a short trek passing through millenary trees (araucarias), along hidden trails with astonishing views. We will enjoy our lunch while watching the views, before heading back to Pucón. (B-L)

DAY 10 FREE DAY PUCON

This day is free for you to choose your own activity. There are opportunities for renting a mountain bike and explore the countryside, horse-riding for half a day through the native forest or visiting a cattle farm or rafting on grade III rapids in the lower part of the river Trancura. All equipment will be provided and professional guides will teach you how to use your paddle and navigate the white water. It is possible to do one activity in the morning and another in the afternoon.

Or for the more adventurous, (weather permitting) you can trek up to the crater of the Villarica volcano. If you leave early in the morning you will be able to see the sunrise. On the top of the volcano you can smell the sulphuric fumes of the volcano, and see the smoke and bubbling lava, a constant reminder of the fact that Villarrica is still active. (B)

DAY 11 PUERTO VARAS

Early in the morning you will get picked up and transferred to the local bus station of Pucón where your bus to Puerto Varas will leave. After a ride of 4-5 hours you will arrive in Puerto Varas. You have the time to check-in and to fresh up a little bit before a local guide takes you to a typical Chilean restaurant for lunch. After that you will head to downtown Puerto Varas and discover the beauty of this lakeside city. (B-L)

DAY 12 TREKKING VOLCANO OSORNO

Today it is time to face another volcano, Volcano Osorno. With a local guide you will leave early in the morning to head towards Vincente Rosales National park, where we head upwards towards the skirts of the Volcano Osorno. While going up you will pass little farms typical for this area, and the farmers try to continue the way of farming as their grandparents did. We will hike through the hills and join the magic views of the lake Llanquihue. After lunch we will leave the volcano and we will make our way back through the valleys of the temperate rainforest. In the afternoon we will be back in our hotel, where we will picked up to go to Cochamó, a small picturesque fishing village near Pucón. We will travel through an amazing scenery to the riverside lodge where we will have a delicious local dinner, and where we will spend the night. (B-D)

DAY 13 THE PIONEER TRAIL

After a local breakfast our horses are waiting for us. Before leaving you will get a little riding instruction. After the instruction you are ready to set off and we will ride along the rio Cochamo into the Valdivian rainforest, where you will have a picnic. Then the ride will continue up into the Andes. The journey continues up through the pristine wilderness of the Andean Valley of La Junta…amidst the granite mountain peaks are stands of 3,000 year-old alerce trees and an amazing variety of wildlife, condors, pumas and songbirds. In the late afternoon you will arrive at the Mountain Lodge in La Junta. After a rest you will have a typical Chilean barbeque, called asado prepared on the open fire. (B-L-D)

DAY 14 THE PIONEER TRAIL (2)

You will wake up by the sounds of the birds and the sun shining in your face. You will have breakfast on the balcony of the rustic lodge before riding back to the riverside lodge. On the horseback you will descend through the rainforest. After the picnic you will continue the right through this incredible peaceful piece of nature. We are back at the riverlodge on time and you can take a shower and having a cup of tea with homemade cake before leaving the riverside lodge to Puerto Varas. (B-L)

DAY 15 BACK TO SANTIAGO

Unfortunately everything comes to an end, and also this incredible trip, where you explored the incredible nature of Chile. You can choose to go fly back to Santiago or you have the opportunity to explore more of Chile and choose one of our extensions to Patagonia, San Pedro de Atacama, or Isla de Pascua. If the extensions you want not is named, we can make sure that you can get your extensions the way you want.

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Tour Itinerary