An unforgettable way to experience the Pehuenche culture. In a natural mountain valley in Araucanía, surrounded by ancient Pewen forest (or Araucaria), volcanoes and Galletué Lake, you'll live a unique experience by the hand of the Quinquén community. You'll stay in the village to take part in daily activities like farming, while also going out for activities to explore the beautiful natural surrounds on hikes and horseback rides
One of our local experts in Chile will make this the perfect trip for you!
Speaks: Spanish
Lonquimay to Quinquen We'll have a delicious typical breakfast in Lonquimay and then, we’ll go to the Pehuenche community of Quinquen.
Kelu Trufken Trail With Alex, the local guide, we’ll go into the mountains and ancient forests of the community, listening to stories of how the Pehuenche people have lived in these lands for long years.
Lunch and Matetún On our way back, we’ll recover our bodies with a typical Pehuenche lunch, and our spirits with an unforgettable conversation with one of the Elders of the community. During the night, we’ll stay at local families accommodation
Morning on the farm We’ll wake up early to do farm work: to feed animals, collect chicken eggs and walk around learning about the typical Pehuenche livelihood.
Los Cóndores trail Watching the landscape conformed by Galletué lake and Batea Mahuida volcano is a real spectacle. With our local guide, we’ll hike through this light trail and enjoy the wonderful views and stories about the area.
BBQ by the lake After we get back from the hike, we’ll enjoy a typical Pehuenche barbecue, sharing stories and drinking mate by the lake in an unforgettable afternoon. (optional: swim in Galletué lake)
Fishing in Quinquen river Wake up early, watch sunrise and enjoy a morning fishing is something you cannot lose. Join us in this morning adventure and hopefully a very special lunch. (Optional: horse ride through Quinquen valley).
AdMahuida trail This trail has been specially prepared to know the forest and the spiritual beings that dwell in this mountains. Araucaria, Lenga and Ñirre trees will be our partners through this beautiful hike.
School visit and Quinquen women artisans We’ll go to community center and there we’ll see the work that Quinquen school does, with intercultural education. Then, we’ll go to Kukañhue ruka center, to be delighted by the loom and wool crafts that Quinquen women artisans weave.
Lifkan Mahuida Trail As a grand finalle, we’ll traverse trough this trail that will take us to the highest mountains in the community, there we’ll enjoy an unforgettable view of the surroundings.
Pehuenche Lunch On our way back, we’ll enjoy a last lunch, hoping it gives us energies so we can get back home.
Bus back to Lonquimay & Santiago In the afternoon, we’ll be transfered back to Lonquimay to walk around town. During the evening, you can get a bus back to Santiago (in comfortable reclining seats), arriving the next morning.
(Optional: you can stay more days, in Quinquén you’ll always be welcomed).
Locally Owned Social Enterprise
From visiting the giant moai statues and volcanos on Easter Island to learning how to loom knit from the Mapuche people of Chile, Travolution offers a wide variety of intercultural experiences that facilitate mutually beneficial encounters between travelers and the local communities. They believe tourism can be a mighty tool for ensuring the sustainable development of these local communities.