Araucarias Biosphere Reserve Trail

After a rich German Breakfast we start with the workshop “The horse as Mirror of the Soul”. After that we present and choose the horses. 

Lunch. In the afternoon we give technical information, that is, an introduction in Centered Riding, and then we make the first ride into the network of paths in the lower areas of the Fundo including first views on volcanoes. After dinner we share experiences of the first day around a campfire. 

Accommodation in the Lodge. 

Today we make the first ride to the lagoon. Our way leads us through various landscapes – real natural forests, areas of lava and plateaus – until we reach the lagoon at the bottom of the Tolhuaca. 

There we have lunch either at the beach or in the shadow of Araucaria trees. Then we have time to rest, to swim in the crystal-clear water of the lagoon, try canoeing or just enjoy the tranquility and peace of this pure and unspoiled nature. In the afternoon we ride back into the valley crossing woods of Araucarias. 

Then we have dinner, accommodation in the Lodge.

After breakfast we ride towards a different part of the Fundo the plateau Los Pinos. From the alpine meadows in the middle part we climb up to 1.600 meters, into woods with huge Coihues and Araucarias until we reach a place to rest and to have lunch. 

Then we make a short excursion by foot to breathtaking viewpoint. On our way back we pass the canyon of the condor, where we might see one of these exceptional and impressing animals. Especially on the way back we have marvelous views on several volcanoes: Tolhuaca, Lonquimay and LLaima. The ride takes approximately 7 hours and starts at 10 am. 

Dinner and accommodation is in the Lodge.

Today we have one day off to relax and have time to do other activities, breakfast and dinner in the Lodge. 

We make an excursion to the Cautín valley by car, we pass Malalcahuello and the Tunel Las Raices and arrive at the farm of Uta Hashagen at the Lonquimay river. With Uta and her secure Chilean horses we make a five-hour trail from her Fundo towards the Sierra Nevada. We explore the foothills of Sierra Nevada, antique volcanoes of the Andes and all its fascinating hotspots with view on glaciers and hidden lagoons as well as wide spread forests which cover the Cordillera de Las Raíces and the areas in the north of the Conguillío National Park. 

On our way back we stop at Café Augsburg in Malalcahuello to have some coffee and German cake. Meanwhile we listen to Peter and Lilo telling stories about this little mountain village, which more and more increases to a hotspot for winter sports and tourism. 

Then we go back, dinner and accommodation in the Lodge.  

We ride in unspoiled landscape and camp in a national reserve – that is pure adventure! The highlight of this program is the two-day trail. It passes at first the spectacular viewpoint of Laguna Blanca. Then we ride into a beautiful volcanic valley, climb the foothills of the Lonquimay volcano on the other side, until we can see the next volcanic valley and the spectacular mountain range of the Andes. 

Now we already are in the Reserva National of Malalcahuello/Nalcas. There we visit Laguna Verde and make a little break. Meanwhile we have great views on Navidad Crater del Lonquimay which is a smaller volcano of Lonquimay and which erupted last in 1988. 

For the night we stay in tents in complete solitude on the edge of a volcanic valley between Araucaría-trees with spectacular views on the Tolhuaca volcano in twilight.

We ride towards the Laguna de Pájaros, we visit the waterfalls of Tolhuaca, another little lagoon in the forest and a viewpoint with breathtaking views on the volcano and the Laguna Blanca. 

Finally we come down to the edge of Laguna Blanca, where we have lunch at the beach, and enjoy one last time this magic place, its tranquility and peace. At last we ride across the forests of Araucarías down to the base, where a farewell barbecue will be prepared for us.

Accommodation in the Lodge. 

Transfer to the airport on demand.