We invite you to become acquainted with the Mapuche - "the people of the land" - and their culture. You can only fully appreciate their customs and traditions if you take time to be immersed in their culture by participating in it. A decisive factor in Mapuche culture is the great reverence for the land and the environment; in Chedungun, the Mapuche language, "mapuche" actually means "people of the land." The word mapu (land) is essential to the Mapuche culture; land is considered holy and is intrinsically tied to the supernatural. For this reason it is never a private property for the Mapuche but belongs to the community. Mapuche culture is rich in folklore and music, music instruments like the Trutruca and Kultrun testify to this; they are used during ceremonies that involve traditional tunes, dances, songs, and sports (e.g. Palín).

Day 1: Concepción - Lago Lanalhue
Your guide will pick you up from the airport in Concepción and you start your journey with a drive to Cañete in the Arauco Province where our Mapuche guide Armando will join you. Enjoy a guided tour through the Mapuche Museum to experience the culture from an archeological perspective. You will also have the chance to get to know the traditional Ruka - the Mapuche home - its functionality and architecture. Later on, you will be taken to Hotel Licahue overlooking the peaceful Lake Lanalhue. (D)

Day 2: Meet the Mapuche Culture
After breakfast you will depart to the Ruka Lelyun in the Elikura Valley and visit the Lonko - the Mapuche leader - Miguel Leviqueo who will receive you with a welcoming ceremony; the inhabitants of the ruka and you will be introduced to each other. In the ruka you will learn about the Mapuche philosophy of life, the different instruments used in ceremonies and clothing. You are welcome to participate in the various dances. During lunch you will enjoy a traditional Mapuche dish prepared by the wife of the Lonko and learn to play the Mapuche hockey game called "Palín" afterwards. Then you will go on to Huentelolen, where the Mapuche artisan Mrs. Ester Astorga will demonstrate how to weave items from the ñocha plant and how these items are used. Return to the hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Meet the Mapuche Culture
Today, you will move on to Tirua Sur, a historical site where one of the major battles prior to the Mapuche uprising in 1881 between the Mapuche and Chilean forces occurred. The Chemamüll ("people made of wood") mark a ceremonial location here. The Lonko of Tirua Sur, Mr. Juan Segundo Huenupil Nahuelpan, will perform a llellipun (morning prayer) in which you can participate; afterwards you will receive a class in Chedungun and learn a basic vocabulary. For lunch, we will enjoy a Mapuche seafood dish with ingredients that were collected by the people of the community in this region. You will then go on to the ruka of the Quilapi Family; where the owners Lonko Luís Quilapi and his wife Mrs. Amalia Quilapi will give you a formal Mapuche welcome and then show you how to produce woven goods. You will be able to weave objects yourself and learn about different ways of dyeing. Your hosts will also let know you about the Gallinas Araucana, a chicken typical of the region that plays a large role in the Mapuche religion. You will return to you hotel after this educational day. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Lago Lanalhue - Temuco
After breakfast you will depart from Lago Lanalhue to the Araucania Region and Temuco. On your way, you will participate in a guided visit to the Contulmo Natural Monument where you will walk through a typical Valdivian Rainforest with all its characteristic species of plants. In total, you will have two hours in the park and then continue onward to Temuco where your journey to the Mapuche culture ends. (B, BL)