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Araucaria Forests: The Flora & Volcanoes of Chile's Lake District

(5 days / 4 nights)

On this journey we will visit the rainforest forests of the Temperate Zone of Chile, dominated by various species of the genus Nothofagus. These are exclusive woodlands in the world due to their geographical isolation and by being very rich in woody species, having also a highly complex structure with numerous species inhabiting in each layer. Between the woody elements we will see species of the genus Araucaria, Fitzroya, Nothofagus or Drimys, as well as a high diversity of members of the Mirtaceae family. The undergrowth is very dense and is also dominated by woody species and several herbs. The areas to be visited are surrounded by magnificent scenery dominated by spectacular volcanoes and lakes.

I write on behalf of Anne and myself to thank you for your part in creating a magnificent holiday, one of the best we have ever had. That really is high praise as we have been privileged to travel a great deal.

 

- Prof P & A Grubb, UK
Chile trip Nov 2006

Temuco
Cerro Ñielol Nature Reserve

After your arrival to the city of Temuco, we will visit Cerro Ñielol Nature Reserve and its splendid temperate forests, starting to familiarize with the wealth of woody species. In surrounding areas of Temuco, we will be delighted by discovering restricted populations of various orchids of the genus Chloraea and Gavilea.

Hotel Terraverde, Temuco (4*).

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Conguillio National Park

Today will certainly become one of the finest of our journey finding plant species in southern Chile. From tall trees to diminute herbs, Conguillio National Park will slowly reveal its floristic secrets. We will have the opportunity to study huge Araucarias (Araucaria araucana), Winter's Bark Tree (Drimys winteri) and Coigues (Nothofagus dombeyi), different species of the genus Berberis o miniature herbs such as Adenocaulon (Adenocaulon chilense), Anemone (Anemone multifida) or Yellow Viola (Viola reichei). The spectacle of our sightings will be enriched by the striking panoramic views of the volcanic surroundings of this incredible park.

Hotel Terraverde, Temuco (4*).

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Transfer to Puyehue National Park

This park holds a great diversity of woody species, having also numerous species on the lower layers such as shrubs, herbs, furns and mosses. One of the main attractions of these forests is the abundance of myrtaceous species such as the Arrayan (Luma apiculata) or the Meli (Amomyrtus meli). Furthermore we will find interesting endemic species including the Maqui (Aristotelia chilensis), Chaquihue (Crinodendron hookerianum), Avellano (Gevuina avellana) or the Fuinque (Lomatia ferruginea). The richness of woody plants of this national park will be the highlight to the botanist.

Hotel Antillanca, Puyehue (3*).

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Puyehue National Park
Transfer to Puerto Montt

Today we will continue our exploration of Puyehue National Park concentrating our efforts in discovering the alpine flora occuring in the volcanic slopes around our lodge. Later during the day we will be transferred to Puerto Montt.

Hotel La Peninsula, Puerto Montt (4*).

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Nahuel Ñadi Nature Reserve

During the morning we will visit a small private reserve with numerous elements of the temperate Valdivian rainforests of southern Chile. The richness of this park is given by the presence of the endangered conifer Alerce (Fitzroya cupressoides). We will finish our tour around noon with a transfer to the airport.

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Extensions

Araucaria Forests, the Flora and Volcanoes of Chile's Lake District, can be combined with the following optional extensions:

. Chilean Patagonia (9 days / 8 nights), the ultimate botanical program to the southernmost tip of South America.
. Mediterranean Chile (4 days / 3 nights). Discover the richness of endemic plants of Central Chile, from the Andes' mountaintops to the sea level.

Ask for your discount if you combine two or more botanical programs.

Dates & Prices

Itinerary on request; available from September through February.
This program is operated as a custom trip (flexible option which runs on a date you choose giving you more privacy) and is available upon request for individuals or small private groups.

Main Trip:5 days / 4 nights
Meet/Depart:Temuco, Chile.
Depart: Puerto Montt, Chile.
Group Size:Trips are guaranteed to depart with a minimum of 2 participants.

RATES:
TBA per person in double occupancy.
The above price is per person in US$, based on double occupancy.
Single supplement (TBA) will be added if single accommodations are requested or forced.

 

The trip price includes:
All accommodations, meals and guide services as stated in the itinerary, private ground transportation during the tour, plus park entrance fees.

The trip price excludes:
Tipping, travel insurance, à la carte dishes, snacks, drinks, laundry, telephone calls and anything else of a purely personal nature.

Do you want us to arrange your flights from Santiago to Temuco / Puerto Montt to Santiago?
Domestic flights Santiago - La Temuco / Puerto Montt - Santiago (approximately US$ XXX-XXX / £ XXX-XXX per person).
Duration of the flight: Santiago - Temuco (c. 1 hour) / Puerto Montt - Santiago (c. 1.5 hours).


TOUR REGISTRATION: To register for this tour, complete the FANTASTICO SUR registration form and return it (by fax or email) with a deposit of US$ 700 per person. Full payment of the tour fee is due 90 days prior to tour departure.

CANCELLATION POLICY: Notice of cancellation can only be accepted IN WRITING from the person who signed the booking form and takes effect on the day such noticed is received by us.
Refunds are made according to the following schedule:
If cancellation is made 120 days or more before departure date, the deposit less US$ 300 / £ 155 is refundable. If cancellation is made between 120 and 90 days before departure, the deposit is not refundable, but any payments covering the balance of the fee will be refunded. If cancellation is made fewer than 90 days before departure date, no refund is available. This policy and fee schedule also applies to pre-trip and post trip extensions, as well as any transfers from one tour to another. We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance to protect yourself.