South America

Active Andean Araucania

4 Days. From AUD $2,110pp.
Tailormade Adventures
Details

Overview

The Andean Araucanía, located in southern Chile and marking the transition between the south-central landscape and the steeper Andean mountain range, is a territory where nature takes center stage: imposing volcanoes, ancient araucaria forests, a strong Mapuche cultural heritage, high-Andean lakes and a mosaic of national parks that make it a true paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. At the heart of this setting lies the Malalcahuello–Nalcas National Reserve, where we will stay in a cosy mountain lodge whose strategic location allows easy access to protected areas such as Conguillío, Tolhuaca, China Muerta, and sectors of Alto Lonquimay, offering diverse landscapes throughout the year.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Explore Chile’s dramatic Andean landscapes: Discover snow-capped volcanoes, ancient forests and crystal-clear lakes in the stunning Araucanía region.
  • Active outdoor adventures: Enjoy guided hiking, scenic walks and immersive nature experiences in one of Chile’s most beautiful regions.
  • Authentic cultural encounters: Gain insight into local traditions and the rich heritage of southern Chile.

Itinerary in Brief

  • Day 1: Arrive in Temuco & transfer to hotel
  • Day 2: Activities: trekking, kayaking, e-bike, photography, birdwatching
  • Day 4: Depart Temuco 

Tailor-made suggestions for this itinerary

  • Add a stopover in the spectacular Lakes District of Chile and Argentina.
  • Experience the wonders of Chile’s north with a visit to the spectacular Atacama desert
  • Discover the breathtaking national parks of Patagonia.

Travelling with Eclipse

Peace of Mind
  • Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
  • 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
  • We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
  • No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
  • Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
  • Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
  • We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
  • Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
  • Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
  • Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
  • Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.

Day 1: Arrival


Upon arriving at Temuco Airport, you'll be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel in the region. This is a scenic drive through Araucania's lush landscapes, providing a first glimpse of the region's natural beauty. The evening is free for you to relax and unwind after your journey. Depending on your arrival time, you might have the opportunity to explore a little of the surrounding area or enjoy a leisurely dinner at the hotel.

 

Days 2 - 3: Activities


Each day we will be able to choose a different activity designed to experience nature at its best:

* Trekking along trails that cross araucaria forests, ancient lava flows and viewpoints facing active volcanoes.
* Kayaking on lakes Icalma, Galletué or Conguillío, where still waters mirror mountains and forests in a deeply contemplative experience.
* Kayaking on the Cautín River, paddling through native forests with views of Lonquimay and rich birdlife.
* E-bike tours along the Malalcahuello–Lonquimay cycle path or old logging roads to explore local villages and mountain landscapes.
* Birdwatching and photography, with emblematic species such as the condor, the Magellanic woodpecker, the eagle and various high-Andean birds.

A perfect invitation to experience the Andean Araucanía in an active and deeply connected way.

 

Day 4: Departure


After enjoying your breakfast at the hotel, you’ll be transferred back to Temuco Airport for your departure. Your active adventure through the Andean Araucania comes to a close, leaving you with memories of stunning natural landscapes and unique cultural experiences.

Departs Daily
DatesRoomFromAdditional
20 Feb 2026 - 31 May 2026 AUD$2110ppExpand to view prices
The Main House - RoomAUD$2110ppContact us
01 Nov 2026 - 31 May 2027 AUD$2298ppExpand to view prices

About the Hotel

Suizandina Lodge is a Swiss-inspired lodge and restaurant in Malalcahuello. We have been open for 22-years and are considered an icon of the area. In addition to our lodge, we have a guest house, a private apartment, and a camping area. Guests have easy access to the Malalcahuello National Reserve, Nalcas National Reserve, Conguillio National Park and the Corralco ski-centre. We are open the entire year, and there are outdoor activities for all seasons, like horseback riding, trekking, ski-touring, and mountain biking.

At Suizandina Lodge, you will eat well, sleep well, and experience the best of the outdoors.

Room Types

The Main House - Room

The Main House:
This is the heart of Suizandina Lodge, close to the restaurant and library. There are 5 rooms in the Main House, each accommodating 4 guests, and each with a private bathroom. The rooms are finished with wood and simply furnished in classic ski-lodge style. Central heating assures a comfortable temperature at any time. All rooms are non-smoking and most areas are fitted with smoke detectors. Pets are not allowed.

cabin

What's included?

  • 3 nights accommodation at Suizandina Lodge
  • Ground transfer from Temuco Airport and back
  • Daily breakfast
  • Box lunch for 3 days
  • Lunch at the lodge on one day (day of arrival)
  • Dinner for 3 nights
  • 2 daily coffee breaks in the field (AM and PM)
  • Excursions with a bilingual guide: 1 Activity per day

What's not?

  • International and internal airfares
  • Arrival/departure taxes or reciprocity fees, visa fees where applicable
  • Travel insurance
  • Gratuities
  • Any items not mentioned as included

Price Assurance

At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.

Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.

Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.

Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!

Destination: South America

The vivid sights and sounds of South America offer something for everyone. Stretching from the Caribbean to Patagonia, the variety of cultures, climates and landscapes has to be experienced firsthand to be believed. The memories you take home will leave you wanting more – we’re sure you’ll want to return again and again, just like us!

Downloadable travel guide

Planning your next adventure has never been easier with our free downloadable travel guides. Get in-depth insights into local attractions, dining options, and hidden gems, all curated by our team of travel specialists with decades of experience.

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Active Andean Araucania

4 Days. From AUD $2,110pp.