La Araucanía
The Araucanía Region, the 9th region of Chile, is located around 600 kilometres / 375 miles south of Santiago de Chile. Culture and history blend in a way forming the identity of one of the most diverse regions in Chile. Temuco, its capital, is the third most important city in the country. The region consists of 38 municipalities. Our activities are mainly focused on the following areas:
Temuco is the capital of the region La Araucanía.
It’s central place in Araucanía with easy access to the Andean valleys, lakes and coastal areas makes it a hub for tourism, agricultural, livestock and forestry operations as well as a communication and trade centre for the numerous small towns of La Araucanía.
As a regional traffic junction, it offers regular transport connections to Santiago and all the places inside and outside the region.
Villarrica is a city located on the western shore of Villarrica Lake in the Province of Cautín, 746 km / 464 miles south of Santiago. The lake stretches from Villarrica to Pucón and reveals a stunning view to Villarrica Volcano. The whole area offers a wide range of sports and leisure activities.
Tourism, forestry, and grain and dairy farming are the main economic drivers of the community. The climate is mild and humid with the greatest rainfall experienced between May and July (autumn and winter). The dry season is between December and February (summer).
Pucón stands out as a well-known and highly attractive tourist destination for a wide range of people, backpackers, and wealthy people alike. This has led to a city that has two main seasons, one in summer and one in winter. Within these weeks the numbers of visitors are overwhelming for everybody, locals as visitors alike.
At present there is a new concept developed under the name “City of Sports”. The lately construction of a gymnasium and a stadium are pointing already in this new direction. The next project is an Olympic-size swimming pool. National and international athletes are invited to come for their training all year around.
Pitrufquén is a Chilean city and commune in Cautín Province. It is located 30 km south Pitrufquén’s population is characterized as varied because its members have different cultural backgrounds, highlighting the historical Spanish heritage and immigrants mainly from: France, Italy, Germany, The Netherlands, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland and Hungary.
Just recently a Municipal Culture Program was discussed to enhance tourism with a focus on the various traditional products and customs and the diversity of the existing cultural melting pot.
The Commune of Gorbea is in the Province of Cautín, belonging to the region La Araucanía. To the north it borders the city of Pitrufquén, to the west with the commune of Toltén and to the south with the communes of Loncoche and Villarrica. It is located 45 km from the regional capital Temuco.
The main access road to and from the city of Gorbea is Chile Highway 5, allowing for an expeditious transfer of passengers through the variety of intercity and rural transportation companies.
Loncoche (Mapudungun for “head of an important person”) is a city and commune in Cautín Province. It is located 85 km from Temuco near the border to Los Ríos Region and the city of Lanco.
This commune stands out for its productive focus on agriculture (small fruit trees) and livestock (sheep and cattle), also for its craftsmanship designed by internationally recognized artisans.
Loncoche is a quiet, peaceful, safe town, bathed by the crystal-clear waters of the Cruces River, suitable for family life.
Cunco is located a little more than 50 km / 31 miles southeast of Temuco. The name comes from the Mapuche language and means something like “clear water” or “where the waters flow together”. Cunco is beautifully nestled between forests and hills. The picturesque lake “Lago Colico” can be reached in less than 45 minutes.
In 1918, a historic event took place in Cunco. The Argentine pilot Luis Candelaria landed his plane on an airstrip near Cunco. He had taken off from the Argentinian town of Zapala, thus achieving the first crossing of the Andes by plane. There is still a monument in Cunco today commemorating this achievement.
Curarrehue is a town and commune formed mainly by Mapuches and is the last town located before crossing the border to Argentina, following the Mamuil Malal Pass. Together with Pucón and Villarrica, it is a destination that is part of the development pole called “Lacustre Andino” of the IX Region of the Araucanía.
Its main economic activities are the timber and livestock industries. Gradually, special interest tourism is beginning to flourish, showcasing nature in an environment protected from human civilization.