This course will focus on the unique natural and cultural history of the Lakes and Volcanoes district of south-central Chile, including unique volcanic and coastal landscapes, endemic forests and wildlife, hot springs, and the indigenous Mapuche people and their customs.
During the Spring Break visit, we will hike and observe how recent volcanic eruptions have shaped landscapes and forests. We will also visit Truful-Truful Canyon and its beautiful waterfalls. Other stops include hikes to several mountain lakes and national parks formed by volcanic and glacial activity.
On several of these trips, we will have excellent chances to observe animals and plants along our hikes that are endemic to this region, such as the Magellan Woodpecker, old-growth Araucaria forests (i.e., monkey puzzle trees), and ancient alerces forests (i.e., Patagonian cypress up to 2000 years old).
We will tour other natural sites and learn about the indigenous Mapuche people and their ancient traditions, including cooking on an open fire and dinner in a teepee (ruka). The trip includes a visit to soak in geothermal springs, a walk through caves formed from ancient lava tubes, and the ascent of an active volcano. While hiking along the Pacific coast, you will tour the Valdivian Coastal Reserve developed with the help of the Nature Conservancy, and dine on local seafood.