Trekking to the Edge of the Andes Visiting Mapuche Communities - Caviahue and Copahue

Ancient araucaria forests, silent lakes, endless boulder fields, high mountain passes, snow-capped peaks, border markers... words could not capture this magnificent trek through land of criollo herders and Mapuche reserves, in an unmatched and little-known natural setting: Northern Patagonia, at the foot of the imposing Copahue volcano.

West-central Neuquén is one of the environments chosen by a striking and beautiful species, the pehuén or araucaria (monkey puzzle tree). The Caviahue and Copahue mountain range is also one of the last remaining areas of Mapuche settlement to this day. Our route invites you to blend culture with grand landscapes, between the giant, mythical Copahue volcano and the mysterious Hualcupen lagoon. A trek accessible to anyone up for the adventure of camping and walking through magical places that can only be reached on foot.

What we present here is the planned route for the trip, but the exact route, layout and choice of alternative itineraries are subject to different factors such as weather conditions and the guide’s assessment of the group.

We suggest arriving in Caviahue on Sunday (one day before the activity begins)

Day 1 (Monday): Meeting in Caviahue. Last-minute shopping and general preparations. The trek begins heading North, entering the Hualcupén Lagoon Indigenous Reserve... After a tiring climb, all that’s left is to head down and camp in this idyllic spot. Walking time approximately 4 hours. 

Day 2: A quiet day, following streams and rivers with natural pools as we head into the Valle de las Lecheras... an incredible place with Pehuén forests and herders bringing their livestock after many days’ journey from the Patagonian steppe. Walking time approximately 7 hours 

Day 3: We have an early breakfast and start walking toward the ridges that mark the natural border between Argentina and Chile... High-altitude valleys, snowfields and boulder fields are the highlight of the day. High camp. Walking time approximately 8 hours.

Day 4: A day of altitude and incredible views, we follow the ridges and then descend to the foot of Copahue Volcano, from where we head down to Caviahue. End of the program. Return, or option to stay one more night in Caviahue. Ask us for details.

Day 5: Free day or travel day back. End of our services.