This May 27th and 28th, thousands of activities will take place throughout Chile to commemorate Heritage Day. These days are characterized by free access to hundreds of National Monuments and historic buildings, celebrating our culture.
The Lakes and Volcanoes Scenic Route, which officially launched in January 2020 and spans 21 municipalities in the Araucanía, Los Lagos, and Los Ríos regions, also boasts a wealth of heritage, including museums, national parks, and destinations that offer a glimpse into the ancestral culture of our indigenous peoples.
At Ruténica, we're sharing a selection of destinations and venues so you can put together an entertaining family getaway and make the most of these days celebrating our important heritage.
–Guided tour of Fortín Mapuche + voucher for Typical Gastronomy consumption: This is a walk through the history of the Mapuche people's resistance, which recounts and relives the different strategies of their great toquis and defenders of their culture and land, such as Colo Colo, Caupolicán, Jaqueneo, Lintur, and Lautaro, represented by Chemanus (wooden men). The trail takes approximately 20 minutes to complete and its archaeological history dates back almost 600 years ( https://t.ly/EWCH ).
–Museo Molino Fundo Los Chilcos-Ranco: A journey back more than 100 years that will allow you to learn about the flour production and maquila process. You will be able to observe the operation of each of the machines in the flour production process and experience how the power of water allows an entire factory to be put into operation. Located on the banks of the Ralitrán River, you will be able to see the dam that channels the energy of the water that runs the mill and the waterfall that forms said dam, among other surprises ( https://t.ly/Gh9eX ).
–Guided tours of Teatro del Lago: A magical tour of Teatro del Lago with a visit that invites you to discover its spaces and the history that lives in its various corners ( https://t.ly/wbYj ).
–Automuseum Moncopulli: This is the largest Studebaker automobile museum outside the USA. You can see not only the cars, but also model trains and cars, as well as toys. There's also an incredible collection of cameras, agricultural machinery, and hundreds of antiques. It's a unique family experience with period-inspired music ( https://shorturl.at/nopUY ).
–Guided cultural walk in Frutillar: This experience seeks to reveal and introduce various aspects of local history through a tour that includes visits to various locations in the city. The guide will show you mansions and temples in the typical area, highlighting the diverse manifestations of local heritage: living, architectural, cultural, and other aspects ( https://t.ly/625Hf ).
–Mapuche Astronomy Tour–Panguipulli: This surprising experience includes a talk on ancestral Mapuche wisdom and cosmological mythology, as well as deep-sky observation using telescopes. The tour lasts two and a half hours and also includes a gourmet dinner featuring agroecological products and sustainable cuisine ( https://t.ly/eAE6 ).
–Ancestral knowledge and guided experience in Puerto Octay: Doraliza Ester Hueichan, a Huilliche artisan passionate about her mapu (land), her witrales (looms) and her traditions, is in charge of the tour that will take you on a guided experience through the countryside with her typical clothing and a natural panoramic view of the place and where we can appreciate the Puntiagudo, Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes; We will share ancestral knowledge respecting the process and the care of the raw materials, how the vegetables are harvested to begin the wool dyeing process. What does it include?: Witral materials and tools, their accessories, wool, Cumiyal witral weaving and tasting ( https://bit.ly/3MIjbwW ).
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–Puerto Fuy (Panguipulli): This area boasts a scenic beauty characterized by its lakeside, views of the Mocho Choshuenco volcanic complex, and the presence of snow during the winter. In summer, and occasionally during other seasons, it's also possible to visit the Puerto Fuy Traditional Fair, which features a wide variety of cuisine, craft beer, and local crafts, all very close to the passenger terminal. Just arrive and admire the scenery ( https://www.rutenica.cl/pages/panguipulli-1 ).
–Isla Huapi (Lake Ranco): This is the largest of the thirteen islands in Lake Ranco. Inhabited by just over 600 people, 90% of whom are Mapuche and Huilliche, reaching its shores is an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture. The island is accessed via a municipal barge that makes scheduled trips from Puerto Futrono. Top attractions include the local cemetery, the Witch Stone, the Weichafe Caves, and Treng-Treng Hill. You won't spend much and you'll have a wonderful time ( https://www.rutenica.cl/pages/ranco-1 ).
–Princess Licarayén (Lake Llanquihue): This sculpture located in La Puntilla, Puerto Varas, inspired by the Mapuche legend of the same name, is one of the commune's main tourist attractions. It's ideal for a day trip on this significant date, and to learn more about the tragic story that inspired its creation ( https://www.rutenica.cl/pages/llanquihue-1 ).
At this link, you can also access official information on more than 1,500 free activities scheduled in different regions of Chile for both dates.