Field Trips

On this day-trip, we will travel by boat along the Cruces River to the Carlos Anwandter Sanctuary, a wetland reserve recognized for its environmental importance by the United Nations Ramsar Convention, and managed by the National Chilean Forestry Service (CONAF). This sanctuary is renowned for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes. From there, we will visit the picturesque town of Punucapa before returning to Valdivia by boat.

On this trip, we will explore a variety of ecosystems, including wetlands, forests, and rivers. The area is home to a plethora of bird species, making it a paradise for bird watchers.

Total group capacity:  100

Activity level: Easy. We will board a large boat, float down the river, and disembark in the town of Punucapa, for light walking and sightseeing. This is the least strenuous fieldtrip option. 

Who manages  the area: National Chilean Forestry Service (CONAF)

Distance from hotel:

Anwandter Sanctuary: 48km/30 miles

Punucapa:17.5 km/10 miles

Website: https://www.conaf.cl/parque_nacionales/santuario-de-la-naturaleza-rio-cruces-y-chorocamayo/

On this trip, we will visit the Punta Curiñanco Reserve, a coastal protected area located approximately 40 km from Valdivia. This 80-hectare reserve is known for its diverse ecosystems, including Valdivian temperate rainforests, coastal shrublands, wetlands, and rocky shores.

We will board a 1-hour charter bus from Valdivia to the reserve where we will spend 1.5 - 2 hours hiking through the forest and along the coast before returning to Valdivia by bus. The reserve provides well-used informal trails and ocean access.

Total group capacity:  30

Activity level: Medium-high. Some areas are very steep, so caution with children is advised on specific trails.

Who manages the area: The Committee for the Defense of Fauna and Flora (CODEFF).

Distance from hotel: 40km/24km

Website: https://codeff.cl/area-punta-curinanco/

Parque Oncol is a private nature reserve located 32 km from Valdivia, encompassing 754 hectares of pristine Valdivian temperate rainforest. The park is situated on Cerro Oncol, the highest peak in the Valdivian Coast Range, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The park features a unique ecosystem with a high level of biodiversity, including numerous endemic plant and animal species. 

We will board a 1-hour charter bus from Valdivia to the reserve where we will get a brief introduction to the area and then spend  1-2 hours hiking through the forest and along the coast before returning to Valdivia by bus.  

You will be able to chose among trails  with different difficulty levels and local guides will accompany each group of  approximately 15 people. Here you can see the trail map with details if you hover over the green trail dots. 

We will offer these options: 

• Oncol (10) with spectacular views from the highest point in the reserve- medium-high difficulty, 2 hours total.   

• Quitaqui (7), a medium difficulty loop, 25 min. total.

• Bonifacio (4), a medium-high difficulty loop, 25 min.  total.

• Calfuco (4), a medium-high difficulty loop, 30 min.  total.

Total group capacity:  70

Activity level: Medium-high. Some areas are very steep, so caution with children is advised on specific trails.

Who manages the area:  Celulosa Arauco y Constitución S.A.

Distance from hotel: 32km

Website: https://www.parqueoncol.cl/el-parque-oncol/