La Baita Conguillío

Overview

Description

Our accommodations are located on a 79 acre (32 hectare) property in La Baita, 435 miles (700 km) south of the capital city in Chile’s Araucanía region. As part of the indigenous Pehuenche zone, volcanoes appear to have been sprinkled from the sky and the list of natural wonders protected in the five national parks and seven reserves in the area is seemingly endless.

We are surrounded by Conguillío National Park, spanning 150,320 acres (60,832 hectares) and one of the most beautiful areas in Chile. It was declared a Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1986 for its bountiful natural resources and the largest concentration of araucaria araucana trees in South America.

We have a panoramic view of Llaima Volcano (3,125 meters or 10,250 feet above sea level), one of the most active volcanoes in South America. The volcano has been continually active over the past year, with eruptions on January 1, 2008 and in April 2009. This volcanic activity motivated us to set up a volcanology lab, which is under development, making us a Geo-ecotourism Center. El Llaima or “the reappeared” has permanently shaped the landscape ? many visitors aspire to reach its summit and marvel at the immense crater and its extensive lava flows.

Another must-see attraction is the Truful waterfall, where one can appreciate the results of the volcanic activity by observing firsthand the huge basalt columns in the middle of the cascade. Visitors may also climb to the peak of the spectacular Sierra Nevada, an ancient volcanic caldera that is now dormant, to see eight volcanoes and flying condors soaring overhead. Other attractions include four beautiful and magical volcanic lakes that are further evidence of major seismic activity, and excellent bird watching in the region’s native tree forests.

La Baita Conguillío was conceived as a place for connecting with nature for reflection, admiration, expansion, learning, and appreciation.

Rooms

We have six cabañas with a total capacity of 45 people. We also have a new lodge with six flamboyant, double or triple rooms with private baths.

Making a Difference

Number of employees: 3 - 7

At the La Baita Center, we have made a commitment to the environment and to local culture that is reflected in the programs and markets with which we work. One of our most important programs is called "Learning Naturally." Aimed at high school and elementary school students, it consists of a week of nature immersion promoting learning, sharing and respect. The students also share culture and traditions with the neighboring Pehuenche community in a day of activities that are planned and run by the indigenous people themselves.

Another contribution to the local community is that we purchase most perishable food items locally, and whenever possible, we offer vegetables produced by the local farmers. During the high tourism season, we work closely with all of the neighboring communities.

We have electric power for only three hours per day so we contract local people for laundry and food refrigeration services. Most of our neighbors are small landowners with limited incomes so we have helped provide the equipment necessary for them to help us. A turbine was installed that generates electrical energy for the lodge by harnessing hydroelectric power.

In La Baita, we recycle and transport inorganic wastes to the local dump and organic wastes are used in our own vegetable garden. All our visitors should participate in our waste sorting and disposal program.

We now have a new lodge with six double/triple rooms and a spa with a massage room and sauna; this building was constructed under an architectural concept for minimum heat loss using an insulation system in all the rooms that takes advantage of the local climatic conditions in all seasons.

We are in the final phases of achieving the Norma de Calidad Turistica (NCh3009).

Rates

$51 – $75

Prices vary from $70 to $90 for two people with breakfast included.

We maintain the same rates year-round because geographic conditions, distances and logistical operations make the cost of providing services high, especially during the time that is generally considered the low season.

For more information about rates, please visit:

• www.labaitaconguillio.cl/esp/reservas.htm (available in Spanish).

Getting There

Nearest international airport: Santiago (SCL).

Nearest local/national airport: Temuco (ZCO).

Distance, by land, to the nearest airport: 68 miles (110 km).

Of the 68 miles (110 km) between Temuco and Baita Conguillío, 59 miles (95 km) are paved and in very good condition. The other nine miles (15 km) are narrow and have some naturally rough spots, but they were recently graveled and improved.

La Baita can be reached year-round, but high-clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended. All kinds of vehicles can make the trip, unless there have been intense periods of rain or snow.

Access is also possible, preferably in high-clearance vehicles, from the north where signsicate the entrance via Victoria - Curacautín.

Additional Information

Blog La Baita. In Spanish.

Alerta roja por erupción de volcán Llaima en Chile. April 2009. Article published in RadioTrece.com.mx. In Spanish.

En la región de la Araucanía: una pausa en el bosque. Los recuerdos de un hotel en los Alpes italianos. March 2009. Article published in the magazine “El Mercurio” in Chile. Description of the lodge and its origins, and the surrounding area. In Spanish.

La Baita invites you to enjoy nature and have fun....with novelties and surprises: flora and fauna, volcanoes, kayaking, Coigue tree climbing, canopy and zip-line adventures, and eco-challenger. Together we will continue to learn about ourselves as part of our ecosystem. Information about camping trips, that will take place from December 2009 to January 2010.

Files

• Quienes Somos

Date This Information Was Provided

October 2009.

Photo courtesy of La Baita Conguillío, Chile, for SustainableTrip.org.