Indigenous peoples and ethno-tourism

Enrich your awareness of Chile’s fascinating indigenous cultures. Sample their delicious food, witness their traditions and perhaps experience for yourself a mystical connection with these people who keep their ancient traditions alive even in modern times.

The Mapuche people, renowned for their warrior spirit, still speak their curious ancient language, Mapudungun. For a truly unforgettable experience, visit a traditional ruca, or communal dwelling place, at Budi Lake close to Temuco, where you’ll sleep, cook and eat traditional food alongside Mapuches. Unmissable!

In northern Chile, you’ll meet the Aymara people of the Altiplano (or highlands) in the villages of Putre and Parinacota. See their beautiful textiles and colorful handicrafts made from llama wool, and sample llama and alpaca meat with a side-dish of quinoa.

The Rapa Nui culture of Easter Island is simply mesmerizing, with its fascinating legends, ancient traditions kept alive in festivals such as Tapati, and distinctive music, dance and language.

Finally, at the very end of the earth, observe the age-old ways of the Yagan, an indigenous people who still sail in their traditional canoes through the channels and inlets of Tierra del Fuego.