ARAUCANIA EXPLORA

Chile's Araucania region is a region of the country. It is bordered to the north by the Biobío region, to the east by Argentina and to the south by the Rivers region. Its regional capital, Temuco, is located 670 km from Santiago. Temuco has a population of around 245,347. Its name in Mapudungun (the language of the Mapuche people) means "Temu water", in reference to a fragrant shrub with edible fruit. Araucania has a rich history, marked by fighting between the Mapuches (Araucans) and the Spanish, then the Chilean government until the end of the 19th century. The Bio-Bio river marks the natural boundary between central and southern Chile, and also forms the northern border of Araucania. The Araucans were an elusive people, hidden in the forests, and the Spanish conquistadors had a hard time subduing them. Today, the Araucania region offers visitors the chance to discover the culture and history of the Mapuche, as well as to enjoy magnificent natural landscapes.