EXPLORE THE VOLCANOES, MONKEY
PUZZLE FORESTS AND MAPUCHE CULTURE OF THE ANDEAN ARAUCANÍA
APRIL 2027
Join us in the land of fire and forests.
INSTRUCTION AND GUIDANCE BY PAULO VALDIVIA & ANNA MORGAN
ABOUT THE ANDEAN ARAUCANÍA
The Andean Araucanía district - a global biodiversity hotspot - offers some of South America’s most distinctive and diverse landscapes. Volcanic peaks, glacial lakes, and ancient forests create a dramatic setting for photography, especially in autumn when the deciduous trees ignite with colour.
The region is home to large tracts of native forest protected within national parks, forming part of the Andean Araucaria belt - an area that contains one of the highest proportions of protected wilderness in Chile. Its landscapes shelter unique wildlife, including pudú deer, foxes, pumas, and a variety of raptors. Towering above the terrain are the iconic monkey puzzle (Araucaria araucana) trees, known as Pehuén to the Mapuche people. Mapuche communities have long stewarded these ecosystems, contributing to the rich ecological and cultural character of the region.
WORKSHOP OVERVIEW
DATES: April 25th-30th, 2027 (6 days)
EXPERIENCE LEVEL: All skill levels welcome from beginner to advanced.
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Moderate. Expect to hike on average 6km a day on mountain trails.
GROUP SIZE: Limited to 8 participants. We keep our group sizes small to ensure the a high quality learning experience.
CLOSEST AIRPORT: Temuco / La Araucanía International Airport (ZCO)
COST: $5675 CAD.
BOOKING DEPOSIT: $1700 CAD to secure a spot. The remaining balance is due February 4th, 2027.
ABOUT THE WORKSHOP
This workshop has been designed to provide an immersive learning experience in an area of outstanding natural beauty and rich with cultural significance. Access to these areas is usually somewhat limited for larger groups to access and we are very fortunate to be working with an exceptional local, sustainable tourism provider to get us to the best locations for an exceptional array of photographic opportunities.
One of the most distinctive characteristics of the Andean Araucanía is its ample variety of ecosystems shaped over millennia by glaciation and volcanic activity. Two distinct ecoregions meet and merge in this region: the Mediterranean Forests and the Valdivian Temperate Rain Forests providing a wide range of habitats in which significant biodiversity flourishes.
Over the course of 6 days, we will visit a variety of locations spread across the area. We will traverse through national parks, vast ancient forests, winding rivers, and of course towering volcanoes, hiking some of the many trails the area has to offer. We will be travelling in a 4WD vehicle that has been specially-adapted to the demanding terrain and will get us to all our locations and trails, hand-picked for having the most photographic potential.
At this time of year, the autumnal foliage is at its most vibrant, and we will take advantage of the breadth of landscapes in the wider area. Contrasting with the evergreen Araucaria trees, most of the colour is provided by a group of deciduous tree species belonging to the genus Nothofagus - also known as southern beeches - which are native to the central-southern areas of Chile.
For the duration of the workshop, we will be staying at an alpine lodge located at the foot of the Lonquimay volcano, close to the village of Malalcahuello. The lodge has an on-site restaurant and all the amenities needed for an excellent and comfortable stay.
MEET THE INSTRUCTORS
ANNA MORGAN
A former veterinarian, Anna also holds a Master’s degree in Conservation Medicine from the University of Edinburgh. Anna’s work focuses on the intersection of art, ecology and health. Her thesis brought photography and conservation together so that photographic practice served both as a tool for reflective thinking and as a subject of research. Drawn to quiet, intimate and abstract expressions of the natural world, Anna's photography explores stillness, belonging and the liminal spaces of experience.
PAULO VALDIVIA
Paulo is a Chilean nature photographer and biologist who holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences from the University of Edinburgh. His research interests range from freshwater ecology and ecosystem service modelling to understanding indigenous peoples' development using a socio-ecological lens. Paulo's photography is known for its contemplative character, and adherence to the so-called nature's design principles. He is also a writer and a naturalist, drawing on all of this experience in his guided mentorship and private workshops.
Our Workshop Philosophy
Our photographic practices and philosophies align closely with the transitional geographies of the Andean Araucanía, where diverse ecosystems intersect. We share the view that these liminal spaces are especially generative for photographers working across multiple subjects and modes of imagination. The coexistence, convergence, and contrast of natural and cultural elements within these landscapes enable us to cultivate creative potential and foster a more reflective, personal, and meaningful learning experience.
With a maximum 4:1 ratio of participants to instructors, you can expect lots of hands on, high quality instruction in the field, equally divided between participants, regardless of experience. Drawing on complementary academic backgrounds and photographic approaches, we aim to offer a nuanced and considered perspective on this complex and sensitive landscape.
ITINERARY
Once you have registered, a comprehensive itinerary will be sent to you, with all the necessary details to help you plan your travel arrangements. This overview is designed to give you a good idea of what to expect.
Day 1: Arrival
- Your workshop begins with an airport transfer from La Araucanía International Airport (ZCO), also known as Temuco airport, to our lodging for the week near Malalcahuello. The expected travel time is around 2.5 hours.
- We will gather for introductions with your fellow participants and instructors after settling into our rooms.
- Following this, we'll enjoy a welcome dinner at the on-site restaurant leaving plenty of time for informal discussions.
Days 2-5: Exploration and Personal Discovery
- We typically head out early to take advantage of the morning light and journey to a variety of inspiring locations around the volcanic foothills of the Andes.
- Some days we might return to the lodge for lunch. On other days our destination may be slightly further afield so a packed lunch will be prepared for us. At this time of year the sun rises at around 8am and sets at 5.45pm. Our schedule will remain somewhat flexible so we can respond to the light and weather conditions.
- Anna and Paulo will help you see beyond the obvious grand landscape scenes and will encourage you to discover your personal vision and find compelling images which are personally meaningful to you.
- Throughout the core of the workshop, you can expect engaging discussions exploring creativity, personal narrative, and developing your unique vision. Where time permits, we will also organise image reviews and processing guidance.
Day 6: Reflection As our time together draws to a close, we'll focus on reflection and next steps:
- An optional, final sunrise field session may be offered for early risers.
- After breakfast, we will gather for a final discussion and classroom session. This will be an opportunity to reflect on our time together, and share images and thoughts from the workshop.
- We'll discuss practical ways that you might continue you creative journey after the workshop has ended.
- The workshop ends at around lunchtime when you will begin your journey back to Temuco airport.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
- 6 nights accommodation (single occupancy)- All meals for the duration of the workshop
- Airport transfers to and from the hotel
- Ground transportation to field locations
- All entrance fees
- Photographic instruction - in English and Spanish
WHAT ISN'T INCLUDED?
- Airfares- Some drinks
- Gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
WHAT EXPERIENCE IS NEEDED?
This workshop is designed for photographers of all skill levels from beginners to advanced. You'll receive personalised guidance to build on your strengths and overcome habitual ways of seeing. You can expect to be challenged and to grow, regardless of whether photography is new to you or not.WHAT LEVEL OF FITNESS IS REQUIRED?
Most hiking trails that we will be using are under 3km or shorter with a maximum elevation gain of 300m. There is one longer trail that has multiple viewpoints along it. The first 2 viewpoints are under 2km with the furthest (optional) viewpoint being a 5km hike in each direction and an elevation gain of 600m. Participants should be comfortable walking on mountain trails which may be uneven or muddy.WHAT IS THE ACCOMMODATION LIKE?
The trip fee is based on single occupancy at an alpine lodge near Malalcahuello.IS THERE A DOUBLE OCCUPANCY OPTION?
Yes. If you are travelling with another participant and prefer to share a room, this can easily be arranged and you will each receive a $150CAD discount from the balance. Once you are both registered, please get in touch to let us know your preference.CAN DIETARY REQUIREMENTS BE ACCOMMODATED?
Yes. We will send out a registration form prior to the trip where you can detail any dietary restrictions and preferences in advance of the trip.WHAT WEATHER SHOULD I EXPECT?
At this time of year, the Araucanía Region is in late autumn, meaning cool, crisp weather with chilly nights, with highs often around (2-11°C) (mid 30s-50°F) and lows near freezing (0-4°C / 30s°F). There is a chance of rain showers and, at higher elevations, early season snow showers are possible meaning we have the chance to photograph the collision of seasons. As with any mountainous location, weather can be unpredictable and changeable so it is important to be prepared. We will be providing a detailed packing list for what to bring with you.WHAT SHOULD I PACK?
We will provide a detailed packing list of items to bring after booking.IS TRAVEL INSURANCE RECOMMENDED?
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance and/or cancellation insurance in the event of unexpected events that prevents you from attending the workshop.QUESTIONS
If you have any further questions about this workshop, please get in touch!
PAYMENT AND TERMS
Please review the Terms and Conditions for the workshop HERE.
Please note that a minimum of 6 spots must be filled for this workshop to go ahead. If this number is not reached, all deposits will be fully refunded by March 1, 2027.
