The vast, wind-swept lands of Patagonia are home to a living culture that goes beyond the majestic peaks and pristine lakes. In the heart of this region, the Mapuche people, indigenous inhabitants of southern Chile and Argentina, have preserved a deep connection to nature, spirituality, and community.
For women seeking meaningful, culturally immersive trails, the villages of the Mapuche offer more than just scenic routes—they offer insight into centuries-old feminine traditions and resilience.
Who Are the Mapuche?
The Mapuche are one of the largest indigenous groups in South America, primarily inhabiting southern Chile and parts of Argentine Patagonia.
The word Mapuche means “people of the land”, and their spiritual, agricultural, and communal ways of life are tightly interwoven with the natural landscape.
Historically marginalized and resistant to colonization, Mapuche communities remain proud and protective of their heritage. For women travelers, engaging with this culture offers a rare window into the role of women as knowledge keepers, healers, and artists.
Why Choose a Cultural Trail?
Unlike typical hiking routes, cultural trails blend walking with human connection. They encourage slow travel, storytelling, and shared experiences. These trails often pass through rural villages, weaving landscapes of language, food, rituals, and craft.
For women especially, walking these trails is a chance to learn directly from other women—many of whom carry generations of knowledge in their daily lives.
The Role of Mapuche Women
In Mapuche society, women are central to the preservation of cultural traditions. They are known as:
- Lawentuchefe: herbalists and traditional healers.
- Ñaña: respected elder women who guide spiritual ceremonies.
- Artisans: creators of woven textiles using natural dyes and symbolic patterns.
These women are not only cultural anchors—they are leaders in modern activism, education, and ecological sustainability.
What You’ll Experience on a Cultural Trail
1. Community Visits and Home Stays
One of the most rewarding parts of these trails is the opportunity to stay with Mapuche families. You’ll share meals, join in daily chores, and participate in traditional cooking using ingredients native to the region, such as merkén (smoked chili), piñones (pine nuts), and wild herbs.
Expect to hear ancestral stories passed down through generations, often told around the fire while drinking mate or muday, a fermented drink made from maize.
2. Textile Workshops with Local Artisans
Mapuche textiles are rich with symbolism and technique. During your walk, you may visit women who raise their own sheep, shear the wool, spin it, and then dye it with herbs and natural minerals. Each design has meaning—arrows for direction, spirals for the universe, and geometric symbols for land and lineage.
You won’t just watch—you’ll weave. These workshops allow travelers to make their own pieces and gain an understanding of how craft preserves memory.
3. Medicinal Plant Walks and Healing Rituals
Many cultural trails include nature walks led by Lawentuchefe, where you’ll learn to identify native plants used in medicine, teas, and rituals. Some itineraries include participation in a Machitún, a traditional healing ceremony guided by a machi—a spiritual healer, usually a woman.
While not all travelers are permitted to observe the full ceremony, respectful engagement and guided explanations offer insight into Mapuche cosmology and the sacred role of women.
4. Cultural Centers and Museums
Places like the Ruka Kimun cultural center in Temuco or smaller community museums in Curarrehue and Panguipulli provide deeper context to the history, resistance, and survival of the Mapuche people. These visits often include dance, music, and the chance to support local cooperatives selling handmade goods.
Responsible Travel Tips for Women on Cultural Trails
- Travel with a guide or organization that works directly with Mapuche communities and ensures fair compensation.
- Ask for permission before taking photos, especially of ceremonies or sacred spaces.
- Dress respectfully and modestly, as some communities prefer travelers to follow certain attire customs.
- Learn basic phrases in Mapudungun, the Mapuche language—small gestures of respect go a long way.
- Support female-led cooperatives by buying authentic crafts or booking female-run homestays and workshops.
When to Go
The best months to explore these cultural trails are between November and March, when Patagonia enjoys its warmer, drier weather. Spring and summer offer the most vibrant landscapes and active communities, with several festivals and gatherings taking place during this period.
Why This Journey Matters
For women travelers looking for more than breathtaking views, the cultural trails through Mapuche villages offer soulful connections, historical depth, and a sense of shared womanhood. In these quiet corners of Patagonia, you’ll find stories woven into wool, wisdom rooted in plants, and strength passed from mother to daughter.
Walking these trails is not just about discovering a region—it’s about being transformed by the lives and traditions of the women who inhabit it.
Leonardo e Raquel Dias are a couple passionate about travel, exploring the world together and sharing their experiences. Leonardo is a photographer and food enthusiast, while Raquel is a writer fascinated by history and culture. Through their blog, they inspire other couples over 50 to embark on their own adventures.