Temperate Rainforests,
Ecology
And Healing
Southern Chile
December 22, 2008 - January 3, 2009
Spend the end of year holidays in southern Chile in a memorable journey deep into the ancient temperate rain forests, among the most extensive in the world. You will have the opportunity to visit the majestic araucaria forests of the northern lake district of Chile as well as the alerce forests farther south. The alerce are known as the “redwood of the Andes” and are the second oldest trees on the planet. Environmental activists will share with you their struggles as well as their successes in fighting to preserve these monumental trees and their natural surroundings from development and destruction.
You will be able to walk through these ancient forests that are literally perched on the slopes of the high Andes, with their spewing volcanoes and snow capped peaks. A visit to one of the many natural hot springs in the area will soothe bodies and souls. In your free time, you can go white water rafting, climb an active volcano, fish, or enjoy the locale however you may wish.
This journey will also highlight the healing powers of the ancient trees and the natural environment of southern Chile. You will be able to meet some of the local indigenous peoples of the area, the Pehuenche, or “mountain Mapuches”, to learn more about their culture and healing practices, as well as the many challenges they currently face. The Mapuches are the largest indigenous group in Chile and southern Argentina. Calling themselves “people of the earth”, the Mapuche were never formally conquered. Mapuche culture places a strong emphasis upon healing, and their healers - known as machis - employ a wide variety of local plants, rocks and other natural elements to help alleviate physical, psychological and spiritual ills.
Throughout this journey, you will guided to experience a deeper connection with the history, environment and energies of the inimitable corner of the globe. For those with interest, you can learn how to program your own personal crystal with these energies. As you come to know more fully this beautiful place and learn about the many challenges currently facing the region’s original inhabitants and natural environment, you will walk away a wiser person: invigorated by the encounter and inspired to contribute in your own way to preserving the cultural and natural diversity of the world.
Journey Guide: Dr. Skye Stephenson, founder of Jade Journeys, is an international educator, cross-cultural specialist and author of The Spanish-speaking South Americans: Bridging Hemispheres. She has a deep appreciation and knowledge of the natural and cultural resources in Chile and has led educational program and group tours throughout Chile for more than a decade. She herself is actively engaged in crystal therapy work, with a deep interest in indigenous uses of rocks and crystals for health and well-being. (click here for more information).