Araucaria del Sur

Slipping through a time warp, we find ourselves face-to-face with Araucaria del Sur. This isn’t just any motel; it’s a living testament to a time when dinosaurs roamed and a tree named Araucaria araucana, or Pehuén as the Mapuche know it, began its reign. Araucaria del Sur stands as a tribute to this ancient giant, Chile’s national tree. Picture a tree so old, some specimens have witnessed over 1,600 years of history. Araucaria del Sur captures this essence of timelessness. The Araucaria, with its thick, cracked trunk and spiky, scaled branches, can reach a height of 50 meters. Its silhouette against the sky is a sight to behold. Imagine the stories these trees could tell, whispering tales of volcanic eruptions and the quiet murmurings of the Pehuenche people who relied on its bounty. The pine nut, the Araucaria’s edible seed, was the cornerstone of the Pehuenche diet. Their legend tells of a harsh winter where starvation loomed. An elder’s wisdom led them to the pine nut, a food source that saved the tribe. They celebrated, vowing to always respect the Pehuén, their lifeline. Today, this tradition continues. The “piñoneo,” the pine nut harvest, is a vibrant spectacle. Skilled climbers scale the towering trees, their special shoes gripping the rough bark. With gloved hands, they dislodge the pine nut sacks, showering the ground with these precious seeds. A single, mature Araucaria can yield up to 400 kilos of pine nuts. A rich source of minerals, fiber, and protein, these nuts are a culinary treasure, savored raw, roasted, or ground into flour. Araucaria del Sur, with its connection to this ancient tree, offers a unique perspective. It’s a place to ponder the resilience of nature and the enduring bond between humans and the natural world. As you leave Araucaria del Sur, carry with you the spirit of the Pehuén, a symbol of survival, sustenance, and the timeless beauty of Chile’s natural heritage.