Chile has become a major player in the world forest products industry. Be amazed at the dynamics of their forest industry, from the eighth region’s intensively managed pine plantations to spectacular Fir covered Andean foothills, and to native forests of the Lake District and Patagonia. Learn about silvaculture, wood products manufacturing, forest research, industry policy, national politics, the Chilean people and the economy.

Day 1, Sunday
After clearing customs, we transfer directly to our hotel in the charming residential and commercial district of Providencia. Our tour gets off to a great start with a visit to a wine museum, wine sampling, an elegant dinner, and spectacular vistas of the city and the towering Andes mountains. Overnight Santiago

Day 2, Monday
After our buffet breakfast, we have our first technical workshop with the forestry research institute. We learn everything we want to know about Chilean forestry and forest policy. Following lunch at our hotel, we fly to Concepción, the center of commercial forestry in Chile. Overnight Concepción

Day 3, Tuesday
Buffet breakfast. Today we visit Chile’s largest MDF and fiberboard producer. We have an interview with the managers about products, prices, markets and wood supply. Group lunch. In the afternoon we have a comprehensive tour of the port of Lirquien, the most important wood products export port in South America. Overnight Concepción

Day 4, Wednesday
Buffet breakfast. Today we have a full day in the field with managers and researchers of one of Chile’s most progressive forestry companies. We visit their education center and research facilities (cloning, biological pest management, fertilizer and weed control tests plots, and more). We will also see several plantations in various stages of growth and management. Overnight Concepción

Day 5, Thursday
Buffet breakfast. We travel today along the Bio Bio river and through rolling hills covered with small woodlots and grazing cows. Back in the central valley we visit with managers of another major forestry company and see intensely managed forests, visit the high tech mills and their furniture factory. Overnight Temuco

Day 6, Friday
Buffet breakfast. An early start takes us to a wonderful experiment in Douglas Fir, red cedar, eucalyptus and radiata pine management. We will see these trees being managed under various soil and climatic conditions, and a unique steam powered sawmill. In the evening we arrive at our resort hotel on lake Villarrica and a wonderful feast overlooking the smoking volcano. Overnight Pucón

Day 7, Saturday.
Today we visit cattle ranch that has set an example for farm forestry in Chile. Include is touring by horseback, a rodeo demonstration and a great barbeque lunch at the homestead. In the afternoon we return to enjoy the beautiful mountain resort town of Pucón, a visit to the casino and another feast at our resort hotel. Overnight Pucón

Day 8, Sunday
Buffet breakfast. Today we travel through spectacular country to Valdivia, on the coast. In the afternoon there is time for a river cruise, excursion to old Spanish forts, shopping in town or other optional activities. Overnight Valdivia

Day 9, Monday
Buffet breakfast. Today we are hosted by the University Austral. We will have a workshop with the researchers and then a comprehensive tour of the tree nursery and experimental forest sites. Following lunch there is time to visit the fishing port and the local craft shops. Tonight, our farewell banquet features locally caught sea foods. Overnight Valdivia

Day 10, Tuesday
Buffet breakfast. Visits to native forests are scheduled for this morning, including some wetlands, wildlife refuges and parks. Group lunch and free time. Transfer to the Valdivia airport and flight to Santiago. Connect to homeward bound flights.