The Mapuche: ancestral guardians of Patagonia to discover during your trip

Patagonia instantly conjures up images of majestic glaciers and breathtaking landscapes. Yet beyond its natural beauty, this region is home to a thousand-year-old cultural heritage embodied by the Mapuche people. Understanding their history and traditions radically transforms the experience of any traveler exploring these remote territories. The waters you will sail have been silent witnesses to a civilization that has resisted, adapted, and prospered for millennia, creating a unique symbiosis with the Patagonian environment.

Who are the Mapuche and why are they essential to understanding Patagonia?

The Mapuche, literally “people of the earth” (from ‘mapu’ meaning earth and “che” meaning people), represent one of the most resilient indigenous cultures in the Americas. With a current population of approximately 1.7 million people spread between Chile and Argentina, they are the largest indigenous group in both countries.

A thousand-year presence in Patagonian territories

Mapuche history in Patagonia dates back more than 10,000 years, a presence that has left a deep mark on the territory, as evidenced by the ancestral occupation of these lands. Their remarkable adaptation to different ecosystems—from temperate forests to arid steppes—is a testament to their extraordinary environmental knowledge. This influence lives on in the regional toponymy:

• Nahuel Huapi: lake of the jaguar

• Bariloche: people from behind the mountain

• Temuco: water of the temu (native tree)

• Pucón: entrance to the mountain range

The Mapuche today: between tradition and modernity

The contemporary reality of the Mapuche defies romantic stereotypes. Today, 80% live in urban areas while maintaining their cultural ties alive. Chile officially recognized their constitutional existence in 2008, while Argentina has granted them territorial rights since 1994. This legal recognition allows communities to actively preserve their language, Mapudungun, spoken by approximately 260,000 people.

What is the Mapuche worldview and how does it enrich your vision of Patagonian nature?

The Mapuche worldview transforms every natural element into a sacred component of an interconnected universe. The concept of Wallmapu refers to their sacred ancestral territory, stretching from the Pacific Ocean to the Andes. At the heart of this vision is Ñuke Mapu, Mother Earth, who nurtures a deep spiritual relationship with the environment, a connection also shared by other indigenous peoples such as the Selk’nam.

The Ngen: protective spirits of nature

The Mapuche believe in the existence of the Ngen, guardian spirits who protect each natural element. This ancestral belief finds a modern echo in environmental conservation movements:

• Ngen-ko: protector of water sources and rivers

• Ngen-mawida: guardian of mountains and forests

• Ngen-lafken: spirit of the sea and lakes

• Ngen-rüpü: protector of paths

The sacred tree: the araucaria or pewen

The araucaria, called pewen in Mapudungun, occupies a central place in Mapuche culture. This ancient tree, which can live for over 1,000 years, provides pine nuts (piñones), which have always been an essential food source. The araucaria forests, particularly visible in Conguillío National Park, are natural sanctuaries that combine scenic beauty with deep spiritual significance.

What Mapuche traditions can you discover on a trip to Patagonia?

Mapuche traditions remain vibrant and accessible to respectful travelers. The Nguillatún, the main ceremony of spiritual connection, brings communities together to give thanks to the earth and ask for protection and abundance. Although generally private, some communities occasionally open these celebrations to interested visitors.

The figure of the machi, a traditional healer and spiritual guide, embodies the ancestral wisdom of the Mapuche.

Using medicinal plants and rituals, she maintains the spiritual balance of her community. The kultrun, a ceremonial drum decorated with cosmological symbols, accompanies ceremonies by representing the Mapuche universe in its entirety.

Mapuche crafts: a living art

Mapuche crafts offer travelers the opportunity to take home an authentic piece of this culture. The textiles feature intricate geometric patterns that tell stories and beliefs:

• Traditional ponchos: $60-$180 depending on complexity

• Silver jewelry: $25-$120 for authentic pieces

• Musical instruments: $40-$150 for flutes and drums

• Wood carvings: $20-$80 for decorative pieces

The markets in Temuco, Chile, and San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina, offer the best selections, directly from the artisans.

Where and how can you have an authentic Mapuche cultural experience?

For a respectful cultural immersion, several sites offer authentic experiences. The Mapuche Museum in Cañete, Chile, has an exceptional collection of historical and contemporary artifacts. The Curarrehue Cultural Center offers participatory workshops in traditional cooking and crafts, enriching your understanding of Argentine culture.

Calendar of Mapuche festivities

Planning your trip according to the Mapuche calendar greatly enriches the experience:

• We Tripantu (June 24): Mapuche New Year celebrating renewal

• Mapuche Culture Festival (January in Temuco)

• Ceremonia del Camaruco (March): fertility ritual

• Villarrica Craft Fair: permanent with seasonal peaks

Protocol for respect and responsible tourism

Interacting with Mapuche communities requires sensitivity and respect. Always ask permission before photographing people or sacred sites. Buy directly from artisans rather than through intermediaries. Learning a few basic words in Mapudungun shows your sincere interest:

• Mari mari: hello

• Pewkayal: goodbye

• Chaltu mai: thank you

• Kümelkaleyn: I’m fine

How can you enrich your cruise in Patagonia with Mapuche heritage?

Navigating the Patagonian channels takes on a new dimension when you understand their cultural significance. The Mapuche names of the places you pass through tell stories that go back thousands of years: Chiloé means “place of seagulls,” while Reloncaví evokes “successive valleys.” These place names transform each stopover into a living history lesson, especially during cruises on the Beagle Channel, where ancestral cultures and spectacular landscapes intermingle.

Mapuche legends, such as those of the Caleuche (ghost ship) or the Trauco (forest spirit), enrich the observation of the landscape. Expert guides share these stories during land excursions, connecting mythology and geography. Onboard libraries offer additional resources to deepen this cultural knowledge while sailing, such as during a two-week itinerary in Patagonia.

Patagonia cannot be fully appreciated without understanding the Mapuche heritage that permeates every mountain, forest, and waterway. This ancient culture offers a unique perspective on the relationship between humanity and nature, particularly relevant in our era of environmental challenges. Sailing the ancestral waters of Patagonia with Australis allows you to discover these territories in their full cultural dimension, from Ushuaia to the most remote glaciers. Our expedition cruises combine exploration of spectacular landscapes with a deep understanding of the human history of these regions. Explore our exclusive itineraries and enjoy an experience that combines majestic nature with ancient cultural richness.

Frequently asked questions

Do the Mapuche still live in Patagonia today?

Yes, approximately 200,000 Mapuche maintain their traditions in Chilean and Argentine Patagonia, balancing modernity and ancestral heritage in rural and urban communities.