Discover the legacy of the southern canoeing cultures by exploring an internationally recognized artisanal tradition. In 2023, this tradition was honored as a World Crafts City by the World Crafts Council. This makes this territory the 59th World Crafts City, the tenth in Latin America, and the second in the Los Lagos Region.
Through this route, you will learn about the process of harvesting, processing, and weaving the two main fibers currently used in the region: junquillo (Juncus procerus) and manila (Phormium tenax).
The first stop is at the Villarroel Almonacid family home, where you will be welcomed by Procelia and her husband Raimundo, who will teach you how to identify junquillo. You will take a two-kilometer walk through the countryside to reach the fiber harvesting area, where it grows in swampy places (hualves). They will show you how to carefully pull out each stalk and explain how they process junquillo to make it white and flexible for weaving—a bleaching process that involves burning and leaving the fiber exposed to the night air for several days.
On your way back from the junquillal, you will visit the family workshop, where you can observe the weaving process, admire the handcrafted pieces, and purchase anything you like. Procelia will offer you mate, tea, or coffee, along with homemade bread and jam.
The route then continues to a viewpoint, a bird-watching spot that also provides information about the basketry route and its artisans.
Next, you will visit the Villarroel Villarroel family home, where they will introduce you to their manila plantations and demonstrate how they harvest, strip, and dry the fiber. At Juanito and Lali’s home, you will see how manila baskets are crafted and witness Juanito’s weaving technique, renowned for the perfection of his pieces. You will also be able to enjoy a warm drink and something sweet to share.
Finally, you will visit the “Entre Junquillo y Manila” Artisan Association, which brings together 12 artisans from three local families. They will welcome you to their exhibition and sales space, where you will find baskets and products made from manila, junquillo, boqui, and quila, various native fibers.
Here, you will also have the chance to weave your own small basket using manila or junquillo, which you can take home as a souvenir.
At the association’s quincho, a suitable space will be provided for the lunch box.
