Although this visual archive shows some of Caburgua's transitions from isolation to modernization, it emphasizes the period of the 1960s.

The community's residents at the time lived in a rural environment based on farming and some forestry.

Residents rode horses, or occasionally a truck, but often walked the three hours to Pucón. Without a vehicle with four-wheel drive, it was nearly impossible for visitors or civil servants to reach the community.

There was no mail delivery, public health service, or agricultural extension.

The narrative and images of Caburgua here represent a visual archive of an earlier era before an all-weather road broke down this isolation.

As a Peace Corps Volunteer from 1965-1968, this author (Lorenzo) observed the beginning of the community's transition. In later decades he continued to visit friends from Caburgua, but never again lived there permanently.

Image Descriptions (Left to Right)

This view of Villarrica is from Caburgua near a landmark called "el Cristo," where there is a lifesized crucifix. This is a place of religious and secular gatherings.

Gates in isolated mountain areas have an honor code: anyone who opens one also closes it. Using very few nails, the timbers in these gates are hewn with an ax. Due to the altitude and significant snow, this area is largely used for "veraneo" or summer pasture. It is close to Herquehue National Park.

Foot travel in Caburgua was often on paths rather than roads. Paths were more direct and less dusty in summer and muddy in winter. Only residents knew these routes.