Northern Patagonia Lake District Multisport Tour

Northern Patagonia Lake District Multisport Tour Itinerary

Day 1 The Lakes District of Chilean Patagonia

he local team awaits guests at Puerto Montt's airport for a 25-minute transfer to the base in Puerto Varas. Following a swift check-in and luggage drop-off, guests embark on a walking tour along the shores of Lake Llanquihue, offering the chance to admire stunning views of the Andean volcanoes. Later, an afternoon of leisure precedes a delightful Chilean welcome dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Puerto Varas
Distance: None
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 Rafting the River Petrohue and Arrive to Cochamo Valley

Departing in the morning, you head to the white waters of the River Petrohue in Vicente Perez Rosales National Park. The breathtaking scenery of volcanoes, rivers, snow-capped mountains, and temperate rainforest makes this rafting experience one of Patagonia's most spectacular. After being picked up from your accommodation, embark on a pleasant 35-minute drive along the shores of Lake Llanquihue to your base in Ensenada. Here, your expert guides provide a detailed safety briefing and equip you before you hit the river. With 11 kilometers of thrilling class III+ and IV rapids, the adventure is non-stop. Following the exhilarating rafting, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Ensenada before continuing your journey to Cochamo Valley. Along the way, you are treated to stunning views of the Reloncavi Fjord and the surrounding mountain range. After a 50-minute drive, arrive at your lodging, where you dropyou’re your luggage and then explore the charming village. A leisurely hike in the area allows for bird watching and scenic photography, preparing you for the challenging hike ahead.
Overnight Location: Hostel in Cochamo Valley
Distance: 11km (rafting)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3 The Valley of Cochamo and La Junta Hike

Following an early breakfast, you will convene at Cochamo Dock, where your local kayak guides eagerly await. As you glide along, soak in the breathtaking vistas of the Los Lagos Region, featuring the majestic Yates Volcano and indigenous wildlife like the Chilean Dolphin and South American sea lions. Embarking on a 5-hour paddle, traverse the Reloncavi Fjord, where river meets sea, culminating in a serene stop at Senora Yolanda's house on Peninsula Rollizo. Here, amidst the warmth of a family farm you will savor a garden-fresh lunch, immersing ourselves in the charm of southern hospitality. Your journey concludes at the tranquil waters of the Petrohue River mouth in Ralun, where your awaiting transfer transports you to Ensenada.
Overnight Location: Hostel in Cochamo Valley
Distance: 23km (hike)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4 Paddling the First Fjord of Patagonia

Today's adventure entails a challenging 16-kilometer hike with a 700-meter ascent, followed by a descent of 500 meters to reach the shores of Lake Rupanco. Hidden beneath the sandy shore lies a special secret: natural hot springs waiting to be uncovered. With the aid of a shovel, you'll unearth these springs and soak in their warmth as you witness the sunset. Later, you will head to the home of a local family to savor a well-deserved dinner.
Overnight Location: Lodge in Ensenada
Distance: 8km (paddling)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5 Hiddens Treasures of North Patagonia: Rincón Bonito

Commencing from your Puerto Varas hotel at 7:00 am, embark on a scenic land journey to Puelo. Covering 229 kilometers by vehicle, traverse an exquisite route, blending paved roads with gravel paths reminiscent of the famed Carretera Austral. After a 3-hour drive to Lake Tagua Tagua, embark by boat from P. Canelo to P. Maldonado, where awaiting local trucks transport you to the Correntoso Footbridge by 13:00 noon. Here, a rendezvous with arrieros, loading your luggage onto packhorses as you commence a leisurely 15-kilometer trail to Rincón Bonito, arriving by 18:00 pm. This historic path, tracing back to the area's early settlers, winds through verdant fields, primary forests, and pampas, offering enchanting vistas of the Ventisquero River and Hanging Glaciers along its course.
Overnight Location: Rincon Bonito
Distance: 15km (hiking)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6 Trekking the North Patagonian Andes

Traversing the historic Mirador del Valle Trail, you will venture beyond the treeline, treated to panoramic vistas of glaciers and valleys. Passing through ancient forests and ascending to the lenga forests, characteristic of the upper mountain ranges in Patagonia, the trail unveils various viewpoints offering sweeping panoramas. From glimpses of the Ventisquero River's source in the West to its confluence with the Puelo River in the East, the trail presents diverse perspectives. With fortune on your side, you may even witness the majestic flight of the Condor overhead.
Overnight Location: Rincon Bonito
Distance: 10km (hiking)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7 Trekking the North Patagonian Andes

Embarking on a 22 km round-trip journey to the valley's depths, lasting 5 hours with an easy-to-moderate difficulty level ideal for beginners. Along the route, you will traverse the Universo River, Ventisquero River, and Raquelita River, encountering remnants of old muleteers' posts, a breathtaking waterfall, and ancient stands of larch trees. Enveloped by the awe-inspiring vistas of surrounding glaciers, you will pause for lunch and rejuvenation before commencing your return journey to Rincón Bonito, where a delectable lamb roast awaits you for tonight's delight.
Overnight Location: Rincon Bonito
Distance: 22 km (hiking)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 8 The Rivers of North Patagonia

Embarking on a thrilling pack rafting adventure down the Ventisquero and Puelo Rivers, you will navigate your way to the charming Puelo Libre pizzeria in Puerto Urrutia. From there, trucks await to transport you to Lake Tagua Tagua, where a private boat ride awaits to ferry you across the waters. Finally, a van will whisk you away to your accommodations in Puerto Varas or directly to the Tepual airport. Designed for convenience, your luggage is transported separately to ensure dry clothes upon your arrival from the exhilarating paddle.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Puerto Varas
Distance: 28km (rafting)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Day 9 The Lakes District Region: Rewilding and Breweries

Commencing with a rewilding initiative along Lake Llanquihue's southern shore in collaboration with NGO Legado Chile, pioneers in environmental restoration, your day progresses northward via the picturesque lakeside route. Arriving at a local brewery post-rewilding, indulge in a beer tasting session complemented by local mini burgers. For the adventurous, cycling from the charming village of Frutillar offers breathtaking vistas of the lake and surrounding mountains en route to the brewery. Alternatively, opt for a relaxing car ride. Concluding with a delectable breakfast and farewell dinner, you bid adieu to the Lakes District, with a seamless transfer to the local airport for onward flights.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Puerto Varas
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast, beer tasting with mini burgers, dinner

Day 10 Departure from The Lakes District

Transfer to the local airport of Castro or the airport of Puerto Montt.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast