An adventurous Chilean/Argentinean Andean lake crossing, this trip explores remote outposts established by pioneering settlers who opened a route through Chile’s Northern Patagonia. This is an unforgettable six-day adventure combining rafting, trekking, kayaking, horseback riding and sailing through pristine lakes in Northern Patagonia’s least inhabited region.
Day 1 – Puerto Varas
After being picked up at the Airport by your local guide and a short transfer of 35 minutes you will arrive at the city of Roses (Puerto Varas) and the journey will continue on the shore of Lake Llanquihue for about 10 KM where you will arrive at your hotel. Once you have settled in, the guides will brief you on the coming days excursions so that you can prepare yourself for the adventure that is about to unfold.
Meals: Dinner
The city of Puerto Varas
Day 2 – Puerto Varas to Puerto Fonck
The day starts with a 30 minute drive to the town of Ensenada town where an exciting day of rafting will commence. After gearing up and a safety briefing, we hit the river. The team will have a chance to get everyone’s paddle strokes in synchronization before we drop into 13 kilometers of action packed class III and IV whitewater. Through this section your skills will be put to the test with rapids like “Ese”, “Los Pollos”, “Queso Suizo” and “El Nadador” keeping everyone on their toes.
Throughout the day, there will be many places to stop along the river, go cliff jumping and enjoy the brilliant blue Patagonian water. Approximately two hours after we begin, we will reach the take out point, enjoy a Pisco Sour and some snacks, and discover what shots the groups’ photographer has taken of us.
On our way to the night’s accommodation, we will stop at the famous Petrohue Falls within Vicente Perez Rosales National Park. After learning about the geologic history which led to the formation of these unique falls, you will arrive at the Petrohue Lodge for a night of relaxation.
Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 – Puerto Fonck to Petrohue
After a delicious breakfast, you will begin your day with a short hike near Llanquihue Lake, with the majestic Volcano Osorno as the backdrop. You’ll hop on your bikes and ride to Ensenada and on to the Petrohué Falls, where you will enjoy lunch.
Return to Petrohue Lodge for the evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 – Petrohue to Bandurrias Island
An early morning leads us to our sea kayaks waiting along the shores of the Tagua Tagua Lake and a day of exploring hidden coves and massive cliff faces. Lunch will be a picnic in the middle of the lake, with our only companion being the scenery and beauty of this remote lake.
After making it back to shore, we will embark upon a mellow journey through the Puelo Valley which will leave you speechless. Upon arrival at La Colina Farm, a “Baqueanos” -Patagonian cowboy – will load the pack-horses with your luggage for our walk to Las Rocas Lake. Upon arrival at the lake, we will board the motorboat for the last leg of the trip to Las Bandurrias Island and a relaxing afternoon tea with homemade cakes and cookies.
Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 – Isla Bandurrias
After a delicious homemade breakfast, we will enjoy a two-hour ride visiting the Lago Azul and marveling in its crystal clear waters and abundant fish life. The lake is hemmed in by majestic peaks and stunning landscapes which will take your breath away. Here we will enjoy a picnic lunch along the shore of the lake.
In the afternoon the ride continues along the lake and through the ancient forests which border the south shore. This Valdivian-type rainforest is filled with ancient Alerce, Coigue and Arrayan trees, and makes for a spectacular day of horseback riding among giants. After leaving the horses, we will return back to the Island to enjoy the rest of the afternoon along the shore of Lago Azul.
Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner
Horseback riding in the Lakes District
Day 6 – Isla Bandurrias to Bariloche
Our last morning begins leisurely with goodbyes to our hostesses and sailing to the “Estancias” – ranch – the Baqueanos call home. The horses will take us on a half day journey to the “Retén de Carabineros” – mountain police station – which leads us to border crossing and the edge of the Puelo River. After clearing Chilean customs, we will continue to the shore of Lake Puelo in Argentina, where we will say goodbye to the Baqueanos, and board the last boat into Argentinean territory through Lago Puelo. Upon arriving on shore, you will clear Argentinean customs, enjoy a deluxe private transfer to El Bolsón where you will enjoy a delicious Argentinean lunch and have time to peruse some local merchant stalls. The day ends with your transfer to San Carlos de Bariloche.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
This journey is available year round.
Price per person (US$): 4,725
*based on a minimum of 2 travelers
*Price valid through August 31st, 2015.
Price Includes:
Hotel Puelche
The hotel has a calm, simple feel with designs to match the location. The comfortable atmosphere is designed to create a restful space for its guests after a day of exploring Patagonia. The hotel will be happy to help organize activities and adventures with the aim of giving you the best possible experience of Patagonia. Puelche also includes: a restaurant/bar, spa with sauna, and a multiuse room.
Petrohue Lodge
Located on the shores of Todos los Santos, the Petrohue Lodge is an excellent base for fly fishing, hiking, canyoneering, rafting and many other activities. It offers 20 rooms with views of the lake, volcano or river. The Lodge also features a bar, coffee shop and restaurant with typical Chilean and international food, indoor/outdoor pools, a store, and laundry. For the more outdoorsy type, the option of reserving a cabin always exists. Petrohué Lodge offers four lakeside cabins on the shores of Lake Todos los Santos, which are constructed of native wood and made for groups of 4, 7 and 8 people. They come with a completely equipped kitchen, maid and laundry service, fireplace, terrace and balconies, and access to all lodge amenities.
Las Bandurrias Island
Island Las Bandurrias is a very cozy and warm place where we’ll share meals and drinks with Francoise Dutheil, our island host. The island has a woodland path following the shore, small private beaches and two charming cabañas. Guests stay in a cozy and well-equipped 2-story cottage heated by firewood. The main house is surrounded by a wildflower garden which is home to many native birds.
