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Blog - Jim's Thoughts

Chile Tours and Travel Packages

Multiple Destinations / Santiago area / Patagonia / Lake District
Easter Island / Atacama Desert / Expedition Cruises / Fiord Cruises
Biking / Treks / Multisport / Sea Kayaking / Wine Tours

Multisport Trips

Chilean Lake District Active Trip

Join us for an active adventure in the Chilean Lake District.

We'll ride a mountain bike along the shore of Lago Llanquihue, hike on the surface of Volcan Osorno, whitewater on a river called Petrohue and ride horseback into the Andes. For accommodation we shall prefer something simple rather than deluxe, the authentic over the exclusive, and cozy in lieu of grand. At the end of the day we shall fill your cup with Chilean wine, your plate with southern fare and the air with a tall tale of Butch Cassidy's time here.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Biking amidst the Lakes and Volcanoes
  
• Hiking in a lush temperate rain forest
  
• Whitewater on the Petrohue
  
• A walk through the lava and snowfields on Volcan Osorno
  
• A horseback trek into the Andes in the footsteps of Butch Cassidy
  
• Carefully chosen overnights in cozy mountain refuges and small personable hotels.
  
• Sea Kayak trip on Llanquihue surrounded by volcanoes

HIKING: walks are designed to be a safe, challenging means of getting closer to some tremendous natural sights. Options to ride in a vehicle are provided.

HORSEBACK: A qualified gaucho guide will always be with the group. Horses apt for non-riders are available.

RAFTING: Rio Petrohue is moderate class III water. All guides are qualified and licensed. Modern professional equipment is used throughout our programs.

Day 1 - Reception at the airport in Puerto Montt, then back to Puerto Varas where our adventure is set to begin. We shall provide you with a mountain bike to limber up for the coming days so you might begin to discover something of your new surroundings whilst others in the group might still be arriving. In the evening we'll gather the group to discuss our coming adventure over a complimentary welcome cocktail and dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at the Colonos del Sur Express .(D)

Day 2 - We start our day driving through the local capital of the region Puerto Montt. From there we head south along the Carretera Austral next to the ocean. Today we shall hike in National Park Alerce Andino. The park consists of almost 40,000 hectares or (97,000 acres). It is the largest surviving Valdivian Rainforest. Many of the trees are native Alerce, a giant coniferous tree distantly related to the Redwoods of California. Standing amidst these tremendous trees, with the sun streaming through from so high above, is like standing in a cathedral beyond all proportion. Though it may seem like a strange juxtaposition, in point of fact, if one were to count the rings, one would find many of these trees to be much older than the Christian religion itself. The vegetation today will be surprisingly dense and varied. The walking on this excursion will not be excessive so that everyone can limber up for the coming days. We shall return to Puerto Varas in the evening. The hike today will be about 12 km (8 miles). (B,L)

Day 3 - This morning we shall depart from Puerto Varas by mountain bike for a ride along the shore of Lago Llanquihue. The snowcapped volcanoes of the Andes will grow steadily larger as we ride along the lake toward them. In Ensenada we shall board the bus trailing us and picking up any stragglers ride uphill to the Mountain Lodge on Volcan Osorno. After lunch we shall enjoy a hike on the surface of the Volcano's lava and snowfields. We shall spend overnight here at 1300 meters above sea level in a cozy mountain refuge. With a bit of luck we'll enjoy a colorful sunset over Lake Llanquihue and the Volcan Calbuco. bike: between 10 to 40km, hiking approx. 5-8 km (B/L)

Day 4 - Hike downhill on Volcan Osorno with breathtaking morning views. Lower down we shall begin our ride down and along the shore of the Lake (Llanquihue) along to the sleepy landing of Las Cascadas or, the falls. Here we shall stop for a delicious picnic on the lake's shore. After lunch we shall hike into a spectacular canyon to the waterfall or "Las Cascadas' itself. Here a river thunders down a cliff and the moisture in the air has turned the narrow and steep end of this magical valley. Our overnight lodge offers optional activities like horse back riding, fly fishing, hiking trails.
bike - 10-20 km, hike - 2-3 km (B/L)

Day 5 - · Bike or drive from the Ruca Chalhuafe Lodge to All Saints Lake - Petrohue · First stop Petrohue falls, continue to Petrohue. · Boat ride along the shores of the emerald coloured lake, possibility to hike back to Petrohue. · Lunch Picnic on the lake's edge · Rafting trip on the Petrohue River. · Snack on the beach next the river. · Transfer back to Puerto Montt for return flight (B,L)

KAYAKING AND HORSEBACK EXTENSION

Day 5 - Same as above, but overnight in Ensenada. (B/L)

Day 6 - Horseback Ride on Calbuco Volcano - After breakfast we shall cycle to the base of the Calbuco Volcano where our horses await us. · 4 hour ride with breaks along a well kept trail through various different canopies of rainforests and crossing various shallow tributaries. · Hike for 1 hour to reach the waterfall "Salto El Caliente" where we have our boxlunches. It is possible to walk behind the waterfall or swim in the pool. · Transfer back to Puerto Varas.
Horseback: 3 - 5 hours (depending upon the group). Horses apt for non-riders. * Riders will be accompanied by an English speaking guide and gaucho at all times.
(B,BL,)

Day 7 - Kayaking - After breakfast we shall walk to the beach of Puerto Varas. · Brief kayak introduction and safety course. · kayak along the shores of this tremendous lake · Boxlunch on the beach. · After a relaxing break we shall return by vehicle to Puerto Varas. · Farewell Dinner. · Overnight in cozy hotel in town. (B,L,D)

Day 8 - Transfer to airport in Puerto Montt for connecting flight to Santiago.(B)

PRICE for 5 days: check with us for current price

PRICE for 8 days

Bike Rental included in the trip rate

Minimum: 2 persons. Can start on any day with mimimum of 2 people

Note: single room only in Puerto Varas and Ensenada, at the Osorno Mountain Lodge triple or quadruple rooms (if clients insists on a single room we can confirm this only a the time of the reservation.

There are no flights included in the rates mentioned above.