Raft, hike, drive and cycle your way through Chile’s achingly beautiful Lake District, a place full of history, culture and pure nature. Home to ancient forests, shimmering lakes, mighty rivers and quaint towns, a voyage through this hidden gem is sure to entrance you.
In the morning, our trip begins in Puerto Montt where we are met by our guide at the airport. We'll then drive to Puerto Varas, a beautiful town just 15 minutes away, located on the shore of Lake Llanquihue. Puerto Varas has a marked German architectural style due to significant German immigration in the early twentieth century. Just before entering the town, we'll soak in a great view of the lake’s bay and the magnificent Osorno Volcano behind it. After arriving at our hotel, we'll have some free time to rest and enjoy a light lunch – yes, light because we are going rafting!
After lunch, we'll board the van that will take us to the Petrohue sector in Perez Rosales National Park. We'll drive towards the park, located at the foot of Osorno Volcano and next to the flowing turquoise waters of the Petrohue River. Upon arrival, we'll meet our skilled guides who will provide us with all the rafting gear needed (wetsuit, helmet, paddle jacket and life jacket) and then talk us through safety instructions. We can then mount the rafts and start paddling down this beautiful class III river, enjoying the wild rapids and the scenic views. After our adventure, we'll have a snack along the river banks before returning to Puerto Varas for the night.
With Volcano Osorno as your backdrop, today we'll trek close to Chile's famed Todos Los Santos Lake. On the way, we'll stop to admire the region's rivers and waterfalls at Ensenada and Saltos de Petrohué before starting an exciting, three-hour ascent. At the top, the prize is clear: one of the most exquisite views of the Andes mountain range, with three volcanos and the expansive blue of Todos Los Santos Lake sprawled at your feet. What a treat!
Please Note: This excursion does not operate between ends of April and beginnings of September. A similar alternative will be offered during these months.
Who's ready for a bike ride? Today, we will enjoy a cycling trip through the old roads connecting the enchanting towns of Puerto Varas, Llanquihue, and Frutillar. The changing landscape of both pave and dirt roads, old southern homes, and lonely beaches has one constant: the energizing views of Volcano Osorno, Volcano Calbuco and Monte Tronador - three of the region's most-loved peaks. In Frutillar, you'll have time to delve into the town's history and culture. We'll visit the iconic Teatro del Lago (nestled over Llanquihue Lake) and stroll through the gardens and typical constructions at the Museo Colonial Alemán, built to remember the significant German influence in Chile's lake-dotted south.
Today we'll enjoy our final views of the Lake District before heading off to Puerto Montt Airport to board our onward flight. Adiós Lake District!
Regular departures are available every day on request.
The trip starts any day either at Puerto Montt Airport or your hotel in Puerto Montt or Puerto Varas. The trip finishes on the fourth day at Puerto Montt Airport or back at your hotel in Puerto Montt or Puerto Varas. Please contact us for information about which domestic flights fit best with the program itinerary.
This trip includes easy walks and relaxed hikes through low mountain trails. An average level of fitness is sufficient.
Guide to passenger ratio: 1:14.
Transport is normally in minivans that seat from 8 to 14 people.
From November to April expect generally good weather, with temperatures varying from a maximum of 30°C/86ºF to a minimum of 8°C/46ºF. However, it does tend to rain one or two days a week in summer. From May to October rain is more abundant and the temperature drops to an average of max. 15°C/59ºF to min. -2°C/28ºF.
We recommend the following: small daypack, waterproof hiking shoes, socks, waterproof parka and pants, sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, bathing suit and towel.
We reserve the right to change the order of the days of any itinerary at the sole discretion of the trip guide and based on operational considerations. The trip guide can modify, change or eliminate part of the itinerary based on safety/weather considerations.
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Updated October 4th, 2022
Dear Traveler,
We are very happy to announce that there are currently no travel restrictions in Chile.
Together with the above mentioned, it is mandatory to comply with the following requirements:
In case you have any questions, we will be happy to help you!
Best,
The Team at Cascada Expediciones & EcoCamp Patagonia