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Chile

Classic Chile / Santiago area / Patagonia / Lake District
Easter Island / Biking / Atacama Desert / Expedition Cruises
Fiord Cruises / Treks / Multisport / Sea Kayaking / Hacienda Life

The Lake District

When you fly south to the Chilean Lake District be sure to get a seat on the left hand side of the plane. From there you can see the volcanoes and lakes in all their splendor with the magnificent Andes towering behind them. But, if scenery is all you came for boy – or girl, are you in for a surprise! Within a day’s excursion
from Puerto Varas there are many things to do. There are: walks, hikes, treks, rafting experiences, horseback adventures, sailing and kayaking trips, fly-fishing, wildlife, southern markets, historic settler‘s homesteads, veritable cathedrals of old-growth Alerce forests, indigenous tales of monsters and trolls, oysters, erizos, and cold-smoked salmon – not to mention the classic boat crossing through the Andes to Argentina. There is an experience for everyone here in the lakes, whether you want to "take on the river" or just put your feet up with a glass of cab after a heap of southern mussels.
When one wakes up here in Puerto Varas and looks across Lago Llanquihue to see the volcanoes jutting into the big blue sky in the distance one gets the sense that perhaps the town began here for reasons of aesthetics not industry. Puerto Varas was founded by German settlers in the year 1854. The German culture
continues to have a presence in the area. Let’s start with a walk along the lakefront. There are markets and tearooms to stop and enjoy kuchen. Rafts on rooftops and mountain bikes all about, but perhaps what is most apparent are the smiles on the faces of those who are arriving back in town after a lake district
adventure.
There is something for everyone here. Puerto Varas is an excellent base for a host of experiences and in this way you may return to the same comfortable bed each night, enjoy some terrific southern meals and put your feet up to enjoy the view between time instead of tiredly, transferring all about. Within reach from Puerto Varas you will find many things. Lago Todos Los Santos (The classic crossing of the All Saints Lake), the Saltos (rapids) of Petrohue, the living postcard town of Frutillar, the southern seaside port of Puerto Montt – and Angelmó next door with shellfish and seafood, the Volcanoes: Osorno, Antillanca, Puntiagudo Calbuco… National Park Alerce Andino with ancient stands of Native growth, National Park Vicente Pérez Rosales full of active adventure opportunities rafting, cycling, horseback riding, walking, trekking, and last but nowhere near least the lore and legends of the Island of Chiloé.

HISTORY AND NATURE IN THE LAKE DISTRICT

Day 1 Puerto Montt - Puerto Varas
After reception at the airport in Puerto Montt we begin with a city tour of Puerto Montt itself, the capital of the Lake District. Puerto Montt was founded in 1853 by German colonists on the site of an indigenous Mapuche community. Downtown we shall take time to walk about the main squares and historical monuments. Afterwards we shall visit the port itself including the fish market of Angelmó where there is a large handicraft market full of artisans and lots of fresh shellfish.From Angelmó we continue on to Puerto Varas where we shall be staying (half an hour north on the shores of Lago Llanquihue). Once here we shall enjoy a brief tour of the City of the Roses as it has come to be called because of the tremendous variety of roses all over town. Afterwards, we shall take you to your selected hotel and you will have the rest of the day to spend at your leisure.

Day 2 (B) Frutillar
In the morning we shall set out on a half-day excursion to the lakeside town of Frutillar. Driving along the lakeshore to visit Frutillar is like taking a step back in time. In Frutillar itself there is a wonderful open-air museum with restored colonial homes and furnishings from the early German settlement period, with an operating blacksmith shop. Throughout the summer there are various high-caliber classic music festivals organized in Frutillar. The rest of the day may be spent at your leisure.

Day 3 (B) Cruise on Lago Todos Los Santos
In the morning we set out for a full day in the foothills of the Andes. We shall drive along the shore of Lago Llanquihue and enjoy breathtaking views of the volcanoes Osorno and Calbuco. Our first real stop however will be at the Saltos de Petrohue. This series of rapids and waterfalls were formed by cooling lava from the Osorno Volcano which towers just behind them. They form an impressive sculpture of extruded volcanic rock shaped by thousands of years of river flow. Upon arriving at the landing at Petrohue we shall board the catamaran and prepare for our crossing of Lago Todos los Santos. Lago Todos los Santos (the All Saints Lake) is surrounded by high mountains whose lower slopes are thickly forested. As we pull away from the landing and the source of the river Petrohue, the view is quickly stolen away by the tremendous size and proximity of snow-capped Volcano Osorno behind us.

The rest of the morning will pass on the water. To the south high above the forested shore you will see the peculiar shape of Volcano Puntiagudo and a series of waterfalls high in the cordillera. We shall arrive in Peulla (pronounced p-way-a), at the eastern end of the lake, about time for lunch. This is the heart of National Park Vicente Pérez Rosales. Here we shall enjoy a lovely hike to the Cascada de la Novia or the Bride?s Waterfall amidst the native growth Valdivian Rainforest . In the late afternoon we shall return by catamaran to Petrohue and from there by motor coach to Puerto Varas.

Day 4 (B) Puerto Montt
After breakfast transfer to Puerto Montt airport.

Hotel Bellavista (4*)
This is a cozily furnished hotel with terrific views of the Llanquihue Lake and surrounding volcanoes. All rooms have these views and are comfortable they are equipped with cable TV and telephone. The hotel offers a very good restaurant, bar, cafeteria and sauna. It is located on the riverside of the Llanquihue Lake, about
100 meters away from the Main Square and the Puerto Varas Casino.

Gran Hotel Colonos del Sur (4*)
Cozy, historic German style wooden hotel right on the lake in the center of town, with a tremendous view. Artfully finished with antiques and local historical knickknacks. Lots of cozy spaces. All of the amenities including: telephone, television, small indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, bar, tea room (excellent kuchen here), restaurant "Westfalia".

Hotel Cabañas del Lago (4*)
Very comfortable hotel, perched up on the hillside in front of the lake (close to the casino), with terrific view of the lake and the Osorno Volcano. 5 minutes walk to the center of town. Spacious comfortable rooms, telephone, television, restaurant and bar with tremendous views (good wine selection here), gardens, sauna, swimming-pool.

Hotel Colonos del Sur Express (3*)
Tastefully restored historic shingle house, that has been rebuilt into a small hotel. Quiet location (5 minutes walk to the center of town). Comfortable rooms with private bathroom and television, restaurant for breakfast.

Hotel & Cabañas Los Alerces (3*)
Cozily furnished hotel with terrific views of the Llanquihue Lake and surrounding volcanoes. In addition to 44 comfortable rooms, the hotel offers 10 completely furnished Cabins with kitchenette, cable TV and telephone. Services include a very good restaurant, bar, cafeteria, sauna, swimming pool and a conference room.

LAKE CROSSING- 3days/ 2 nights - (return to Puerto Varas by Bus)

Day 1 - Lake Crossing to Bariloche

Day 2 - (B) Bariloche - Day to be spent at your leisure with time to explore Bariloche and its surroundings. Excursions from Bariloche are highly recommended (ask what is available).

Day 3 (B) -Bariloche - Puerto Varas by bus - Transfer to the International Bus Terminal in Bariloche and then drive back by public motor coach on a beautiful pass through the Andes back to Chile and Puerto Varas. The first section of the route takes you along the shore of the immense Lake Nahuel Huapi. After crossing the Andes through Puyehue National Park you continue past Lago Puyehue with views v of the snowcapped Volcanos Antillanca, Puyehue and Calbuco arriving in Puerto Varas in the evening.

From April till October the price changes because you have to include an overnight stay in Peulla.

8 DAY LAKE DISTRICT TRIP CHILE-ARGENTINA

This is THE quintessential Lake District Trip. In 8 Days of well paced comfortable traveling you will enjoy the best the Chilean and Argentine takes have to offer. You will cross from Chile through to Argentina on the classic Petrohue trip through to Peulla and Bariloche, travel north to San Martin and then cross back to Chile and Pucon. Terrific Lake country walks, spectacular scenery, Volcanoes, waterfalls and soft adventure hiking and some of the most beautiful National Parks anywhere.

Day 1 - Puerto Montt - Puerto Varas - After reception at the airport in Puerto Montt we begin with a city tour of Puerto Montt itselt the capital of the Lake District. Puerto Montt was founded in 1853 by German colonists on the site of an indigenous Mapuche community. Downtown we shall take time to walk about the main squares and historical monuments. Afterward we shall visit the port itself including the fish market of Angelmo where there is a large handicraft market full of artisans and lots of fresh shellfish.
From Angelmo we continue on to Puerto Varas where we shall be staying (one half hour north on the shores of Lago Llanquihue.) Once here we shall enjoy a brief tour of the City of the Roses as it has come to be called because of the tremendous variety of roses all over town. Afterward, we shall take you to your selected hotel and you will have the rest of the day to spend at your leisure. After dinner you will stroll along the shore of Lago Llanquihue.

Day 2 - (B) - Frutillar - In the morning we shall set out on a half-day excursion to the lakeside town of Frutillar. Driving along the lakeshore to visit Frutillar is like taking a step back in time. In Frutillar itself there is a wonderful open-air museum with restored colonial homes and furnishings from the early German settlement period, with an operating blacksmith shop. Throughout the summer there are various high-caliber classic music festivals organized in Frutillar. The rest of the day may be spent at your leisure.

Day 3 - Classic Lake Crossing to Bariloche - In the morning we set out driving along the southern shore of the lake toward Ensenada. Even the hardest of adventurers will find it difficult not to stop and take a few photos as we approach the Osorno Volcano. Our first real stop however will be at the Saltos de Petrohue. This series of rapids and waterfall were formed a long time ago by the cooling lava from the Volcano towering behind them. They form an impressive sculpture of extruded volcanic rock shaped by thousands of years of thundering water flow. Upon arriving at the landing at Petrohue we shall board the catamaran and prepare for our crossing of Lago Todos los Santos. Lago Todos los Santos (Lake of the Saints) is surrounded by high mountains whose lower slopes are thickly forested. As we pull away from the landing and the mouth of the river Petrohue, the view is quickly stolen away by the tremendous size and proximity of ice-capped Volcan Osorno behind us. The rest of the morning will pass on the water. To the south high above the forested shore you will see the peculiar shape of Volcan Puntiagudo and a series of waterfalls. We shall arrive in Puella (pronounced p-way-a), at the eastern end of the lake. about lunchtime. This is the heart of National Park Vincente Perez Rosales. Here we shall enjoy a lovely hike to the Cascada de Ia Novia or, the Bride's Waterfall, a hike amidst native growth 'Valdivian Rainforest".
In the afternoon the trip continues by motor coach over the Perez Rosales Pass and into Argentina. On the Argentine side we meet a ferry which takes us across Lago Frias and afterward a bus to shuttle us to the final boat ride across Lago Nahuel Huapi. This trip is a crossing pioneered years ago for its aesthetic beauty. It is in a word breathtaking. Arriving in Puerto Panuelo we shall transfer to your selected hotel.

Day 4 (B) - Bariloche - Day to be spent at your leisure with time to explore Bariloche and its surroundings. Excursions from Bariloche are highly recommended.

Day 5 ( B) Bariloche - San Martin de los Andes - After breakfast we set out from Bariloche heading north toward San Martin de los Andes taking 'La Ruta de los Siete Lagos" or, "The Route of the Seven Lakes". The road passes through Villa La Angostura or, "town of the narrow pass". where we leave the paved road behind and continue on through the forests of Nahuel Huapi and Lanin National Park. This is a tremendous drive through natural wilderness. There are only a few small settlements, mostly of rangers who tend to the National Parks. In the afternoon we shall arrive in San Martin de los Andes. Transfer to the 4-star Hotel "Le Chatelet". This is a traditional wooden chalet style San Martin hotel with a cozy breakfast area, and a large swimming pool.

Day 6 (B) - San Martin de los Andes - Pucon - Today we set out in the early morning by public motor coach to cross over the Andes back to Chile through the Tromen Pass. It will be a long, long time before you forget this crossing. While ascending through Lanin National Park the landscape will change many times until we finally rise above the tree-line. Close to our route 3776 meter high Volcan Lanin stands high above the rest of the surrounding mountains with its majestic perfectly conical snow capped peak. Native Araucaria trees dominate the landscape. Some may know this tree as the Monkey Puzzle Tree. The Araucaria is to Chile, what the Coq is to France, a symbol of competitiveness-and certainly in Chile's case uniqueness. These trees are actually one of the oldest species of trees on earth having survived almost unchanged since the time of the dinosaurs. We shall arrive in Pucon late in the evening. Transfer to Hotel Munkh (or similar) for overnight.

Day 7 (B) Pucon - Leisure time to explore Pucon. See local excursions. We highly recommend an active day here climbing the local volcano or hiking to natural hot-springs.

Day 8 (B) Pucon -Temuco- Transfer to airport in Temuco airport after breakfast for connecting flight.

Price per person double occupancy in US$:

WALKING AT THE VOLCANOES OSORNO AND CALBUCO

For this excursion we conciously have chosen the yet unknown - secret routes - of the Lake District. On both trekking trips Volcano Osorno and Volcano Calbuco we shall see fantastic views to the Andes, Lakes and the mountain chain of the volcanoes. On a clear day we even can see across to the Pacific Ocean. In other hiking regions such world-class treks might be completely overcrowded - but not at the Lake District. On our trails we often are the only hikers and we enjoy the unspoiled nature. Each trekking tour is carefully tested and experienced guides will lead you.

Day 1 Puerto Montt - Puerto Varas
Reception: Puerto Montt airport. Transfer to Puerto Varas. Brief tour of the City of the Roses. Afterwards we shall return to your selected hotel and you will have the rest of the day to spend at your leisure. In the evening you will inevitably be drawn to enjoy a stroll along the shore of Lago Llanquihue - with amazing views to the surrounding chain of volcanoes.

Day 2 Volcano Osorno to Lago Todos Los Santos (B)
Early in the morning we set out for a full day excursion at the Volcano Osorno. The drive by public bus leads us along the shore of the Llanquihue Lake with breathtaking views to the volcanoes Osorno and Calbuco. On a gravel road we reach the mountain hut La Picada, the starting point for our hike. We shall walk peacefully on the surface of the volcano which has got a perfectly shaped and snow-capped cone, enjoy constant views to rainforests and volcanoes. After an hours walking we shall see for the first time, the emerald blue Lake Todos Los Santos (All Saints Lake) lying deep below us surrounded by high mountains. In the afternoon we reach the small settlement of Petrohue which is situated directly on the lakeshore. There our vehicle will be waiting for us. Before we return to Puerto Varas we surely like to dip our feet in the refreshing cool water of the Lake! Overnight in Puerto Varas.
Hike: light, about 4-5 hours, mostly downhill.

Day 3 Llanquihue Nature Sanctuary (B)
Early morning drive south to the Reserva Natural Lago Llanquihue. This Nature Reserve sits on the Western Slope of the Volcano Calbuco. Without hiking trails it would be impossible to get through the Valdivian Rainforest: the dense vegetation, with huge ferns, Nalcas (gunnera gunnera), mosses and majestic tree-giants form the highest biomass on earth! The richly green, fragrant and humid environment accompanies us on our way to the tree-line. To our next surprise: a wide panoramic view across to the Pacific. Above us towers the immense Volcano Calbuco which last erupted in 1961. In the evening we return to Puerto Varas.
Hike: moderate, about 5-6 hours, partly steep rise on well prepared trails.

Day 4 Puerto Varas - Puerto Montt (B)
Transfer to the airport in Puerto Montt for connecting flight.

Price per person double occupancy in US$ till Dec. 15, 2006