Lake District Active Adventures
5 Day Active AdventureThis is a sample itinerary. Tours can be added or subtracted and hotel and number of nights can be changed. Other active options are listed on the right or you can add some standard sightseeing day toursDay 1: Arrival to Puerto Varas - Bike and Beer to Frutillar
Welcome to Chile’s magnificent Lakes District. A private transfer will meet you at the airport and drive you the 30 minutes to Puerto Varas. At 3pm we leave Puerto Varas biking back roads which offer beautiful views of the lake and the volcanoes. After biking for 3 kilometers, we arrive at our first stop of the day, the Chester Beer brewery, owned by Derek Way. Derek has been producing traditionally brewed beer for 5 years, and this brewery is the result of years of effort and providing good beer to his friends in Puerto Varas. With an excellent location, this first stop is just the beginning of our journey. We continue biking back roads until we reach Llanquihe, an old industrial town without much tourism interest. We leave behind Llanquihue biking the old road to Frutillar, bordering the lake and with stunning views of the mountains and the whole area. After the upward parts of the road and finally passing many agricultural farms with a strong German origin, a gentle descent takes us to Frutillar, one of the most interesting cities of Llanquihue Lake’s basin. Its well-preserved German architecture and the city’s cultural movement, linked to classical music and the Teatro del Lago (Lake Theatre), welcomes us.The second craft brewery of our journey is located in this city. The Salzburg brewery, located in the grounds of the hotel of the same name and with a beautiful lake view, has already had some years of development; their “extreme” beers are proof of this. Different varieties such as Bock, Stout & Pale delight and refresh us at the end of our journey. Difficulty level: Moderate/medium. Takes about 4-5 hours Meals: Includes box lunch with local flavors. Bike: Included 24-speed GIANT mountain bikeI, aluminum frame, front suspensión, disc brakes, Shimano gear, gloves and helmet included. Day 2: Kayaking on Reloncavi Estuary Breakfast. Then this exciting full day starts as you are transferred around the Llanquihue Lake to the town of Ensenada where you will gear up and then be escorted to Ralun Bay in the Reloncaví Estuary where your kayaking adventure commences. Several national parks and wilderness areas are situated in this vicinity making it the perfect place for an up-close experience with the region. As you navigate the waters you will witness amazing views of the Yates and Hornopiren Volcanos. After some time exploring your surroundings you will make your way to a house in the nearby countryside where you will be met and greeted for a wonderful lunch. Afterwards you will have some time to take a relaxing walk and enjoy the open air. Subsequently you will once again board your kayak and continue your journey across the fjord to the town of Cochamo. There next to the lighthouse and old wooden church, in-between the Andes and the Pacific your return transportation will be waiting to escort you back to the hotel. (L) NOTE: Depending on weather conditions the itinerary may be reversed. This is a group tour The price does not include:- All kind of drinks during meals. Day 3: Trekking the Desolation Trail Breakfast, then Leave early in the morning from Puerto Varas to the Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, the oldest national park in Chile. After entering the park and approaching the immense Osorno Volcano, you will find the Petrohué waterfalls on your right hand side and about 4 km afterwards you will reach the beautiful emerald coloured Lake of Todos los Santos we hike the skirts of Osorno Volcano (2661 m.) towards a pass between the volcano and La Picada Peak (1710 m.). Our ascent will take us through a dry stream bed which becomes a canyon of dry basalt formed in the volcano’s last eruptions. The native flora changes significantly with the gain in altitude. We will take a path through the vegetation which will allow us to enjoy the fabulous panoramic views of Lake Todos los Santos and the area, including Tronador Volcano (3490 m.).Once we have reached our goal we’ll re-energize with a well deserved picnic. Our break takes place at the edge of a beautiful waterfall produced by the surrounding mountains’ melting snow and ice. We will descend through the residuals of the volcano’s last eruption, through a prehistoric vegetation that first colonized our planet millions of years ago. Our route takes us towards Playa Larga, a long stretch of beach well-suited for a refreshing dip in the lake before heading back towards Petrohué. Minimum age : 8 years / Average duration : 7 hours. Departure Times : 09:00 am Day 4: Alerce Andino National Park For today’s excursion we will pick you up from the hotel and we will start driving toward the National Park situated south-east of Puerto Montt. Located only a few kilometers from the Carretera Austral, the Alerce Andino National Park covers almost 40.000 ha and it is, therefore, the largest surviving Valdivian Rainforest. Most of the trees are native Alerce, one of the oldest trees in the world. We will explore the National Park by doing some easy hikes to get closer to these amazing giants, some of them of around 3.000-4.000 years old. We will get an introduction to the history of the Park and the meaning that the Alerce tree has in this region. We will be amazed by our surroundings and we might be able to spot some of the native fauna such as foxes, pudú (small Chilean deer) and the charming monito del monte (little marsupial of South America). In the late afternoon we will say goodbye to this wonder of nature to return to the hotel. (FD) Notes Private Service with English speaking guide, box-lunch, * Duration of Transfers: 2 hour * Duration of Activity & Difficulty Level: 6 Hours / medium Day 5: Departure Breakfast, then private transfer from hotel to Puerto Montt airport. (note: if you arrive late on day 1, you can do bike tour on day 5 at 9am. It would end at about 1-2pm. Price per person for basic 5 day tour from Oct. 1, 2023 - April 1, 2024 (ask for rates for others dates)
What’s Included:
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Other OptionsHalf Day Walking & Birding the Lake District, private
We will start the day at sunrise exploring the area around the valley of Maullín River and a wetland in Llanquihue looking for the Grassland Yellow-finch and the Sedge Wren while we spot waterfowl and look for two specialties of the neotropics as the Many-coloured Rush-Tyrant and the Spectacled Tyrant. This wetland is under a process of recovery and natural restoration in which our team is fully involved. Later we will move to the Natural Reserve Lahuen Ñadi, the last patch of Alerce trees of the valley. We will spend time through the thickness ofthe forest looking for the elusive Tapaculos and some specialties of this unique ecosystem as the White-throated Treerunner and the Thorn-tailed Rayadito. While we will be pastures and grasslands we will be spotting different species as the Des Mur Wiretail, Long-tailed Meadowlark, the endemics Chilean Mockingbird and Slenderbilled Parakeet among other including the Tufted-tit Tyrant, Fire-eyed Diucon and the Rufous-tailed Plantcutter. (snack) NotesPrivate service with English speaking guide, snack, literature, field guide, birds check list, spotting scope. * Notes: - Extra set of binoculars available upon request. - Window seat guaranteed during transfers. * Duration: approx 5-6 hours * Recommended pick-up time: sunrise (between 06:30 am and 07:30 am depending on season of the year) Full Day Mountain bike Osorno Volcano, Private
In the morning we will depart to Chile’s oldest national park, Vicente Pérez Rosales founded in 1926. The drive will take us past the town of Ensenada and bordering the Llanquihue Lake. Upon approaching our destination we will determine if our biking adventure starts at the beaches of Petrohué and towards higher grounds or if we simply start at the uppermost point and bike a downward path. Either way we will explore a section of the park known as Paso Desolación near the Osorno Volcano. This cross-country trail combines incredible landscapes and lush forests. In addition the adrenalin and breathtaking views make this an unforgettable experience. After a fun filled day we will be rewarded with a delicious lunch before returning to Puerto Varas in our private vehicle. (BL) Notes Private service with English speaking guide, box-lunch. Not included: Activity insurance. * Duration of transfers: approx. 3-3,5 hours * Duration of Activity & Difficulty Level: 8 hours / Difficult * Equipment & Gear included: Mountanbike, helmet, gloves, bike repair equipment * What to bring? Closed-toed shoes, comfortable clothes, waterproof windbreaker, sunglasses & sunscreen Half Day Biking by the lake, Private
Today we will leave behind Puerto Varas as we bike along the shores of the beautiful Llanquihue Lake. As we follow the road we will be accompanied by amazing views of the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes and Mount Tronador. We will pass the old industrial town of Llanquihue and continue our ride to the town of Frutillar. This hamlet is known for its well-preserved German architecture dating back from 1853. Additionally it is home to the stunning Teatro Del Lago (Lake Theatre), which we will have the opportunity to visit. After this lovely experience we will stop to try some delicious local pastries before our private transfer takes us back to Puerto Varas. (SNACKS) Notes Private service with English speaking guide. Not included: Activity insurance. * Duration of transfers: approx. 45 minutes * Duration of Activity & Difficulty Level: 5 hours / moderate * Equipment & Gear included: Mountain bike, helmet, gloves, bike repair equipment * What to bring? Closed-toed shoes, comfortable clothes, waterproof windbreaker, sunglasses & sunscreen Climbing Osorno Volcano (1D/1N), Group
While in Chile a must do, is climbing the famous Osorno Volcano. This perfectly shaped volcano is located in the Vicente Perez Rosales National Park and measures 2,652m / 8,700ft above sea level. Continuously covered by glaciers and snow the climb offers spectacular scenery and views. This adventurous excursion starts the previous day, when you spend a night on the volcano. The following morning in the early hours your ascent will start at 1,200m / 3,937ft. The complete hike will take you approximately 4-6 hours. Along the way you will be able to observe the fjord Reloncaví Estuary, the city of Puerto Montt and the mountains of the Cochamó and Puelo towns. As you reach the finale steep pinnacle you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of Puntiagudo, the Calbuco, the Tronador and the Yate Volcanoes. This is truly an amazing and unique experience guided by professionals. (1 OVERNIGHT) (FULL BOARD) Notes Shared service with English speaking guide, shared accommodation in mountain lodge with bed linens and full board, activity insurance. * Duration of Transfers: 2 hours * Duration of Activity & Difficulty Level: 10 hours / moderate-difficult * Equipment & Gear Included: Complete technical gear (ropes, helmets, harnesses, trekking poles, gaiters, crampons, ice axes, carabiners, slings, belay/rappel devices, & ascenders), first aid kit (WFR) * What to Bring? Appropriate water and wind proofed clothing for activity (layered, synthetic clothes, gloves & hat), mountaineering boots, sunglasses, sunblock, backpack (+35lt) and 1 liter of water * Please Note: - Available at an additional cost: Hiking gear, Accommodation with double bed and private bathroom - No mountain experience required, but clients should be in shape for a prolonged 10 hour activity (client fitness is subject to guide assessment) - Not suitable for people with heart problems or a disability that prevents prolonged physical activity, pregnant women and children under 18 without written authorization by parents or legal guardians - Minimum age to participate is 12, max is 70 (those passengers older than 70 may participate with proof of additional insurance) - Number of participants: Minimum 1. Maximum 6. Ratio: 1-2 clients per 1 guide; 3 clients to 1 guide plus assistant; 4 clients to 2 guides; 5 clients with 2 guides plus assistant; 6 clients to three guides - Subject to climate conditions Half Day Kayaking Llanquihue Lake Hidden Circuit, Group
For this half day excursion you will start by leaving Puerto Varas behind and driving a few kilometers along the Llanquihue Lake shoreline. The first stop of the day will be a small lagoon known as La Poza. This is the perfect place for a relaxing kayaking experience in the middle of incredible nature. As you paddle through the waters of this beautiful lagoon you will enjoy breathtaking views of the Calbuco Volcano and a variety of native flora and avifauna. After a few minutes you will reach the stunning Loreley Island. Here you can stop for a while to stretch your legs and enjoy the magnificent surrounding landscape before getting back into your kayak. Then, you will navigate through a narrow channel to get to a lake fed by the melting snow of the Calbuco Volcano. Afterwards, you will continue your way passing among lush vegetation to reach the great Llanquihue Lake. After spending some quality time kayaking here you will call it a day and head back to your hotel. Notes Shared service with English speaking guide, transfer to/from hotel in Puerto Varas, activity insurance. * Duration of Transfers: 1hour * Duration of Activity & Difficulty Level: 3 Hours / easy * Equipment & Gear Included: Wilderness Systems single and tandem kayaks (Northstar, Tsunami & Tempest models), complete technical gear (wet suits, kayaks, paddles, life vests), safety and communication equipment * What to Bring? Towel, swimming suit, sun glasses, sunscreen, hat, water bottle, snack * Please Note: The route can be modified according to weather conditions. There are no changing rooms available on this excursion and therefore it is recommended to wear a bathing suit. Minimum passengers: 2 HD rafting Petrohue river from Pto Varas, Group
Your thrilling journey starts as you leave the quaint town of Puerto Varas behind and enjoy a scenic drive around the Llanquihue Lake to the town of Ensenada. After a safety briefing you will be transported to the upper stretch of the Petrohue River located in Chiles oldest National Park, Vicente Perez Rosales. This crystal clear river flows out from the emerald green Todos Los Santos Lake and makes its way to the Reloncaví Estuary surrounded by the Osorno, Calbuco and Puntiagudo Volcanoes. At first you will test the waters and your rafting skills in one of the calmer sections of the waterway before continuing on to various class III and IV rapids. This 2 hour journey is filled with adrenaline, excitement and extreme natural beauty. You will even have the opportunity to disembark the raft and climb a cliff near the river’s edge where if brave enough you can jump free style back into the Petrohue. After a fun day filled with many smiles you will return back to the base where after changing you can enjoy a nice drink, some snacks and pictures of the trip. (SNACKS) Notes Shared service with English speaking guide (Rafting), Transfer from/to hotel in Puerto Varas without guide, aperitif after the ride, activity insurance. * Duration of transfers: 1hour with 30 minutes aprox * Duration of Activity & Difficulty Level: 2 Hours / Easy - Moderate / Rafting Level III-IV * Equipment & Gear included: Complete technical gear (wet suits, helmet, rafts, life vest, ropes), safety-rescue and communication equipment. * What to bring? Towel, Swim suit * Please Note: Main season from September to May. Minimum 4 People. *Recommended pick-up time: 08:30/ 14:30 Full Day Birds of Chiloe, Private
Today we will get to know some of the most iconic birds of the Chiloé Island. Our excursion will begin as we leave Puerto Varas and head south. After a brief ferry crossing we will disembark in Chacao to take a walk along the towns’ shore. There, we will be able to observe black necked swans, hudsonian godwits and herons. Afterwards, we will continue on to the small village Caulin, known as sanctuary for different bird species. There we can admire a variety of cormorants, pelicans and other birds such as kelp geese and fuegian steamer ducks. We will then continue on to Puñihuil, where we will partake in a navigation to visit a nearby penguin colony. This is the only place known, where Humboldt and Magellanic penguins breed together. Subsequently we will make time for lunch at a local restaurant. After our break, we will continue to Ancud to observe a variety of avifauna, which inhabits the Pudeto River. Before heading back to our hotel, we will make one final stop at a nearby wetland to witness its beautiful array of life. (L) Notes Private service with English speaking guide, navigation and lunch. *Included: Lunch *Duration: 8 hours *Recommended pick-up time: 8 am |