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Highlights
Explore the beautiful Chilean Lake District and Chiloe Archipelago
Embark on an exhilarating hike up the Osorno Volcano, offering panoramic vistas of Lake Todos Los Santos.
Traverse the picturesque El Callao Valley on foot, immersing yourself in its diverse landscapes of rivers, waterfalls, and lush greenery.
Uncover the hidden gem of Lake Rupanco, where natural hot springs await discovery beneath its sandy shores, perfect for a soothing sunset soak.
Explore the enchanting Chiloé Archipelago, home to a unique ecosystem, vibrant fishing villages, and the mesmerizing spectacle of penguin colonies.
Immerse yourself in local culture and cuisine, engaging with communities, visiting markets, and savoring authentic Chilean delicacies throughout the journey.
Embark on an exclusive expedition meticulously curated to unveil the hidden treasures of Chile’s northern Patagonia, offering a diverse tapestry of landscapes and activities. Chile is renowned for its unparalleled biodiversity, boasting 80% of the world's ecosystems.
This journey embodies that rich diversity, traversing active volcanoes, majestic fjords, pristine lakes, and meandering rivers. Experience the allure of natural hot springs emerging from glacier lake shores and immerse yourself in the captivating traditions and culture of the Chiloé Archipelago.
This itinerary strikes a harmonious balance between outdoor adventures and meaningful interactions, including opportunities for rewilding initiatives and community engagement. Discover one of the region's most spectacular and undiscovered treks: the Jesuits' route through the Puntiagudo volcano valley.
Embark on an exclusive expedition meticulously curated to unveil the hidden treasures of Chile’s northern Patagonia, offering a diverse tapestry of landscapes and activities. Chile is renowned for its unparalleled biodiversity, boasting 80% of the world's ecosystems.
This journey embodies that rich diversity, traversing active volcanoes, majestic fjords, pristine lakes, and meandering rivers. Experience the allure of natural hot springs emerging from glacier lake shores and immerse yourself in the captivating traditions and culture of the Chiloé Archipelago.
This itinerary strikes a harmonious balance between outdoor adventures and meaningful interactions, including opportunities for rewilding initiatives and community engagement. Discover one of the region's most spectacular and undiscovered treks: the Jesuits' route through the Puntiagudo volcano valley.
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Lake District and Chiloe Archipelago Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Welcome to The Lakes District
Upon arrival at Puerto Montt airport, transfer to the charming town of Puerto Varas nestled along the shores of Lake Llanquihue, offering stunning vistas of the Calbuco and Osorno volcanoes. Following a swift hotel check-in, embark on a leisurely 2-hour walking tour, meandering through picturesque streets adorned with iconic German-style buildings and exploring the local market. Indulge in a quick lunch at the food truck station, then enjoy the afternoon for personal exploration. Later, convene for a delightful welcome dinner hosted by a local chef and wine sommelier, located just a short distance from town.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Puerto Varas
Distance: 2 hours
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Day 2 Hike the Osorno Volcano: Desolacion Trail
Setting off early, you will journey along the southern shore of Lake Llanquihue to reach Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park. Upon a brief ascent, you will arrive at La Picada refugio to commence the Desolación trail, a breathtaking 12-kilometer hike along the slopes of Osorno volcano, culminating at the emerald shores of Lake Todos Los Santos. After marveling at the rapids of the Petrohué River, you will retire to your lodge for the night, preparing for the exploration of the Puntiagudo volcano valley the next day.
Overnight Location: Lodge at Petrohue
Distance: 12km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3 Trekking Valley El Callao
Following a hearty breakfast overlooking the lake, stroll to the deck where your host awaits for a 45 minutes to 1-hour boat ride to the valley shore, marking the start of your trek. The day’s hike spans 5-6 hours, weaving through grasslands, farms, and temperate rainforest, crossing rivers, suspended bridges, and waterfalls. By late afternoon you will reach El Callao for an overnight stay at a family lodging, with an optional visit to the rustic yet rejuvenating El Callao hot springs, perfect for unwinding after a day’s journey.
Overnight Location: Lodging at Valley of El Callao
Distance: 5-6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4 Trekking Valley El Callao
Today’s adventure entails a challenging 16-kilometer hike with a 700-meter ascent, followed by a descent of 500 meters to reach the shores of Lake Rupanco. Hidden beneath the sandy shore lies a special secret: natural hot springs waiting to be uncovered. With the aid of a shovel you will unearth these springs and soak in their warmth as you witness the sunset. Later on head to the home of a local family to savor a well-deserved dinner.
Overnight Location: Lodging at Las Gaviotas
Distance: 16km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5 Lake Rupanco to Puerto Varas: Local Breweries and Rewilding
Following breakfast you rendezvous with your vehicle for a scenic drive south back to the Lake Llanquihue base in Puerto Varas. Along the way, you will savor stunning views of the northern section of the lake and make a stop at one of the favorite spots: microbrewery 860. Indulge in local beer tasting, enjoy lunch, and even try your hand at brewing. In the afternoon, you will join the conservation and rewilding team from NGO Legado Chile for a hands-on experience in conservation and nature restoration. Later, you return to Puerto Varas for an evening of leisure.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Puerto Varas
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 6 Penguins and Culture of The Archipelago Of Chiloe
The first day of exploration of the island of Chiloe starts early in the morning through a ferry navigation of 3 kilometers and the arrival to the small village of Chacao from where you will head north-west to get to the reach waters of the Humboldt current for a navigation to visit the only breeding colony of Humboldt & Magellanic penguins of the southern hemisphere. After a short hike to a lookout point where a wooden bridge will put you facing the ocean, you will drive for 45 minutes to enjoy a typical meal of the island: the Curanto. A strange but delicious preparation cooked in a pit in the ground on hot stones. Be ready to participate in the cooking preparation and to meet your loving host: Maria Luisa. In the evening you will drive to Castro, your base for the next two days where you will sleep at a real palafito.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Castro
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 7 Villages of Chiloe, Local Markets, Gastronomy & The Deck Of Souls
Embark on a delightful journey exploring the charming fishing villages of Chiloe’s main island. Admire the iconic colorful houses on stilts, surrounded by UNESCO-listed wooden churches. After a walking tour and a visit to Castro’s local market, venture west to Chiloe National Park for a scenic 3-hour hike to the mystical Deck of Souls overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy a quick lunch at a local restaurant before relaxing at your hotel. Later, you will drive south to the home of one of Chile’s most renowned chefs, owner of El Cazador restaurant, for a special culinary experience, a fitting finale to your North Patagonian adventure.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Castro
Distance: 3 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8 End of the Adventure
Transfer to the local airport of Castro or the airport of Puerto Montt.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Lake District and Chiloe Archipelago Tour Price and Dates
This guided tour is always run as a private tour for your group only.- Group of 4: from USD4315*
Accommodation on Lake District and Chiloe Archipelago Tour
The accommodations selected for this adventure are mainly small, family-owned lodges, shelters, and guesthouses. These establishments typically offer cozy and intimate settings, allowing guests to experience the warmth and hospitality of local
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
What’s Included in the Lake District and Chiloe Archipelago Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 5 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for you and your luggage are included throughout the tour, including the airport transfers.
Also included
- English-speaking guide
- Excursions mentioned in the itinerary
- Literature, field guide, birds check list, spotting scope
Not included
- International or domestic flights
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
Optional Extras
- Single occupancy upgrade
- How hard is the Lake District and Chiloe Archipelago Tour?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Chile?
- Are meals included on the Lake District and Chiloe Archipelago Tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Puerto Montt to start this tour?
- Is the Lake District and Chiloe Archipelago Tour in English?
- Where does the Lake District and Chiloe Archipelago Tour end?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Chile?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Chile?
We rate this tour as a 2 / 5. The tour involves hiking through diverse terrains, including trails along the Osorno Volcano and trekking in the El Callao Valley. Although these trails are not particularly challenging, you should be reasonably fit as you’ll be hiking up to 6 hours daily with some elevation gain.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 5 dinners are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your travel insurance.
Puerto Montt has an airport, El Tepual Airport (PMC), which receives domestic flights from major cities in Chile like Santiago and Concepción, as well as some international flights.
Yes, the tour guide is English-speaking.
The tour ends where it starts, in Puerto Montt.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
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