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Highlights
Explore the beautiful scenery of the Chilean Lake District
Take 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 Puntiagudo Volcano Valley and the impressive Casablanca Volcano.
Immerse yourself in local culture and cuisine, engaging with communities, visiting markets, and savouring authentic Chilean delicacies throughout the journey.
The Lake District and Volcano Traverse Tour is a carefully crafted trekking adventure connecting three lakes and three volcanoes threw off the beaten trails of the Lakes District region. An epic journey that combines a wide array of experiences that include trekking through the north face of the Osorno Volcano, a boat navigation through the emerald waters of the Lake Todos Los Santos, a two day trekking to cross the valley of the Puntiagudo Volcano and a final hot spring experience at the shore of the Lake Rupanco and the base of the Casablanca Volcano. Four days of a deep connection to nature and to the families of pioneers that live in these remote lands for a life-changing active experience.
The Lake District and Volcano Traverse Tour is a carefully crafted trekking adventure connecting three lakes and three volcanoes threw off the beaten trails of the Lakes District region. An epic journey that combines a wide array of experiences that include trekking through the north face of the Osorno Volcano, a boat navigation through the emerald waters of the Lake Todos Los Santos, a two day trekking to cross the valley of the Puntiagudo Volcano and a final hot spring experience at the shore of the Lake Rupanco and the base of the Casablanca Volcano. Four days of a deep connection to nature and to the families of pioneers that live in these remote lands for a life-changing active experience.
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Lake District and Volcano Traverse Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Welcome to The Lakes District
Our journey begins in Puerto Varas, where our local team will welcome us with a brief overview of the adventure ahead. From there, we’ll embark on a 90-minute drive to Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, the starting point of the Desolación Trail. This 14-kilometer mountain pass, located along the northern slope of the perfectly conical Osorno Volcano, will lead us through a diverse array of landscapes, including temperate rainforests, volcanic terrains, and a steppe-like plateau. Along the way, we’ll enjoy breathtaking views of sparkling lakes and snow-capped mountains. Our day concludes at the shores of Lake Todos Los Santos, where we’ll settle into our lodge in Petrohué. The evening will include a briefing for the following day and a delicious dinner.
Overnight Location: Overnight at Petrohué Lodge
Distance: 1.5 hours
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Day 2 Hike the Osorno Volcano: Desolación Trail
After enjoying a hearty breakfast, we will head to the Petrohué dock, where our host will be waiting to take us on a scenic 1-hour-and-20-minute boat ride to the valley’s shore. From there, we’ll begin the first leg of our trek. On this day, we’ll hike for approximately 5 to 6 hours through a picturesque landscape of grasslands, farmlands, and temperate rainforests, crossing rivers, suspension bridges, and passing by waterfalls along the way. By around 4 p.m., we’ll arrive at El Callao, where we’ll spend the night in the welcoming lodge of a local family.
Overnight Location: In the Valley of El Callao at a family home mountain shelter.
Distance: 8.5km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3 Trekking Valley El Callao
Today’s adventure takes us to Lake Rupanco after an 18-kilometer hike, featuring a 400-meter ascent followed by a 715-meter descent to the lake’s shore. Along the sandy banks lies a hidden gem waiting to be uncovered: natural hot springs buried beneath the sand. With the help of a shovel, we’ll unearth these thermal pools and relax as the sun sets over the lake. Afterward, we’ll head to the home of a local family, where a well-earned dinner awaits. Meals include breakfast, a box lunch, and dinner. Tonight’s accommodation will be at the Las Gaviotas family lodge.
Overnight Location: Las Gaviotas family lodge
Distance: 18km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4 Trekking Valley El Callao
We’ll begin the day in the most relaxing way—at the natural hot springs of Lake Rupanco. A 30-minute boat ride from the village dock will take us to the lake’s sandy shores, where we’ll dig our own hot spring pools using shovels and enjoy a tranquil soak with breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Afterward, we’ll savor a delicious homemade lunch at Claudia’s home. It’s the perfect way to celebrate our adventure before starting the journey back to Puerto Varas.
Distance: 3.5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lake District and Volcano Traverse Tour Price and Dates
This guided tour is always run as a private tour for your group only.- Group of 4: from USD1590*
Accommodation on Lake District and Volcano Traverse 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 hosts. Rooms are often simple yet comfortable, furnished with basic amenities to ensure a pleasant stay.
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.
Night 1
Petrohue Lodge in Ensenada ★★★★
Petrohué Lodge is a charming retreat located on the shores of Lake Todos Los Santos in the Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park. Surrounded by breathtaking views of the Osorno Volcano, lush forests, and pristine waters, the lodge offers cozy accommodations and a warm, rustic ambiance.
Night 2
Family home mountain shelter in Valley of El Callao
The family home mountain shelter in the Valley of El Callao offers a warm and authentic retreat nestled in the heart of the Andes. Surrounded by stunning landscapes of lush forests, rivers, and rugged peaks, this cozy accommodation provides a welcoming atmosphere and a true taste of local hospitality.
Night 3
Las Gaviotas family lodge
Las Gaviotas Family Lodge is a charming and rustic accommodation set in the serene countryside near Lake Rupanco. This family-run lodge offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere, where guests can relax and enjoy the tranquility of the surrounding grasslands and mountains.
What’s Included in the Lake District and Volcano Traverse Tour?
Meals
3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 3 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for you and your luggage are included throughout the tour, including 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 (available only in Petrohué on day 1)
- How hard is the Lake District and Volcano Traverse Tour?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Chile?
- Are meals included on the Lake District and Volcano Traverse Tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Puerto Varas to start this tour?
- Is the Lake District and Volcano Traverse Tour in English?
- Where does the Lake District and Volcano Traverse Tour end?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Chile?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Chile?
We rate this tour as a 3 / 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.
3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 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.
To get to the starting point of the tour in Puerto Varas you will fly into El Tepual Airport (PMC) in Puerto Montt, 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 Varas.
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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