EXPERIENCE CHILE - OUR BEST TRIPS HORSEBACK & KAYAKING EXTENSION (8 Days)

Join us for some active adventure in the Chilean Lakes. We´ll ride a mountain bike along the shore of Lago Llanquihue, hike on the surface of Volcan Osorno, whitewater on a river called Petrohue and ride on horseback in Northern Patagonia. Accommodation on this trip leans toward the authentic instead of the exclusive, the cozy in lieu of the grand. Rest assured that you will be comfortable throughout, and, that at the end of the day, we shall fill your plate with savory southern fare, your cup with Chilean wine, and the air with a tall tale of Butch Cassidys time in Northern Patagonia.

* Biking amidst the Lakes and Volcanoes
* Hiking in a lush temperate rain forest
* Whitewater on the Petrohue
* A walk through the lava and snowfields on Volcan Osorno
* Sea Kayak trip on Llanquihue surrounded by volcanoes
* Carefully chosen overnights in cozy mountain huts and small personable hotels.

Biking: moderate distances between 25-50 kms with slacker van support at all times, quality well maintained mountain bikes, helmet and gloves provided and recommended.

Hiking: walks are designed to be a safe, challenging means of getting closer to some tremendous natural sights. Options to ride in a vehicle to reduce physical stress provided.

Horseback: A qualified gaucho guide will always be with the group. Horses apt for non-riders are available.

Rafting: Rio Petrohue is moderate class III water. All guides are fully qualified. Modern professional equipment is used throughout.

Kayaking: Double kayaks are available. Only flat water kayaking. All equipment provided.

Detailed itinerary

Day 1 - Day 4
(identical with "Multi-Active Trip in the Chilean Lake District", SIB-A-02)

Day 1| Puerto Montt - Puerto Varas ........D

• Reception at airport in Puerto Montt. Transfer to Puerto Varas.
• Evening gathering to discuss our coming adventure over a complimentary welcome dinner at a local Restaurant in Puerto Varas.
• Overnight: Hotel in Puerto Varas.

Day 2 | Puerto Varas - Alerce Andino National Park ..........B-BL

• Drive south through the local capital and principal southern port: Puerto Montt.
• Route continues along the Carretera Austral next to the ocean.
• Hike in National Park Alerce Andino.

  About the Park :

  • Park makes up almost 40.000 hectares or (97.000 acres).
  • Largest surviving Valdivian Rainforest in the world.
  • Many native Alerce-- giant coniferous tree distantly related to the Redwoods of California.
  • Note: Standing amidst these tremendous trees is like standing in a cathedral larger than any you have previously known. Though it may seem like a strange juxtaposition, in point of fact, if one were to count the rings of some of these trees one would find them to be much older than any Cathedral you have know as well. Many are indeed much older than the Christian religion itself.
  • Vegetation surprisingly dense and varied. Trail well maintained.

• Return to Puerto Varas in the evening.
• Walking on our first day is designed to allow everyone to limber up for the coming days.

  Hiking: about 12 km (8 miles)

Day 3 | Puerto Varas - Volcano Osorno ..........B-BL-D

• Depart early from Puerto Varas by mountain bike along the shore of Lago Llanquihue.
• Snowcapped volcanoes of the Andes grow steadily larger as we ride along the lakeshore toward them.
• First stop Petrohue falls, continue to Petrohue.
• Boat ride along the shores of the emerald coloured lake, possibility to hike back to Petrohue.
• Drive back to Ensenada, we hop board our accompanying vehicle and travel uphill to the Mountain Lodge on the slopes of Volcan Osorno.
• Boxlunch on the lower slopes of the Volcano itself.
• Afternoon hike on the surface of the Volcano s sculpted lava and snowfields.
• Overnight at 1300 meters above sea level in a cozy mountain hut.
• With a bit of luck we´ll enjoy a colorful sunset over Lake Llanquihue and Volcan Calbuco.

  Biking: 10 to 40 km, (vehicle accompanying at all times)
  Hiking: 5 - 8 km

Day 4 | Volcan Osorno - Las Cascadas Waterfalls ..........B-BL-D

• Breathtaking morning views hiking downhill on the slopes of Volcan Osorno to lake´s edge.

• Bike from the feet of the Osorno Volcano to All Saints Lake – Petrohue

• Picnic on the lake’s edge

• Drive into the sleepy hamlet of Cascadas from where we hike into a spectacular canyon with waterfall. A deep lush gorge and light playing on the mist in the air makes for refreshing and spectacular finish today. 

• Overnight in Ensenada.

Biking: 10 to 20 km, accompanying vehicle at all times
Hiking: 2 - 3 km

Day 5 | Rafting Petrohue ..........B-D

• The morning is free to relax or choose an optional activity 
• Rafting trip on the Petrohue River.
• Picnic on the beach next the river.
• Overnight in Ensenada.

  Biking: 10 to 30 km, accompanying vehicle at all times
  Rafting: 2 hours on the river

Day 6 | Horseback Ride on Calbuco Volcano ..........B-BL

• After breakfast we shall cycle to the base of the Calbuco Volcano where our horses await us.
• 4 hour ride with breaks along a well kept trail through various different canopies of rainforests and crossing various shallow tributaries.
• Hike for 1 hour to reach the waterfall “Salto El Caliente” where we have our boxlunches. It is possible to walk behind the waterfall or swim in the pool.
• Transfer back to Puerto Varas.

Horseback: 3- 5 hours (depending upon the group). Horses apt for non-riders.

* Riders will be accompanied by an English speaking guide and gaucho at all times.

Day 7 | Kayaking ..........B-BL-D

• After breakfast we shall walk to the beach of Puerto Varas.
• Brief kayak introduction and safety course.
• Kayak along the shores of this tremendous lake
• Boxlunch on the beach.
• After a relaxing break we shall return by vehicle to Puerto Varas.
• Farewell Dinner.
• Overnight in cozy hotel in town.

Day 8 | Puerto Varas - Puerto Montt ..........B

• Transfer to airport in Puerto Montt for connecting flight to Santiago.

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