Adventure in , Los Lagos!

Calbuco Volcano

Why Visit?

Discover the Untamed Beauty of Calbuco Volcano: A Thrilling Adventure Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Prep in Puerto Montt

Begin your adventure in the bustling city of Puerto Montt, the gateway to Chile’s Lake District. After landing at El Tepual Airport, take a taxi or rent a car for flexibility during your trip (about 30 minutes to the city center). Spend your day exploring local sites like the Angelmó fish market, rich with the day’s fresh catch and vibrant handicraft stalls. Overnight in a local lodge, with views of the looming Andes.

Day 2: Journey to Calbuco

Rise early and drive approximately 50 minutes southeast to the Calbuco Volcano, located in the Llanquihue National Reserve. Park at the designated area near the trailhead. Pack plenty of water, snacks, and wear layers - the weather can change swiftly! The hike starts gently but prepare for a strenuous ascent as Calbuco is known for its steep trails. Your reward? Breathtaking views across the Andes and emerald lakes below.

Day 3: Summit and Explore

Kick off your ascent early to beat the clouds - it’s essential for the best vistas from the top. Calbuco, which last erupted in 2015, offers a challenging yet exhilarating climb. The summit provides panoramic views of neighboring volcanoes like Osorno and the sprawling Patagonian landscape. After a celebratory lunch at the peak, descend and consider a soothing soak at the nearby Termas de Ralún, known for their healing waters.

Day 4: Departure

Return to Puerto Montt for any last-minute souvenir shopping or a leisurely lunch. Enjoy the local seafood, perhaps trying curanto, a traditional Chilote dish, before heading to the airport.

Travel Tips

- Best visited during the warmer months (November to April) for optimal climbing conditions.

- Always check volcanic activity reports before your hike.

- Hiring a local guide is highly recommended for safety and to enhance your experience with insider knowledge.

Embark on this journey to Calbuco, where fire meets ice, and every view is a story.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Llanquihue Lake

Why Visit?

Adventure Awaits at Llanquihue Lake: A Thrilling Itinerary for the Intrepid Traveler

Embark on a breathtaking adventure around Chile’s vast Llanquihue Lake, the second largest lake in the country, nestled in the shadows of the majestic Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes. Here’s how to maximize your exploration in this stunning region known for its azure waters and vibrant local culture.

Day 1: Arrival in Puerto Varas

Fly into El Tepual Airport in Puerto Montt, and take a short bus or car ride to the charming town of Puerto Varas. This town, known for its German influences, offers picturesque views over Llanquihue Lake and is the perfect base for your adventure. Settle into your accommodation, then take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, feasting on traditional kuchen (German cake) at a local café.

Day 2: Volcano Ventures and Water Sports

Start early and drive or join a tour heading to Osorno Volcano. The drive itself provides panoramic views that are a dream for any photographer. At the volcano, opt for a thrilling hike or a mountain bike ride down the slopes. In the afternoon, head back to the lake for some kayaking or windsurfing. The crystal-clear waters make for an exhilarating experience.

Day 3: Cultural Exploration in Frutillar

Take a morning drive to the quaint town of Frutillar on the lake’s western bank. Renowned for its Teatro del Lago, a world-class theater that stunningly jets out over the lake, check if there’s a performance; the acoustics and views are spectacular. Spend the afternoon visiting the German Colonial Museum to delve into the area"s European heritage.

Day 4: Fishing and Forest Trails

Hire a guide and go fly fishing; the lake is teeming with salmon and trout. Post lunch, explore the surrounding forests on horseback or hiking, discovering hidden waterfalls and lush greenery.

Day 5: Departure

Enjoy a final morning walk along the lake, soaking in the serene atmosphere before your departure. Llanquihue Lake’s blend of natural beauty and adventure will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Lake Todos los Santos

Why Visit?

Embark on a spine-tingling adventure to Chile"s mesmerizing Lake Todos los Santos, a shimmering emerald gem nestled in the heart of the Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park. Known locally as "Lago de Todos los Santos", this lake is an oasis for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike.

Arrival & Accommodation: Your journey begins in Puerto Varas, a charming town where German heritage meets Chilean culture. From here, hop on a local bus or rent a car to cover the roughly 96 km to Petrohué, the lake"s primary access point. Consider staying at one of the cozy lodges or campsites along the lake"s edge to truly immerse yourself in the pristine wilderness.

Day 1: Kayaking & Osorno Volcano:

Morning: Rent a kayak to glide across the crystal-clear waters of Lake Todos los Santos. Paddle at your own pace and bask in the panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and lush forests.

Afternoon: Take a guided tour to the imposing Osorno Volcano. The drive up offers dramatic views of the lake below, and the ascent provides thrilling hiking trails that traverse lava fields and craters.

Day 2: Hiking & Waterfalls:

Morning: Start your day with a hike on the Solitario trail, a lesser-known path that rewards adventurers with solitude and breathtaking vistas of the Andean landscape.

Afternoon: Visit the thundering Petrohué Waterfalls, just a short drive from the lake. These cascades are a powerful display of nature"s force, and the surrounding trails offer ample opportunity for wildlife spotting.

Interesting Fact: Lake Todos los Santos is believed to have been formed by glacial and volcanic activity, creating its deep basin and unusually pure water.

Conclusion:

Wrap up your adventure-filled days with evenings spent under the stars, sharing stories of your exploits. Lake Todos los Santos is not just a destination but an experience, offering a perfect blend of adrenaline and tranquility.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Petrohué Waterfalls

Why Visit?

Adventure Itinerary to Petrohué Waterfalls

Day 1: Arrival in Puerto Varas

Begin your journey in the charming town of Puerto Varas, known for its German heritage and stunning views of Volcan Osorno. Check into a local lodge and prepare for an early start the next day.

Day 2: Journey to Petrohué Waterfalls

Rise early and drive towards Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, the oldest in Chile, which is about an hour from Puerto Varas. The route offers breathtaking views of Llanquihue Lake and the surrounding volcanoes. Upon arrival, head straight to the Petrohué Waterfalls, one of Chile’s most iconic natural wonders. The falls are easily accessible via a well-maintained path that leads to various viewpoints. The thundering water crashing through volcanic rocks creates a mist that often catches rainbows when sunny, providing perfect photo opportunities.

Interesting Fact: The water"s striking blue-green color comes from volcanic minerals and the clarity of the originating Lake Todos los Santos.

Adventure Activity: Whitewater Rafting

After exploring the falls, pump up the adrenaline by joining a guided whitewater rafting trip down the Petrohué River. The river features Class III and IV rapids, offering a thrilling challenge for adventure seekers.

Day 3: Kayaking on Lake Todos los Santos

Spend your third day kayaking on the serene waters of Lake Todos los Santos. The lake is known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning surroundings. Paddle at your own pace and enjoy the panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and lush forest.

Day 4: Hiking and Departure

Embark on an early morning hike on one of the park’s scenic trails, such as the path to Osorno Volcano. The trails offer diverse landscapes, from dense forests to lava fields. After the hike, head back to Puerto Varas to conclude your adventure-packed tour of the Petrohué Waterfalls and surrounding natural beauty.

End of Itinerary

Each activity in this itinerary is designed to offer a blend of nature exploration and thrilling adventure, making it an unforgettable experience for any adventure lover.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park

Why Visit?

Discover the Rugged Splendors of Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park

Day 1: Arrival & Petrohué Waterfalls

Kick off your adventure in Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, Chile’s oldest national park, with an adrenaline rush at the roaring Petrohué Waterfalls. From Puerto Varas, take a scenic 64km drive or join a local guided tour bus to the falls. The turquoise waters crashing over volcanic rocks create a breathtaking display of natural power. The series of boardwalks and viewing platforms allow for perfect photo opportunities. Don"t miss the chance to spot the occasional rainbow forming through the mist!

Day 2: Osorno Volcano and Hiking

Day two is reserved for conquering the Osorno Volcano. Begin at the visitor center, where you can either start a challenging hike from the base or take a more leisurely approach with the chairlift to the mid-station. From there, multiple trails offer stunning views of the park, including vistas over Lake Llanquihue and the surrounding peaks. The climb reveals the volcano’s moon-like landscape, formed by centuries of eruptions.

Day 3: Kayaking and Local Culture

Rent a kayak or join a guided tour at Todos los Santos Lake. Paddle through the emerald waters, surrounded by dense forests and towering mountains. Explore hidden coves and keep your eyes peeled for native wildlife, such as the Andean condor. After returning to shore, visit the nearby town of Ensenada to indulge in local cuisine. Sample traditional Chilean empanadas and the hearty curanto, a local dish made of seafood, meat, and vegetables cooked underground.

Day 4: Departure

Before heading back, take a morning to relax and reflect on your adventure in one of Chile’s most iconic landscapes. Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park offers not just a journey through pristine nature but a deeper connection with the earth’s volcanic power and tranquil beauty.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.