Trekking Northern Patagonia - 9 Days

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Santiago de Chile

Welcome to Chile! Upon arrival at Santiago International Airport, a driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. You'll have the rest of the day to explore the city at your leisure. 

Suggested activities include:

• Hike to the top of Cerro San Cristobal, where you can get your bearings by surveying the area from a high vantage point. Pathways lead 2,788 feet (850 m) up this central hill to a series of lookouts that offer wraparound views of Santiago. If you aren't the hiking type, not to worry: catch a scenic gondola instead.
  
  
• Stroll the cobblestone streets of Barrio Bellavista. On the north side of Santiago, you'll find this trendy enclave, at once fashionable and bohemian with colorful houses adorned with graffiti art, and an eclectic array of eateries and bars—great for people watching.
  
  
• Visit the Plaza de Armas, a stone plaza located in Santiago's historic center dating to 1541. There's also the impressive Catedral Metropolitana, a neoclassical church dating to 1748 whose towering twin bell towers dominate the north side of the plaza.
  
  
• Snap pics in front of the Palacio de la Moneda. Chile's opulent Presidential Palace (known simply as "La Moneda") is a short stroll from the Plaza de Armas. It was here in 1973 that Chile's armed forces, backed by the U.S. government, overthrew President Salvador Allende, kicking off a brutal right-wing military dictatorship that would last for 17 years. Visitors are welcome.

For dinner be sure to get out of the hotel and enjoy a culinary adventure in the city. In recent years Santiago has emerged as a global foodie destination. Chilean chefs are reinventing traditional dishes like empanadas, cazuelas (stews), and seafood with ingredients harvested all the way from the northern deserts and southern Patagonian regions. You can find great restaurants and wine bars not only in the Bellavista neighborhood but also in the revitalized historic barrios of Yungay and Italia.

Day 2: Flight to Puerto Montt - Puerto Varas - Welcome Dinner

After breakfast at your hotel in Santiago, you'll depart on a short flight to Puerto Montt, a port city in southern Chile that is also known as a gateway to the Andes mountains and Patagonian fjords. When you arrive, you'll meet your English-speaking guide who will transport you in a private vehicle to Puerto Varas—a charming little village next to Llanquihue Lake with a mix of German architecture and Mapuche indigenous cultural influence.

During the day, you will have the chance to explore its streets and contemplate the beauty of the surroundings of the "ciudad de las rosas" or city of roses. In the evening, gather for a welcome dinner.

Day 3: Puerto Montt - Chaiten - Hiking to Ventisquero Glacier

Your adventure begins back in Puerto Montt, from where we board a plane for a spectacular flight to the town of Chaiten. Then, beautiful trails through the middle of a rainforest lead to the Ventisquero Glacier. On the hike, enjoy the unique flora and fauna of this particular ecosystem. The glacier is a true natural wonder! From there, board a bus and drive to Yelcho Lake, where you'll be welcomed by warm cabins situated in front of the lake.

Day 4: Yelcho Lake - Futaleufu Town - Trekking to Lago Las Rosas

Start today driving towards the picturesque town of Futaleufu, and later head to Las Rosas Lake. The narrow path between the mountains will reveal numerous lakes and other spectacular views as you get closer to your destination. After arrival, there will be time to go swimming and relax before enjoying dinner. Camp that night under a sky full of stars, just beside the lake.

Day 5: Trekking - Horseback Riding to Espolon Lake - Outriggers

Today, after a short hike, you will ride horses through a trail with beautiful surroundings. Reach Espolon Lake around lunchtime, and after relaxing and refueling, jump into outriggers - Hawaiian-style competition boats - to cross the lake. Crossing the lake with these boats enables you to enjoy its grandeur from a much closer perspective. When you reach the other side, have dinner and spend the night in cabins by the lakeshore.

Day 6: Trekking to Tree House - Hiking to Condor Hill

Continuing your journey, you'll walk through a forest, around a lake, and hike up to a hilltop. Find your next camp there, which is surprisingly original: a series of tree houses interconnected by bridges and overlooking a lake will be your accommodation for the night. Time has been built into the schedule to enjoy relaxing at the camp (including in the lakeside hot tub), swimming in the lake, or kayaking. There's also the opportunity to hike up to Condor Hill, where condor sightings are very common. Condors are native birds of Chile and have a wingspan of over 10 feet.

Day 7: Trekking, Ziplining, Cliff Jumping, Rock Climbing & Rappeling

After hiking back to the banks of the river, “zip” across through a pulley system, flying through the air and sliding over the river. There's also the option of jumping into the river from different heights (up to 40 feet) to feel the adrenaline of free falling. In the afternoon, you will go rock climbing. Ascend to the top of a rock formation for a spectacular 360º view. Then, rappel off a 300-foot granite wall. The climb has been carefully designed to be suitable for people of all ages, with different levels of difficulty. Finally, relax in the hot tub overlooking the river and enjoy a large meal to regain strength.

Day 8: Trekking - Rafting to the Nuns Camp - Canyoneering

Begin your day hiking alongside the river until reaching the boats. From there, you'll raft an entertaining section of the river, with Class 4 and 4+ rapids, until we arrive at our lunch spot. Back on the rafts, we will continue to Arroyo Blanco, a spectacular canyon of white granite and turquoise water, which you'll traverse on foot to a waterfall.

From here, head to a new camp, where you'll have time to relax and enjoy the cliffside hot tub overlooking the river and its landmark mountains, the Nuns. Enjoy a well-deserved Patagonian asado (lamb barbecue).

Day 9: Chaitén - Puerto Montt - Santiago - Departure

It's time to say goodbye to Chile! From the Nuns Camp, you'll drive to Chaiten Airport to catch a flight back to Puerto Montt. Upon arrival in Puerto Montt airport, you'll return the rental car and catch your flight to Santiago for your departure home. ¡Buen viaje!