T05 / TREKKING IN PATAGONIA

TREKKING IN PATAGONIA

Where the Wind dwells

Code

T05

Region

Northern & Central Patagonia, Chile

Duration

21 Days

Prices

From 5.950 USD

Next trip

30.01.2022

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Introduction

Patagonia is the land where the wind dwells. Huge masses of cold air rise from the Pacific and hit the Andes and the steppe. The climate and therefore, the flora & fauna, vary from one geographical zone to the other, making this an extensive region of a unique ecosystem, of great contrast and nature characterized by hostile weather. This diversity makes this program specially varied.
Our journey begins at the so called Lake District. This area North of Patagonia, with its rainy forests and countless volcanos, is a paradise for the lovers of outdoor activities and trekkings, but at the same time it is very interesting from a cultural point of view. We will explore not only the well known aspects, but also others less known.

We will continue hiking along rivers and crystal clear streams of the mountain area to the South of the Reloncaví Sound. We will see the few Alerce forests (Fitzroya cupressoides) that are left, with their millennial giants some of which are 4,000 years old. The descendants of the first pioneers arriving in this area still live here and in an absolutely autonomous way, and they are isolated from the outside world as they have been ever since they arrived. One of the highlights of this trip is the Valle de la Junta, which is the "South American Yosemite" due to its fantastic nature and its spectacular granite walls.

After this, we will go to the heart of Patagonia, to the wild region around Lake General Carrera. Here the approach to the great San Rafael Glacier and rafting in the waters of the roaring Baker River, are two of the numerous highlights of our tour. We will navigate the channels and fjords of the Pacific coast near the mythic bay town Caleta Tortel, where the glaciers of the great Southern Ice Field extend over the sea. A variety of experiences and encounters with the local population as well as the culture of the country, complete this itinerary.
The trekkings and other activities included do not require any specific training and physical condition or endurance above the average. Since the program has been designed for active and versatile nature lovers, there are no special technical skills needed.
Join the SPONDYLUS team on a new and incomparable trip from the land of the cold forests to the wild heart of Patagonia at the “South of the world” where the wind dwells.

Highlights

In the Lake District to the North of Patagonia, we will follow the tracks of the German immigrants from the XIX century.
The rainy forests in the area of the Reloncaví Sound are full of giant trees and huge ferns.
The Lake Todos los Santos is considered the most beautiful mountain lake in South America.
Numerous hikes with the observation of the unique flora & fauna of the extraordinary ecosystems of Patagonia.
On a boat trip across the deep turquoise waters of the Lake General Carrera we will marvel with the marble chapels of Puerto Tranquilo.
We will visit the San Rafael Glacier, one of the great natural wonders of Chile.
During rafting the Baker River we will increase our adrenaline levels.
Visit of Caleta Tortel, a lumberjack town in the landscape of the fjords of “the end of the world”. We will complete our stay at this place navigating through the channels in the South between granite and ice.

Level of difficulty

Header	For everybody	Medium	Difficult	For experts
Physical Level	Cell		Cell	Cell
Technical level		Cell	Cell	Cell

Season

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
				Cell	Cell	Cell	Cell	Cell	Cell

Code	Start Arrival to Santiago	End Out of Santiago	Status
T05FD1	30.01.22	19.02.22	Space available
T05FD2	26.02.23	18.03.23	Space available

5 participants	7.450 USD/Person
6-8 participants	6.750 USD/Person
9-12 participants	5.950 USD/Person

Itinerary

DAY 1: SANTIAGO (IN)

Welcome of the group at the airport. Drive to the cosy hotel from where we will start the visit of the historical centre of the capital city, and where we will learn about the history of the metropolis with our local guide. We will have a delicious lunch in one of the restaurants at the Central Market.

Accommodation: Hotel 3-4*
Meals: Lunch

DAY 2: SANTIAGO – PUERTO MONTT - PUERTO VARAS

We will start travelling to the South of Chile, specifically to the area called the Lake District. After breakfast, we will be driven to the airport to fly to Puerto Montt. The SPONDYLUS team will be waiting for us there, and together we will visit the old Angelmó market in this port city. In the afternoon, we will be driven to Puerto Varas, approx. 20 kilometres away, place where we will spend the night in a cosy hotel. Impressed by the wonderful location in front of Lake Llanquihue, the view of the Osorno Volcano on the other side of the lake is fantastic. Despite its modest altitude of 2652 metres compared to the high mountains in the North of Chile, the volcano imposes itself majestically over the entire region.

Accommodation: Hotel 3-4*
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 3: PUERTO VARAS - OSORNO VOLCANO - PETROHUE

Today we will visit the surrounding area of the Osorno Volcano. During the trip of approximately 2 hours to the starting point of our trek, we will enjoy numerous views of Lake Llanquihue. Upon reaching the Eastern shore of the lake, we will continue with the vehicle crossing the Western flank of the volcano, and will gain altitude quickly and get closer to the pass between the volcanos Osorno & Puntiagudo to the North. We will put on our boots and load our back packs at this point to start hiking. Soon a wonderful panorama opens up, and Lake Todos los Santos lies at our feet. For many people this lake is probably the most beautiful in South America. It was discovered by the Jesuits in 1670, and it was baptized with that name due to its incomparable splendour. We will have to walk downhill for approx. 900 metres on tracks which are in very good shape to get to the shore, and the small town of Petrohue. Here we will spend the night. (Trekking time: approx. 5 hours).

Accommodation: Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4: PETROHUE – RALUN – COCHAMÓ

This day will be particularly varied. We will travel by boat, by foot and by car to reach our destination in the afternoon. After breakfast, the first thing we will do is to board a boat and sail across Lake Todos los Santos. Our captain will go to a hidden bay in the extreme South of the lake, this will take about one hour. Here we will go ashore and immediately penetrate the Valdivian forest. We will use an old Jesuit trail without which it would be practically impossible to cross the thick vegetation. After 3 hours we will get to Lagoon Cayutué, which is surrounded by a thick forest and it is well known specially by the fishing fans due to its great population of salmon and trout. After resting at the shore of the lake, we will walk for one more hour to get to a trail that will take us to the town of Ralun. Our car will be already waiting for us here to continue travelling towards the Reloncavi Sound. The landscape here becomes wilder and the roads will get worse. This region is away from the frequented routes. At Cochamó we will go to our accommodation in a cosy family lodge. The dense forest of the area already gives us an idea of what will be ahead of us during the next few days, a wonderful and untouched mountain landscape. (Trekking time: approx. 5 hours).

Accommodation: Guest house
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5: COCHAMÓ – LA JUNTA

From our accommodation, we will be driven for approx. 40 minutes to the starting point of our trekking for today. The route we will take goes through the forests of the Cochamó Valley, along the river of the same name, and are old cattle trails that are clearly marked. The dense vegetation, as well as the deep gorges and waterfalls that fall from the mountains, characterize the landscape. Our objective today is to get to "La Junta", a place that has become a referent for rock climbers from all over the world in recent years. We quickly realize why when we see the first granite towers and the huge rock walls glistening in the sun. Besides the beauty of the surrounding nature, this is the reason why this area is called by the experts “the South American Yosemite”. But the granite is not the only attraction, the crystal clear streams on the mountains invite us to take a dip, and the unique flora and fauna of the place make the heart of every nature lover beat faster. Here we will spend the night at a rustic but comfortable mountain cabin, where we will enjoy the hospitality of the people in charge of the refuge. (Trekking time: approx. 5 hours).

Accommodation: Refuge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6: LA JUNTA

In the vicinity of our mountain cabin, one of the last Alerce tree (Fitzroya cupressoides) forests in Chile is found. After the California pine, the Alerce is the oldest tree in the world. There are specimens here that are over 4.000 years old. Unfortunately they have been mercilessly cut down over the last few centuries, which means that there are very few intact forests left. We will have the great pleasure of walking and exploring virgin forests here. A big variety of optional hikes, of different duration and degree of difficulty, will allow us to choose the correct one for each one of us. We will take in consideration the group’s priorities to be able to choose today’s excursion. Factors like the prevailing weather conditions also play a very important role when choosing the trekking today. On the other hand, today each participant will also have the chance to just relax, explore the wonderful nature of the area on its own, fish trout, take a peaceful bath under a waterfall or read some pages of the book that the traveller brought to the trip. "Carpe diem" is today’s moto. (Trekking time: depends on the route).

Accommodation: Refuge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7: LA JUNTA – COCHAMÓ

Today we will leave behind the fabulous mountain landscape of the last few days to walk back along the valley of Cochamó to get to the town of the same name. A hot shower will be waiting for us at the accommodation that we already know. With a nice dinner we will go through the countless and unforgettable impressions of the last few days in the wild nature. (Trekking time: approx. 5 hours).

Accommodation: Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8: COCHAMÓ

Today will be free. The last few days have been intense and extremely hectic, so it will be very good to make a pause. This town on the extreme North of Patagonia has the special charm of its remoteness and invites us to walk around. The wooden church located at the main square is well known due to its architecture and its good state of conservation, and the view from the shore of the Reloncaví Sound to the Yate Volcano is simply incomparable. The SPONDYLUS guide will always be available for making suggestions or accompany any person who needs it. In the afternoon, the group will get together at the accommodation for the only planned activity of the day. The plan is to go to a temazcal, an ancient tradition of the American indigenous people. It is a steam bath that has been documented by archaeological finds throughout the Mesoamerican area, and it is still practiced nowadays. The purpose is ceremonial, wellness and therapeutic. Who could lead our ceremony better than Leo, the owner of our lodge! His interest and enthusiasm for the culture of the country and his contact with the local Mapuches make Leo an ideal host. With this authentic experience, the Chilean Lake District says good bye to us in a spiritual way. The next day we leave the area of the cold forests to continue travelling south.

Accommodation: Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 9: COCHAMÓ – BALMACEDA – PUERTO TRANQUILO

Early in the morning we will be driven to the airport of Puerto Montt to fly to Balmaceda. The local SPONDYLUS team will be there to welcome us. The trip will take us to the legendary Austral road via Cerro Castillo, continuing to the South to get to Puerto Tranquilo. We will visit, among other things, an archaeological site where the Tehuelche indigenous group left rock paintings behind thousands of years ago. The absolutely privileged location of Puerto Tranquilo, right on the shore of Lake General Carrera, invites us to enjoy the wonderful landscape during a hike before dinner. There’s still a lot to see, and now we are here, in the wild heart of Patagonia.

Accommodation: Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10: PUERTO TRANQUILO – LAGUNA SAN RAFAEL NATIONAL PARK

Laguna San Rafael is located at a bay to the extreme south of the Moraleda Channel, which is connected to the sea by the navigable Témpano River. This is where the San Rafael Glacier is located, the closest one to the equator, in the world, and still reaches the sea. It descends from the Patagonia Northern Ice Field to a fjord in the Pacific. Even though the glacier has decreased its size abruptly in the last decades, it still extends for approx. 20 kilometres, with an impressive height of 60 metres and a width of 3 kilometres in its frontal part. Huge icebergs of intense blue tones float in the lagoon, an impressive natural spectacle. This is exactly what we will experience today and the next day. From Puerto Tranquilo we will drive to Valle Exploradores. After two hours driving, we will get to the boat, and after two more hours of navigation, we will get to San Rafael Lagoon. From here we will continue our trip by foot. It will take us 40 minutes to get to the refuge where we will spend the night. After lunch and a rest, we will walk once again through this magnificent nature. We will get to a high viewing point that will guarantee the best view of the lagoon and the giant glacier. If we are a little bit lucky, we will be able to see ice blocks carving off the glacier and become floating icebergs. Deeply impressed, we go back to the refuge where we will have dinner and spend the night well protected. (Trekking time: approx. 4 hours).

Accommodation: Refuge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 11: LAGUNA SAN RAFAEL NATIONAL PARK – PUERTO TRANQUILO

Breakfast is particularly good today in the cosy atmosphere of the refuge. Afterwards we will return back to the pier, but our adventure in the national park is not yet over, the boat will take a different direction today. Exactly! We are getting closer to the gigantic ice wall of the San Rafael glacier! The perspective is simply dazzling. From its front which is 60 metres high, the ice pieces break continuously with loud cracking sounds. The journey between hundreds of icebergs whose colours go from white to deep blue is an indescribable experience. The nature photographers will rejoice this excursion. In the afternoon, we arrive back at Puerto Tranquilo, where we will spend the night again. We will realize that probably today we have experienced one of the most spectacular corners of Patagonia. (Trekking time: approx. 1 hour).

Accommodation: Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 12: PUERTO TRANQUILO – MARBLE CHAPELS – PUERTO BERTRAND

The marble caves of Puerto Tranquilo were declared a National Monument in 1994. A huge vein of marble crosses the Lake General Carrera and it outcrops on the surface at Puerto Tranquilo. The caves have been carved into a very special pattern over the course of thousands of years, due to the weather, waves and the acids contained within the rock. The surreal structures are called, "the Marble Chapel" or "the Marble Cathedral". We will sail on the lake to get close up to them. Upon arrival at the marble formations, we will take time to visit them in a calm and slow pace. We have never seen something like this before! No wonder, because this is a unique spot in the world. The colours and reflections in the crystal clear water of the lake illuminate the surreal marble structures. After this boat trip, we will continue to the south to get to the town Puerto Bertrand in the afternoon. This is located to the southern shore of Lake Bertrand, the source of the mighty Baker River.

Accommodation: Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 13: PUERTO BERTRAND – PATAGONIA NATIONAL PARK – COCHRANE

The Baker River is the one with the highest flow in Chile. It is fascinating not only for its pristine state of conservation, but also for the deep turquoise colour that is produced with the sunlight. Of course we will not miss the unique opportunity of experiencing it intensely that is why we will start our day with a rafting tour. After receiving a theoretical introduction and the required safety instructions, we familiarize with the equipment. After this, we will start with one adrenaline rush or two, a fantastic experience in nature. Of course, the activity takes place with strict security measures, professional equipment, and under the direction of highly qualified rafting guides. No prior knowledge is required to participate. After an exciting morning and having lunch, we will leave Puerto Bertrand. The Austral Road continues towards the small town of Cochrane. On the way there, we will visit the Patagonia National Park in the Chacabuco Valley. This park has been created by Kris & Douglas Tompkins, a couple from California. There, we will go to the Visitors Center, to a very interesting interactive museum, and then we will go for an easy hike. If we are lucky, we will be able to see guanacos, condors and other wild animals in their natural environment. (Trekking time: approx. 3 hours).

Accommodation: Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 14: COCHRANE – TAMANGO RESERVE – RANCH RIO LOS ÑADIS

The first thing we will do today is to visit the Tamango National Reserve, which houses a relatively large population of “Huemules” (South Andean deer). Here this endangered species is protected. If we are lucky, we will see a few of them in a clearing or on the edge of the forest during a hike. In the afternoon, we will arrive at the ranch, Rio Los Ñadis, where we will find a lovely refuge where we will spend the following nights. The farm is owned by Lilli originally from Allgäu (Germany). She travelled to Patagonia when she was 20 years old. She fell in love with this land, and today, many years later, she has two children and they live on their land with a lot of love for nature. (Trekking time: approx. 4 hours/ trip: approx. 5 hours).

Accommodation: Refuge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 15: RANCH RÍO LOS ÑADIS / PIONEER TRAIL

Today, once again we will use our trekking boots. The beautiful landscape and the original beauty of nature invite us to explore the surroundings on a full day hike. We will pass old pioneer farms some of which are still inhabited, and you can only reach them by foot or horse. We will walk along a valley that has been connecting remote habitats, for more than a century. Even today, the cattle herds scattered here in the mountains are regrouped once a year, among other things to count them and to mark the young ones. We can get an authentic view of the lifestyle of the local people and the gaucho families. The clear traces of an old pioneer trail bear witness to the history and settlement of the country. The excursion can also be organized as a horseback ride, without the need of great previous experience. (Trekking time: approx. 8 hours).

Accommodation: Refuge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 16: RANCH RÍO LOS ÑADIS – CALETA TORTEL

We will reach the southernmost point of our journey, the legendary town, Caleta Tortel. It is located in a fjord landscape surrounded by sea and the mountains, between the Northern and Southern ice fields. The town was founded in 1955 as a settlement to produce wood from the Guaitecas Cypress trees, and only since 2003 it is possible to access the place by car. Before this, it was only possible to reach the place by plane or boat, because there were just a few connections with the outside world. In town there are no streets, only a labyrinth of wooden trails that connect the houses of the inhabitants. This fact and its singular location in the fjord, make this place a world class tourist destination. In an extensive walk through the many footbridges of the village, we will get to know its special character.

Accommodation: Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 17: CALETA TORTEL / NAVIGATION TO JORGE MONTT GLACIER

During a navigation of approx. 10 hours, we will enter a unique landscape of granite and ice. This excursion, that a few years ago was only done for scientific reasons, nowadays is gradually offered for tourist purposes. By navigating along the southern fjords of this remote region, we will get to the Jorge Montt Glacier, which forms in the Southern Ice Field of Austral Patagonia. With a length of almost 400 km, it is the largest ice surface on earth in the temperate climate range. Here we will approach the glacier between the icebergs floating in the fjord, and we will hike to explore the area. Every step in this world becomes an encounter with natural wonders and natural forces with the charm of absolute solitude. We will spend another night in Caleta Tortel.

Accommodation: Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 18: CALETA TORTEL – PUERTO GUADAL

Although we begin our return journey from the heart of Patagonia, our adventure is not over yet, and it still has things to offer. On our trip back up the north, which takes several hours, we will pass many places that have given us intense experiences and deep knowledge about the soul of the country in the last few days. In the afternoon, we will finally reach a beautiful lodge on the shore of Lake General Carrera. With good climatic conditions, we will enjoy a fantastic view of the highest mountain in Patagonia. Between snow and ice, Mount San Valentín rises on the other side of the lake. Our accommodation is a real jewel in Patagonia due to its privileged and fabulous location, so we will enjoy the afternoon hours in its facilities and end the day with a traditional Patagonian barbecue, a speciality of this region.

Accommodation: Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 19: PUERTO GUADAL – LAGO JEINIMENI NATIONAL PARK - CHILE CHICO

Although it is hard to leave, we have to move on. We will drive about 100 km on dirt roads around the Lake General Carrera, with exceptional views all along the shore. We will arrive at Chile Chico, a borderline city between Chile & Argentina, but we will not leave the country. We will do the last hike of our journey at the Jeinimeni National Park, home to 13 glaciers, 3 lakes, 30 lagoons, 18 rivers and streams, as well as open valleys with endemic flora that you can only find here, some of which have been discovered recently. It is impossible to explore all this in just one day, but our hike of approx. 6 km will give us a wonderful glimpse of the biodiversity and the beautiful natural landscape of the park. (Trekking time: approx. 3 hours).

Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 20: CHILE CHICO – COYHAIQUE

Today we will use a new form of transport, and will cross Lake General Carrera navigating on a ferry for 2 hours from Chile Chico to Puerto Ibáñez. As soon as we reach the other side of the lake, we will be driven along the Austral Road to Coyhaique. This is the capital of the region and the economic centre of central Patagonia. We will spend the last night of our trip here. Tomorrow we will return to Santiago. Over dinner and enjoying a bottle of good Chilean red wine, we will say good bye to the local SPONDYLUS team.

Accommodation: Hotel 3-4*
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner