Trekking in the Land of Volcanoes

Day 1: Hike to hot springs; Refugio El Callao

This is one of those treks where you'll likely only interact with your local hosts and your trekking guide. You'll be off the beaten trails that are found elsewhere, with stunning views right from the outset. These three days might well be the highlight of your trip to Patagonia.

Departing Puerto Varas by vehicle, you'll reach the trailhead after about an hour's drive, where you'll say goodbye to the hoards of travellers crossing into Argentina via the lake crossing. From here you'll be trekking in virtual solitude.

Trek for four to five hours as you explore open fields and native forests, pass farm houses and enjoy frequent river views. There are numerous river crossings and, depending on the time of year, you might get wet feet. You'll walk gradually uphill for most of the day, then upon arrival at Refugio El Callao you'll walk for 30mins to get to the hot springs. Here you can have a refreshing, incredibly scenic swim in the river. Note that the hot springs are very rustic and sometimes they are not operating.

Your box lunch is guaranteed to be great - as all food is locally sourced to provide the most authentic travel experience.

Length of hike: 10.5km, plus 4km to hot springs

Meals: Box lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Refugio El Callao

Day 2: Hike to Las Gaviotas; Paraíso de la Montaña cabins

The route today will take you from El Callao to Las Gaviotas. The majority of the hike is through thick, beautiful forest with the river running below. When you reach the Laguna Los Quetros, a stunning swimming spot with big open pasture and privileged views of Cerro Borracho, you'll rest and have lunch.

You'll then continue on to Las Gaviotas where you'll have dinner and stay overnight in the comfortable Paraíso de la Montaña cabins.

On several occasions throughout the day you'll have glimpses of the impressive Puntiagudo peak, reminiscent of the Matterhorn.

Today's hike is quite a distance, but it's taken at a steady pace with plenty of refreshing stops along the way. A highlight of this itinerary is staying at homesteads and having the chance to interact with your local hosts; learning about their traditional way of living in this beautiful and isolated region.

Length of hike: 20km, 506m ascent

Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Paraíso de la Montaña cabins

Day 3: Rupanco; Puerto Varas

After breakfast you'll visit the 100%-natural hot springs at Rupanco, about 20mins away and only accessible by boat. The remote location makes this a magical place. You'll then have lunch at the cabins before picking up private transport to your hotel in Puerto Varas, about two hours away, where you'll arrive around 5pm.

Meals: Breakfast, box lunch