What excursions does Río Palena Lodge offer?

Illustrated Guide

1. Horse riding at Espolon Lake

Horse riding is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of Patagonia. You'll follow a route bordering Espolon Lake with panoramic landscape views throughout. You'll ascend mountain trails, stopping off at viewpoints and passing by stunning waterfalls, native forest and even a secluded beach.

Dismount for a picnic lunch in the beautiful surroundings before heading back to the lodge.

This activity is included in your stay.

Travel time: None | Duration: 1-3 hours | Experience level: All abilities

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Horse riding from Río Palena Lodge, Patagonia, Chile

Horse riding from Río Palena Lodge

2. Climbing

Around half an hour from Chaitén Airport is the Chaitén Wall - an advanced climbing area where you can spend a half or full day climbing various routes.

There are many challenging cliffs here, all of which are worth the effort of topping out for the stunning views of the Pacific.

This activity is included in your stay.

Travel time: 2.5 hours | Duration: Half- or full-day | Experience level: Advanced

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Hiking from Río Palena Lodge, Chile

Hiking from Río Palena Lodge

3. Whitewater rafting on the Futaleufú River

Río Palena Lodge is located just an hour from the Futaleufu River, ranked in the top five whitewater rafting destinations in the world.

You'll be provided with a dry suit and life jacket to prepare you for sustained Class-four rapids on this adrenaline-fuelled experience, in the safe hands of expert guides.

Public rafting is included in your stay. Private rafting is at additional cost.

Travel time: Dependent on location | Duration: 4-5 hours | Experience level: Advanced

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Rafting from Río Palena Lodge, Chile

Rafting from Río Palena Lodge

4. Fly fishing

Whatever your previous experience, the team at Río Palena Lodge will use their extensive knowledge to build a fly fishing trip that suits you. The Palena River runs past the lodge, allowing access at all times. A few miles away is the Malito River, a perfect spot for beginners, while the Upper Tigre and Azul rivers, home to large numbers of brook trout, can be accessed by helicopter.

There are a number of lakes that can be fished, plus half- and full-day floats for the more serious anglers.

You can expect to catch large brown, rainbow and brook trout while surrounded by fantastic views of towering peaks and glaciers, and enjoying riverside lunches.

This activity is included in your stay.

Travel time: Dependent on location | Duration: Half- or full-day | Experience level: All abilities

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Fly fishing from Río Palena Lodge, Chile

Fly fishing from Río Palena Lodge

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Sarah says

All excursions from Río Palena Lodge are run privately and can therefore be tailored to your requirements.

Sarah Schneider Patagonia Specialist

5. Inflatable kayaking

You can depart from the lodge, from Río Palena's riverside outpost 'Futa Camp', or from the Class-three rapids on the Tigre River.

Float down tranquil stretches of the Palena River, meandering through farms and being treated to fantastic views of Mt Blanco, or navigate fast rapids through sheer canyons on the best of Patagonia's untamed waters.

This activity is included in your stay.

Travel time: Dependent on location | Duration: 1-6 hours | Experience level: All abilities

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Inflatable kayaking from Río Palena Lodge, Patagonia, Chile

Inflatable kayaking from Río Palena Lodge

6. Bike ride through the Tranquilo Valley

This easy-going bike ride takes a leisurely route from the lodge, along an old road to the Tranquilo Valley. Your route will take you past cattle and sheep to reach amazing views of the turquoise lake.

You can take this bike ride on its own, or combine it with a paddling adventure.

This activity is included in your stay.

Travel time: 0-30mins | Duration: 1-3 hours | Experience level: All abilities

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Biking from Río Palena Lodge, Patagonia, Chile

Biking from Río Palena Lodge

7. Stand-up paddleboarding

Stand-up paddleboarding is a favourite activity at the lodge. Follow the water from Río Palena to the confluence of the Tigre River through a deep canyon, passing by waterfalls, cliffs and rainforest. Alternatively, you can choose a leisurely paddle on Lake Negro, ideal for spotting wildlife.

It's also possible to add fishing, hiking or whitewater rafting to this activity to make a full-day adventure.

This activity is included in your stay.

Travel time: None | Duration: Approx. 2 hours | Experience level: All abilities

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Paddleboarding from Río Palena Lodge, Patagonia, Chile

Paddleboarding from Río Palena Lodge