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Hike and Kayak in Hornopirén National Park

This active multi-day adventure explores the idyllic fjords and forest waterways of the Chilean Lake District. Top guides will show you the wonders of this magical place from the water, and on foot, helping you navigate the intricate coast and experience the unique wildlife and scenery on this unforgettable expedition.

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Hike and Kayak in Hornopirén National Park

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Trip type

Guided Activity

Trip length

4 Days

From

$1,090

Location

Chilean Lakes

Hike and Kayak in Hornopirén National Park - 4 Days - $1,090

Trip Summary and Itinerary Map

Day 1: Depart from Puerto Varas; Kayaking on the Petrohue River to Reloncavi Fjord

Day 2: Kayaking South; Fjords, Forests & Factoria Park

Day 3: Into the Woods; Hike to Laguna Millenaria

Day 4: Kayak Back to Civilization; Return to Puerto Varas

Start from Puerto Varas and end at Puerto Varas

Landmarks visited on Hike and Kayak in Hornopirén National Park

Operator's Itinerary

Day 1: Depart from Puerto Varas; Kayaking on the Petrohue River to Reloncavi Fjord

In the morning, you'll be taken to Ensenada to get your kayaking gear (no previous experience required). By around 10 am, you'll start paddling the lower section of Petrohue River, covering 20km of flat water on the river. Lunch will be on a beach along the way.

By 5pm, you'll reach the entrance of the Reloncavi fjord. You'll set up your campsite on a remote grassy beach on the fjord, an excellent lookout for dolphins. Here, you'll meet your hosts for tonight, Juan Carlos and Yolanda, who have been living here for three generations and will prepare a traditional dinner for you. Before dinner, you'll hike to the Fjord lookout to change your point of view and build up an appetite.

Dinner will be around the fire pit, featuring local lamb with home-grown vegetables. You'll spend the night in tents on the beach.

Meals: Lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Camping on the beach

Any gear you do not bring along on the expedition will stay safe in Ensenada


Day 2: Kayaking South; Fjords, Forests & Factoria Park

You'll start the day with breakfast at 7am, followed by packing the kayaks expedition-style, carrying your gear with you. You'll paddle with views of Yates volcanoes and pass glacial valleys such as Cochamo, known as the Yosemite of Chile. Lunch will be on a beach along the way.

In the afternoon, you'll reach Factoria Park, a private 1,700-hectare conservation project located between the fjord and the national park Alerce Andino.

You'll set up camp at the Hut with great views over the fjord. Hot showers will be available today. Dinner will be prepared at the Refugio with the guides. You'll spend the night in a shared hut.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Moutain refuge - La Factoría Park


Day 3: Into the woods; Hike to Laguna Millenaria

You'll have breakfast at 6:30am and start the hike early, aiming for the hidden lagunas in the mountains. You'll immerse yourself in the rainforest, discovering local species and crossing a section full of Alerce trees, which were declared a natural monument in 1976. These trees (Fitzroya cupressoides) are among the oldest in the world, with the oldest in Chile estimated to be 5,000 years old.

To reach Laguna Millenaria, the hike takes you along the side hills of the fjord. After 8 km and 800 meters of elevation gain, you'll reach your lunch and swim spot.

You'll enjoy the day surrounded by granite walls and native forest, with an opportunity to swim in pristine waters. Lunch will be prepared by the guides with the help of the entire group. In the late afternoon, you'll hike back down to your Refugio for dinner at the hut after an amazing day.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Moutain refuge - La Factoría Park


Day 4: Kayak back to civilization; Return to Puerto Varas

After breakfast, you'll pack the kayaks and start paddling north towards the Cochamo Valley. Lunch will be on a beach in the fjord. Depending on the tide conditions, you might paddle upstream a couple of kilometres of the Cochamo River before meeting your driver.

You'll then be driven back to Puerto Varas.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch


Please note this itinerary is subject to change due to weather conditions and/or the makeup of the group. The decision will be taken by your trip leader with the group's safety in mind.

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What our customers think of Hike and Kayak in Hornopirén National Park

Hike and Kayak in Hornopirén National Park trips scored 4.8/5 from 2 reviews

Paddling to the hot springs; after two days of paddling on the water, we entered the last fjord and it felt like time stopped. We slowly passed by groups of curious and playful sea lions and made our way to where the river meets the ocean. We had to pull our kayaks through the low tide and made it to our destination. After we set up camp, we enjoyed the hot springs as it began to rain. It was magical.

Travelled: February 2023

Kelsey Freeman - USA

Our guide was amazing. She was comfortable and confident. She also was a great person to be around. We had a great time together.

Travelled: February 2023

Kelsey Freeman - USA

The trip was unique and the guide was amazing. It felt like we were paddling with a friend.

Travelled: February 2023

Kelsey Freeman - USA

Very professional and experienced. I enjoyed the excursion because the guide was excellent.

Travelled: January 2023

Ira Fishman - USA

Camping in the wilderness Kayaking was rewarding and slightly easier than I thought it might be. Equipment was excellent very sea worthy. landscapes especially in the 2 tributary fjords was breathtaking guide was excellent, competent, versatile and knowledgeable accommodation was good.

Travelled: January 2019

Ross Gutteridge - Australia

Review:

Kayaking in Pumalin Park

Prices, Departures and Inclusions

  1. Prices for the 2024/2025 season are based on you joining a small group, sharing accommodation and camping:

  2. 4-day trip:

    From USD $1,090 per person

  3.  Private departures can be set up on a date of your choice - contact us for details.

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Additional Notes

Guides – You'll meet your guide the afternoon before departure. They'll go through the itinerary, answer any questions that you have and provide you with your dry-bags.

Note – You do not have to be an experienced kayaker, but you must be able to swim.

Group size is from 2 to 6 guests.

Closed dates -  The 4-day trip is not available from 16 January - 28 February but it may be possible to do a two-day version of the kayaking. 

Includes

  • Meals: 3 breakfasts, 4 box lunches, 3 dinners
  • Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available on demand
  • Accommodation: 2 nights at Factoria Park, 1 night of wild camping
  • Camping equipment for cooking and tents
  • Single and tandem kayaks (depending on your experience)
  • All technical gear (wet suits, kayak, paddles etc)
  • USCG-approved life jackets, renewed in 2023 
  • Rescue and satellite communication equipment 
  • Dry bags for your personal gear
  • Private transportation during the whole trip
  • English and Spanish-speaking rescue and remote area first aid certified bilingual guides

Excludes

  • Meals not indicated in itinerary
  • Sleeping bag and mat (can be hired locally if needed)
  • Personal equipment (see our recommended kit list)
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Gratuities/tips
  • International and domestic/in-country flights
  • Any visa, passport and vaccination expenses

Questions about this Trip?