Highlights of the Chilean Lake District

Day 1: Transfer to Puerto Varas; 100K culinary experience

Puerto Montt is the gateway to the beautiful Chilean Lake District. It's easily accessible on a daily 1.45-hour flight from Santiago, or a 2-hour flight from Puerto Natales. 

On arrival at Puerto Montt Airport, you'll be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel in the beautiful lakeside town of Puerto Varas, right on the shore of Lake Llanquihue, under the shadow of the immense Osorno Volcano. This little town of just 24,000 people will be your base for the coming days as you immerse yourself in the neighbouring national parks and nature reserves.

After checking in to your hotel, you'll enjoy a unique dining experience in the evening with our wonderful host in the nearby town of Frutillar. You’ll visit her home and immerse your five senses in the ‘100K culinary experience’ - in which no ingredient has travelled more than 100km to reach your table. Learn about the area's tastes and foodie traditions in a relaxed and informal setting, before returning to your hotel for the night. Depending on your flight times, this activity may be rearranged to another time.

Meals: 100K dinner
Accommodation: Hotel AWA, or Wyndham Puerto Varas Pettra (or equivalent), in Puerto Varas

Day 2: Lake Todos Los Santos hike; Puerto Varas

Today's stunning hike covers a large and scenic region of the Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, Chile's first national park which opened in 1926. You’ll follow a historic trail around the edge of the immense Osorno Volcano. After a drive of about an hour to the Desolation trailhead, the route is mostly on an undulating gravel trail and begins with short steady ascents before flattening out and with several downhill segments. Most of the hike is in the open, so you will be treated to amazing vistas of the region's volcanoes and lakes, some of which are in neighbouring Argentina, whilst learning about the unique wildlife which inhabits this dramatic ecosystem.

The Andes act as your constant backdrop when stopping to admire the view from several vantage points. Your hike ends at the beautiful emerald waters of Lake Todos Los Santos after 14km. Some may fancy a quick dip if the weather is kind.

After finishing your hike in the afternoon, you'll visit the unmissable Petrohué Falls, where waterfalls cascade through channels formed by a combination of lava flows and water erosion, creating a truly stunning spectacle.

Return to your hotel in the early evening to reflect on a wonderful introduction to Patagonia's lake district. Today's hike can be shortened by your guide if required.

Length of hike: 14km, 6-7hrs
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch
Accommodation: Hotel AWA, or Wyndham Puerto Varas Pettra (or equivalent), in Puerto Varas

Day 3: Bike & Beer around Lake Llanquihue; Puerto Varas

After a scenic drive of 40km to your starting point towards the mountains you'll take to road-adapted mountain bikes (or e-bikes) and enjoy the region on two wheels. You’ll ride for 35km, on a mixture of paved and gravel roads that undulate around the contours of the Lago Llanquihue, with a total gain and descent of about 200 mts (600ft) whilst surrounded by beautiful native forest and amazing views. You’ll take in the stunning views of the region's volcanoes from afar and your guide will explain the region's fascinating cultural and natural history and ensure you arrive safe and sound to one of our favourite breweries in the area.

At the local brewery, your hosts will be happy to show you their family-run microbrewery and explain how they've forged a livelihood by combining ancient recipes for brewing with locally sourced ingredients. We’re sure you'll enjoy the friendly atmosphere and will enjoy even more savouring the local produce to accompany your light lunch of burger and of course a beer (vegetarian/vegan options available). After your meal, relax and enjoy the surrounding peaceful countryside before taking your private vehicle just 7m (5mi) back to Puerto Varas.

Note: E-bikes must be requested in advance, at no extra cost, but must be taken by the whole group as we cannot provide a mix of e-bikes + normal bikes within the same group as they are provided by different suppliers. The timings and route may be adjusted to accommodate brewery opening times.

Excursion length: 6hrs approx in total.
Meals: Breakfast, light lunch 
Accommodation: Hotel AWA, or Wyndham Puerto Varas Pettra (or equivalent), in Puerto Varas

Day 4: Sea kayak on Reloncavi Fjord; Puerto Varas

For this day of sea kayaking, you'll first head along the scenic and well-known Lake Llanquihue route to the south, until reaching the outpouring river at Ensenada. From there it’s onwards to the scenic mouth of the northernmost fjord of Patagonia, Reloncaví­ Fjord in Ralun Bay.

After choosing your single or tandem expedition sea kayaks and being shown and instructed about your safety equipment, your guide will lead you through this epic location southwards.

You'll kayak across the Reloncavi Fjord, both in open and more protected waters under the guidance of your qualified guide, hopefully spotting some of the characteristic wildlife which inhabits these waters: sea lions and dolphins (local species are smaller than the average ones found in other places of the world) and a rich variety of birds including pelicans, cormorants, and possibly even Humboldt penguins if you're really lucky.

Lunch will be taken near a local farm, where you'll enjoy the opportunity to interact with some of the locals who call this beautiful location home. After a freshly brewed coffee and a short walk around the area it will be time to get back on the water and paddle in front of the truly stunning snow-capped Yates and Hornopiren volcanoes.

You’ll then cross the fjord to the entrance of the village of Cochamo, between the Andes and the Pacific. Cochamo Valley and its huge granite walls are world-renowned among rock climbers and also offer incredible hiking routes. This is where you’ll leave the water, transferring back to Puerto Varas, arriving about 7pm. Experience in sea kayaking is not necessary, but you should feel comfortable floating in possibly undulating water or windy conditions.

Note: Today's activity can be changed to rafting grade four rapids along the Petrohue River for 6km, if requested in advance.

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch
Accommodation: Hotel AWA, or Wyndham Puerto Varas Pettra (or equivalent), in Puerto Varas

Day 5: Transfer to Puerto Montt Airport

After breakfast, you will take a transfer back to Puerto Montt Airport for your onward travel. Daily flights to Santiago take just 1.5 hours.

Meals: Breakfast