Day Hike Puerto Varas

Day 1: Arrival to the Chilean Lake District

Just a short 2 hour flight south from Santiago takes you to Puerto Montt, the access point to the southern part of the Chilean Lake District.

On arrival at the airport you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel in the lakeside town of Puerto Varas. Puerto Varas sits right on the shores of the Llanquihue Lake 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 day hike through the neighbouring National Parks and Nature Reserves.

Accommodation: Boutique Guest House (upgrades possible)

Day 2: Hike the Desolacion Pass of the Osorno Volcano

This active hike covers a large and scenic section of the Vicente Perez Rosales park, Chile's first national park which opened in 1926. The hike takes 6 hours and covers 12km, mostly on a gravel trail. The trail begins with some steady uphill sections, but you will be treated to stunning views over the volcanoes and the lakes. The Andes emerge on the horizon as you end your hike at the emerald waters of the Todos Los Santos Lake.

On your return journey back to Puerto Varas you will visit the Petrohue Falls, where waterfalls cascade through channels formed by a combination of lava flows and water erosion. (This hike can also end with a night at the historic Hotel Petrohue on the shores of the Todos Los Santos Lake, instead of returning to Puerto Varas).

Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch

Accommodation: Boutique Guest House (upgrades possible)

Day 3: Hike amongst thousand year old Alerce trees

The Alerce Andino National Park is located between mountains, volcanoes and the Pacific Ocean. This full day excursion will take you along the coast at the beginning of the Carretera Austral. During this gentle hike you'll cover 16km in approximately 5 hours. For those looking for a challenge, an extra 4km loop to the Sargazo Lagoon can be added.

Whilst inside the park, you'll be surrounded by the exuberant temperate rainforest, including the old alerce trees (Fitzroya Cupressoides). Over millions of years, the transformation of these mountains created a landscape full of rivers, waterfalls and lagoons. During the drive to the park you will stop at local villages, to admire the ocean view of the first fjord of Patagonia.

Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch

Accommodation: Boutique Guest House (upgrades possible)

Day 4: Depart the Chilean Lake District

After breakfast, you will wave good bye to the glistening Llanquihue Lake and return to Puerto Montt airport.

From here you can fly north to Santiago (2hrs) and take an onward flight south to Punta Arenas (2hrs), the access point to Torres del Paine and the wonders of Southern Patagonia

Meals: Breakfast