Trek in Lakes District and Douglas Tompkins National Park, Chile

We will pick you up at the airport and meet you in order to begin your trip. Transfer to Ensenada town on the shore of Llanquihue lake, passing by Puerto Varas with their viewpoints and Protected house declared National Monuments by the Government of Chile. On a very good road with scenic vistas to lake Llanquihue and Osorno, Calbuco, and Yates volcanoes. Accommodation in a double shared room in a hotel in Ensenada. If time allows, we will also visit the Petrohue River Falls. First night in the Lake District at a cozy local hotel, with local food and specialties.

Drive towards the Ralún area from where we will continue bordering Cochamó on the shore of the Reloncaví Sound. These are still unspoiled destinations and a paradise for trekking and kayaking. The views become more spectacular as we proceed and it feels as if we are leaving the modern world behind. The country road leads us to the Tagua Tagua Lake, a natural lake section of the Puelo river catchment which has its origin in a lake of the same name in the Argentinean Patagonia, flowing north-west through the Andes into the Reloncaví Estuary of the Reloncaví Sound at the northern end of the Gulf of Ancud.

Once we arrive in Puerto Maldonado, a public ferry boat will take us sailing on the clear blue waters to the Mitico Puelo Lodge which owns the concession for the private Tagua Tagua Park.

After another short but beautiful ride across the lake to the shore at the beginning of the trail, we will disembark at the hidden entrance of Parque Tagua Tagua. After a steep scramble ascending 300 feet (100 m) to the top of a waterfall, we begin our hike up the valley and through a pristine temperate rainforest protected within the borders of this private park. After walking 4.5 miles (7 km), we will arrive at Refugio Los Alerces, a charming cabin bordering a stunning lagoon, where we will spend the two following nights. Rest and enjoy our box lunch. Get our packs sorted with sleeping bags and during the afternoon, we will enjoy a leisure hike exploring the corners of the Valdivian forest. Return before time for some tea and rest next to the amazing evening sun.

Waking up in this wild place, and ready for a nice cup of good coffee or tea to get ready for a wonderful exploration of the park. (B, BL, D)

After a hearty breakfast, we will hike back at our own pace and on time to get the ferry boat back where the transport will be waiting for you to drive to Hornopirén village on the shore of the sea. This is the beginning of the Carretera Austral. This section of the road has been recently paved (Caleta La Arena-Hornopiren) and is wonderfully designed with fantastic views of the Reloncaví Sound. Accommodation at a Hotel in Hornopirén. (B-L)

We will take the ferry from Hornopirén and spend the day sailing between the fjords and ancient forests within the Douglas Thompkins National Park. The voyage to Leptepu takes 3.5 hours. This scenic trip offers views of some of the most beautiful coastlines on the planet, where evergreen forests reach down into the fjords, bordered by granite walls and glaciers. Some of the glaciers flow into waterfalls, giving life to an already gorgeous landscape. You’ll also pass by the Quintupeo and Cahuelmó fjords. Once you reach Leptepu, continue 6 miles along a gravel road until you arrive at Fiordo Largo cross the Reñihué Fjord and arrive at Caleta Gonzalo, where transportation will be waiting for you. Time permitting, we will enjoy some short hikes in the afternoon. Accommodation Hotel double based with breakfast.

Pumalín National Park was originally envisioned and created by Douglas Tompkins, the founder of The Northface and Sprit clothing companies. Alongside his wife Kristine, Tompkins, they purchased over 700,000 acres of untouched rainforest, and over the years it became what is now known as the Douglas Tompkins (Pumalín )National Park.

Hike to Chaiten Volcano. – Trail Length: 3.4 miles round trip Elevation: 2000 feet
Time Needed: 4 hours Difficulty Level: Moderate to difficult.

This trail leads to a viewpoint of Volcán Chaitén, an active volcano that erupted in 2008 causing a violent mud flow to destroy major parts of the Pumalín forest on its way. During the hike, we could see stumps of old trees with their tops blown off that are still standing intact with new ones sprouting around them. The hike starts off in a lush rainforest, passes a river, and leads through a steep climb up with incredible views of the valley along the way.

Trail Length: 3.4 miles roundtrip from Campsite Grande


Elevation: 1270 feet
Time Needed: 3 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

We will take the Mirador trail to an overlook of the Michimahuida Glacier. This hike is located in the southern part of the park after passing through the town of Chaitén. (B, BL)

Last morning in Chaiten. Time to pack and take the transfer to the local airport for your charter flight back to Puerto Montt La Paloma airport. This stunning landscape will spoil you while flying across the sound or Reloncaví spotting glaciers, lakes, and volcanoes from your seat on the plane. Have your immigration card and passports handy. Transportation to Puerto Varas and accommodation at local Hotel, rest and shower after a long day. (B,)

Last morning in the Lake District, time to stroll around this petite charming town facing the Llanquihue lake, the third biggest one in South America encompassing the main Volcanoes of the region, Osorno, Calbuco, and Tronador. Transfer to the airport for the continuation of your journey in Chile. End of services.