- Group Size 12 People Maximum
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Activity Level
Challenging
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Travel Style
Outdoor Expedition
We've got your back.
When you join one of our trips, we want you to have peace of mind. In response to COVID-19, we’ve:
- Implemented expansive new safety protocols
- Reduced trip deposits to just $100
- Made it easier than ever to reschedule your trip
Unravel the mysteries of Chiloé, a land of hidden myths and softly spoken legends. We’ll take you on a unique cultural and naturalist exploration of this stunning archipelago—Chile’s largest island—as well as to the northern region of the route of the famed Parks of Patagonia. In addition to gaining unique, hands-on insight from several rewilding and conservation projects, we’ll experience culinary traditions surrounded by some of the world’s most spectacular scenery. While traveling by boat, by air, and by land, our expert guides will welcome you into diverse landscapes and ecosystems, home to a spectrum of flora and fauna. Our unique selection of accommodations will have you falling asleep surrounded by lakes and volcanoes or overlooking fjords and mountains—all after rejuvenating days spent in some of the most majestic scenery in the world.
For those seeking further adventure, continue on to Aysén for our optional five-day extension, which includes a boat excursion to the stunning marble caves of Chile Chico.
- Stunning scenery in remote regions
- Boating and hiking excursions
- Rewilding experiences with local scientists
- Local cuisine and cultural heritage
- Cooking workshops
- Unique and characterful accommodation
- Extension to the Marble Caves of Chile Chico
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to the Lake District!
Arrive today in Puerto Montt (El Tepual International Airport), where you’ll meet the rest of your group before transferring to the charming town of Puerto Varas. After settling into the hotel, we’ll take a walk together through town, right on the shore of one of the largest lakes of Chile—with a breathtaking view of the Andes Mountains to match. Keep your eyes peeled for the active volcanoes of Osorno and Calbuco as you breathe it all in. Our first taste of the local cuisine will begin with lunch at a local food truck with a view of the lake. In the afternoon, take the chance to explore the town of Puerto Varas at your leisure and enjoy dinner on your own before a big day of exploring ahead.
Hotel Mero Gaucho or similar, Puerto Varas
Lunch
Day 2: Red Crater & Petrohué Falls
Enjoy a lovely breakfast before a morning expedition in the foothills of the Osorno Volcano—yes, the same volcano you may have spotted the day before! From here, we’ll take a breezy walk to Petrohué Falls followed by a two-mile hike to the red crater of the Osorno volcano. We’ll also be rewarded with a remarkable view of the Andes mountain range. In the afternoon, you’ll have a unique opportunity to give back to the land as we meet up with local NGO Legado Chile to partake in regenerative field work, working on the natural restoration of the wetlands in the small village of Llanquihue. After a full and active day, enjoy dinner and the evening on your own.
Hotel Mero Gaucho or similar, Puerto Varas
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: The Crossing to Chiloé
Following breakfast, we’ll set out for the scenic crossing to the island of Chiloé. During our 35-minute ferry ride, you’ll encounter breathtaking views of the Andean range from the water, as well as the first villages of the island, made noticeable by the typical wooden towers of the churches that make this place a unique architectural wonder. Throughout the day, we’ll explore the north part of the island and experience the wonderful living cultural heritage of Chiloé. We’ll visit small villages, taste fresh oysters, and witness the breeding colony of both Humboldt and Magellanic Penguins. Keep your eyes open for more wildlife encounters on the way, as you're sure to see many other species of birdlife who call this place home. Unwind this evening at your leisure at our one-of-a-kind hotel, elevated on stilts and situated right on the water.
Hotel Palafito 1326 or similar, Castro
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4: Chepu River & Duhatao Hike
We’ll kick off the day with an invigorating hike through the jaw-dropping forests and cliffs that encompass the Pacific Coast of Chiloé. The total hike will cover about 6 miles (10 km) over 6 hours. At the end of the hike, we’ll travel by boat as we navigate the mouth of the Chepu River, crossing through the unique sunken forest before disembarking in the village. After a short transfer on the road, we’ll arrive at a local family’s house to participate in the preparation of the locally loved Curanto, a dish which originated in Chiloé. In the evening, you’ll have the opportunity to explore at your leisure and enjoy dinner on your own. (Note: If you’d rather not join the hike, you’ll have most of the day free and can then join the group for the cooking workshop.)
Hotel Palafito 1326 or similar, Castro
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5: Castro & The Dock of Souls
After breakfast, we’ll set out on a walking tour of Castro, a city known for its colorful palafitos (stilt houses). We’ll take in the smells and sights of the local market, where we’ll purchase ingredients that we’ll later use to prepare our dinner. Once we reach the western side of the island, we’ll enjoy a two-hour hike to the Muelle Las Almas (Dock of Souls), a stunning wooden deck with remarkable views of the grand Pacific Ocean. Once returning to Castro, we’ll prepare dinner together with a local chef using our market-fresh ingredients.
Hotel Palafito 1326 or similar, Castro
Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Carpentry & Cocinerías
After a delicious breakfast, we’ll spend our last day in Chiloé exploring the villages of the east canals, including Dalcahue, Archao, and Quinchao. We’ll have the opportunity to take in the beauty of some of the temples, designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites, located in the archipelago. You’ll then have a truly unique, hands-on experience spending time with the local carpenters, who use native wood and ancestral skills to craft their art—one at risk of disappearing. We’ll enjoy lunch at the “cocinerías,” food markets run by female leaders of the local villages, before we embark on our return trip to the mainland. Relax this evening back at our lovely boutique hotel.
Hotel Mero Gaucho or similar, Puerto Varas
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7: Patagonia Conservation
This morning, we’ll take a stunning flight over the fjords of the Parks of Patagonia to reach Chaitén (40-minute flight). Our local team will meet and introduce us to the El Amarillo area of Park Pumalín, a treasure for conservation and rewilding. Depending on your preferences (and the weather!) you’ll have the option to hike to either the Glacier El Amarillo (18 km) or Darwin’s Frog Trail (6 km). In the evening, we’ll drive to Caleta Gonzalo, the main entrance of the park, where we’ll enjoy dinner and the breathtaking scenery from our cabins with a view.
Caleta Gonzalo Cabins or similar, Parque Pumalín
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Volcán Chaitén & Cascadas Escondidas
This morning, we’ll head out to explore different sections of the park. We’ll start with a hike to the active Volcán Chaitén (5 km, 4 hours), an incredible example of the raw power of nature residing within these lands. We’ll then continue with an interpretive hike to Cascadas Escondidas (2 km, 3 hours), hidden waterfalls where you’ll surely want to take a dip. As you hike, you’ll have the chance to learn more from your guides about the temperate rainforest and its abundance of flora and wildlife. From elusive amphibians to unique mammals and birds—including the Magellanic woodpecker and the Pudú, the smallest deer on earth—you’ll want to keep your eyes open and ears perked in order to take it all in.
Caleta Gonzalo Cabins or similar, Parque Pumalín
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: The Fjords of North Patagonia
After breakfast, we’ll depart from Caleta Gonzalo towards Puerto Varas, driving along the beautiful Carretera Austral, Chile's Route 7 highway. Our first ferry (45 minutes) will take us through the Fiordo Largo, where you’ll be surrounded by towering mountains and dramatic cloud formations. After a short drive, we’ll board our second ferry (4 hours), absorbing views of the Fiordo Comau and its turquoise waters. But wait, there’s more! You’ll board a third and final ferry from Caleta Puelche to Caleta La Arena. This ferry navigation is one of the most treasured highlights of the itinerary, providing unparalleled views of the mountains, volcanoes, and picturesque fishing villages along the shore.
Hotel Mero Gaucho or similar, Puerto Varas
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10: Departure or Optional Extension to Aysén
Today, catch flights home (airport transfer included) or continue on to Aysén for our six-day extension (see below). If you plan on staying in the area, your guide would be happy to help with tips and recommendations.
If continuing on our extension, this morning, we’ll fly from Puerto Montt to Balmaceda (1 hour), then make our way to the town of Coyhaique. Coyhaique is a remarkable town located in a breathtaking area of towering mountains and Patagonia steppe. We’ll enjoy a light local lunch before exploring the town, where we’ll visit the Research and Investigation Center of Patagonia. Enjoy the unique opportunity to share in the knowledge of local professionals who will explain their climate change initiatives specific to the area. We’ll also get a chance to chat with some of the local entrepreneurs building a hub of high-quality microbreweries. They’ll join us for dinner, along with the best beer tasting you’ll ever experience: ales and lagers with an open terrace view of the mountains of Coyhaique.
The Patagonian Lodge or similar, Coyhaique
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11: Suspended Glacier (optional extension)
After breakfast, we’ll drive to National Park Queulat. The scenery along this drive is particularly spectacular, moving along the Rio Simpson and towards the park’s temperate forests. Once we arrive, we’ll enjoy a hike to an overlook of the park’s famous suspended glacier and its towering waterfall, followed by a lakeside picnic lunch. On our way back to Coyhaique, we’ll make a steamy stop at the Ventisquero Hot Springs to enjoy a regenerating dip at the shore of the fjord. You’ll have the evening to explore the area at leisure, taking it all in at your own pace.
The Patagonian Lodge or similar, Coyhaique
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 12: Lago Gral Carrera (optional extension)
This morning, we’ll begin our road trip south as we navigate the second-largest lake of South America with a ferry trip from Puerto Ibanez to Chile Chico. Here, we’ll arrive at our final destination: the charming lakeside village of Puerto Guadal. Enjoy a day of breathtaking landscapes—glaciers, lakes, rivers, and mountains—as we explore the vastness of the steppe of Patagonia. Today will surely leave you in awe.
Terra Luna Lodge or similar, Puerto Guadal
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13: Marble Caves (optional extension)
This morning we’ll drive north to Puerto Tranquilo, where we’ll explore the marble caves of Lake General Carrera, the largest lake of Patagonia. You’ll have the opportunity to choose your own adventure here, accessing the caves via private tour on a small boat or by sea kayak. In the afternoon, we’ll check out the trail to the Maqui waterfall, taking in the spectacular views of the lake and surrounding mountains, before gathering together for dinner.
Terra Luna Lodge or similar, Puerto Guadal
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14: Cerro Castillo (optional extension)
We’ll depart early for Cerro Castillo, taking an alternate route to enjoy a different range of views. We’ll arrive around lunch time, with some time to relax. In the afternoon we’ll take a trip to the Reserva Nacional Cerro Castillo. This hike is a perfect opportunity to spot wildlife; we’ll keep an eye out for the endangered Chilean Andean deer. In the evening, we’ll prepare a farewell dinner: a lamb barbecue that the gauchos of the local community of Cerro Castillo will join us to enjoy—the best way to say goodbye to this unforgettable place.
La Casona Bed and Breakfast or similar, Cerro Castillo
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15: Departure (optional extension)
Following breakfast, we’ll transfer you to the Balmaceda Airport for your flights home. We hope to see you again soon!
Breakfast
The listed price of this trip is per person based on double occupancy. If taking the 6-day trip extension to Aysén, the total trip cost per person is $7,150 based on double occupancy.
You’re in good company. Solo travelers typically make up about half of our small groups. With curiosity at the center of our experiences, there’s a natural camaraderie that develops over the course of a trip. We have two options for you:
Shared Room (subject to the latest Covid-19 guidelines): You'll be matched with another solo traveler of the same gender.
Private Room: Have your own room, subject to availability, for a supplemental cost of $470 ($920 with the extension). After booking your trip, please request a private room when you fill out your traveler information form and we’ll add the option to your booking and final balance.
Note that for the two nights at the Caleta Gonzalo cabins, a single room cannot be guaranteed and you will most likely need to share with another traveler.
Travelers should feel comfortable walking 4–6 miles over the course of each day and spending most of the day outdoors. The amount of hiking varies from day to day, but you should be ready to hike for at least 2–3 hours at a time (covering 3–5 miles). The longest hikes (6 hours) can be optional, but all travelers should be comfortable with at least 3 hours of moderate hiking. Travelers should also be comfortable taking ferries, and if continuing to the extension, will have an opportunity to kayak.
We’ll be staying at locally owned boutique hotels throughout the trip. In Pumalín Park, we’ll be staying two nights at the Caleta Gonzalo Cabins. There will be two or three people per cabin with a shared bathroom. Note that wifi and single rooms are not available at these cabins. Keep in mind that in these more remote locations, many amenities, such as the types of pharmacies or grocery stores you expect in a larger city, will not be available.
Our trip begins in Puerto Montt the morning of Day 1, when we’ll be meeting at the airport and transferring by private vehicle to Puerto Varas. Your flight should arrive in Puerto Montt no later than noon. Our trip concludes in the morning on Day 10. If leaving directly after our tour, we recommend departing any time that day (transfer from Puerto Varas back to Puerto Montt). If joining for the extension, you should plan to depart anytime on Day 16 from the Balmaceda Airport.
- Accommodation throughout the trip at boutique hotels and cabins.
- All meals described in the itinerary.
- Transportation throughout the trip, including the internal flight from Puerto Montt to Chaíten, and if taking the extension, the internal flight from Puerto Montt to Balmaceda.
- Two experienced guides accompanying you for the duration of the trip.
- A donation to local non-profits focused on conservation and rewilding.
- Admission to all proposed activities, locations, and events mentioned in the itinerary.
- A great group of fellow Atlas Obscura travelers, excited to explore all that the region has to offer.
- Global Rescue medical evacuation insurance.
- Special access to unique places and extraordinary experiences.
- International flights or other transportation to and from Chile.
- Pre- and post-trip accommodations.
- Travel insurance (recommended).
- Additional meals and drinks outside of Atlas Obscura offerings, including most alcoholic drinks.
Trip FAQ
What positive impact will I have by taking this trip?
Your participation goes towards the vital protection and preservation of this beautiful region of the world and the communities who live here. A portion of every participant’s trip cost goes towards supporting local NGOs and conservation organizations, such as Legado Chile and other groups who will lead us in our rewilding experiences. In addition, this trip is committed to producing 0% plastic emissions, a carbon print compensation, and recycling 100% of the waste produced.
What are the visa/passport requirements for entering Chile?
Visa requirements for Chile vary depending on traveler citizenship. Please check requirements for travel to Chile and any countries passed through in transit. A passport is required for international travel. We recommend your passport expire at least six months after your return home.
Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated, though in certain cases ingredients can't be substituted or omitted from particular dishes. If you have a severe allergy, please contact us to find out if this is the right trip for you.funlo
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