An overland
outdoor trip leaving from the Lakes District
We will go along unmarked paths, far away from crowded destinations
and enjoying the beauty and loneliness of this remote part of the
world.
We will be hiking on the border between Argentina and Chile, paddling
along the calm and remote waters of Palena River, Horse riding to
la Junta, enjoy good white water on the San Pedro River and paddling
huge big rapids on the world famous Futaleufu River. We spend our
nights between local farm houses and campsites on the rivers' banks...
Our shuttles are done by plane, ferry and van, making sure we have
the best way to reach these lost places. |
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| Day 1
PUERTO MONTT - PUERTO VARAS |
| Welcome
reception at the airport and transfer to Puerto Varas. Warm up and
paddling in a raft the volume waters of Petrohué River. We
enjoy this run on the river to work on active white water safety. |
| Day 2
PUERTO VARAS - PALENA |
| Transfer
to Puerto Montt airport and local flight to Chaiten (35 minutes trip)
and scenic drive to Palena. Barbecue and night in a lodge. |
| Day 3
PALENA - TIGRE RIVER |
| Hike on
the "Río Tigre" valley. Crystal blue water in a narrow
gorge, depending on the day we can enjoy some swim. |
| Day 4
& 5 PALENA RIVER |
| Self supported
raft trip on the Palena River until "El Tranquilo" valley.
We pass our nights and have dinners at local farmers' houses. A real
glimpse in Patagonian culture... |
| Day 6
& 7 PALENA RIVER - LA JUNTA |
| Self supported
horse ride until the only village we pass through; La Junta... We
will be riding in the native forest and then reach the Carretera Austral. |
| Day 8
LA JUNTA - FUTALEUFU RIVER |
| We drive
up the Futaleufu valley. The river is known as a whitewater paradise,
some of the best paddling you can imagine. The Fu is big and technical;
we will paddle the solid class IV section of "Bridge to Bridge". |
| Day 9
FUTALEUFU RIVER - CHAITEN - PUERTO MONTT |
| Depending
on the water levels, we paddle the "Terminator" section
(class V) or prefer the crystal waters of the Río azul with
inflatable canoes (class III / IV). We drive then to Chaiten and get
in the ferry to Puerto Montt. |
| Day 10
PUERTO MONTT - PUERTO VARAS |
| A relax
day around the area to get used again to the civilization. Night in
Puerto Varas. |
| Day 11
PUERTO VARAS - VICENTE PEREZ ROSALES NATIONAL PARK |
| Let's go
up hill, we trek on perfect cone of Volcano Osorno until reaching
the Desolation pass and its lookouts to the Lake Todos los Santos
and Monte Tronador. Back in Puerto Varas. |
| Day 12
PUERTO VARAS - SAN PEDRO RIVER |
| A long
day, we paddle the San Pedro River. 6 hours on these beautiful waters
surrounded by white gorges at the foot of Volcano Choshuenco. Drive
back and good bye party in Puerto Varas (take care of Pisco Sour hangover).
Overnight. |
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Options:
* 7 days trip discovering Palena, follow the river and meet locals...
* 12 days trip to add at these wild landscapes the best whitewater
on earth on the Futaleufu... |
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Min. 4 persons
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Ask Please
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INCLUDED :
- Meals and beverages (alcoholic drinks are provided at an extra
charge).
- Lodging in tents or hostels during excursions.
- Specialized gear such as boats, neoprene suits, riding gear
etc.
- Safety gear such as buoyancy aids, comprehensive first aid kit,
assistance and gear boaters, etc.
- Collective gear such as tents, cooking utensils, etc.
- Transportation during the trip (Ferries, Flights and minibuses).
- Special adventure tourism insurance, nevertheless we highly
suggest to bring a personal Travel Insurance from your country
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What to bring:
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- Sleeping bags, mattresses, eating utensils or personal gear.
- Personal clothing: Shorts, technical long underwear (capilene,
lifa), fleece pants and top, waterproof pants, rain jacket, lightweight
sport shoes, hat, thermal cap, swimming suit, sunblock, lightweight
gloves.
- Avoid cotton clothing as it is cold when wet.
- Personal first aid kit, shower set (bio-degradable).
- Warm sleeping bag (preferable synthetic), sleeping mat.
- Waterproof camera or camera with waterproof case.
- Head lamp (PETZL).
- Personal water bottle.
- When paddling you can layer thermal underwear, wool sweaters
and socks under our gear.
- We will be in autonomy and it is important to carry only the
essentials.
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Is it
necessary to train before the trip?
Two months before the trip it is a good idea to begin with a little
running, hiking, cycling, swimming, cross-country skiing or even kayaking.
Although our excursions do not require you be in top physical condition,
a little preparation will increase your enjoyment, especially in case
of bad weather. |
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Visas:
For citizens of most western countries pre-arranged tourists visas
are not required.* When you reach Chile, customs will simply issue
you a 90-day tourist visa. If you wish to stay longer, you can obtain
a second 90-day visa, by making a short trip to a neighboring country.
You will be issued the new visa upon returning to Chile.
*New Zealand is an exception. |
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Health:
Southern Chile is relatively free of disease and has good hygienic
conditions. The places we explore are pristine and untouched, not
crowded or polluted. Nevertheless, it is important to carry cold medicine,
aspirin, and other medicine you use on a regular basis. Although the
Chilean health system is quite advanced, we will be exploring isolated
places where it is also important to carry your own first aid kit.
Do not forget to visit your dentist before coming. |
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Local
money:
The local currency is the Chilean peso. In January 04 the exchange
rate was US $1 to 555 pesos.
Cash machines are common in Puerto Varas and Puerto Montt. Beyond
Puerto Montt credit cards are relatively useless. In a small number
of places you will be able to pay for meals or drinks with US dollars.
Nevertheless you should allot +/- US $100 for expenditures on things
such as souvenirs and drinks during the trip. |
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Guides:
All our guides are dedicated outdoors people involved in ecological
projects. Your safety and enjoyment will be their priority throughout
the trip. All guides speak a minimum of English and Spanish. |
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Weather:
Patagonia has a notoriously changeable climate. We plan our trips
during the austral summer to take advantage of the sun. Nevertheless,
we cannot guarantee it will not rain. We ask that you consider this
possibility when making your travel decisions. |
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Lodging
and meals:
We will stay in hostels as we pass through villages. Rooms will be
equipped with two to four beds. We choose our hostels and restaurants
because they operate as expertly as we paddle. During the expedition
we will camp on the valley's farmlands or on the riverbanks. Once
again it will be two to three to a tent. We use top outdoor gear to
ensure your safety and comfort.
Your guides will prepare meals with a little help from the rest of
the group |
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Groups:
From 4 to 10 people to facilitate comfortable communication with local
people. |
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Insurance:
We provide adventure tourism insurance for the duration of the trip
but we also recommend you have insurance to pay your expenses in your
home country in case of problems. |
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Bibliography:
Francisco Coloane : Tierra del Fuego / El Guanaco…
Bruce Chatwin: In Patagonia
Luis Sepulveda, Antonio Skarmeta...
Lonely Planet travel guides: Chile and Easter Island / Trekking in
the Patagonian Andes. |
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