Into the valleys of the Andes
7 Days/ 6 Nights
This trek & drive tour is for all those who consider true luxury to be the authenticity and seclusion of a little-known natural paradise. Leading you into isolated river valleys hidden in the Andes Cordillera, it combines comfort with adventure, and adventure with profound disconnection. Follow the route of the emerald-colored Puelo River and hike on traditional gaucho farming trails into the widely unknown valley of the glacier-fed Ventisquero River, where you stay in a comfortable chalet.
- The tour starts at the airport of Puerto Montt, in Southern Chile´s beautiful Lake Region. Pick up your rental car and smartphone and drive to nearby Puerto Varas on the shores of Llanquihue Lake. Spend the rest of the day walking along the beautiful coastal promenade and relax in one of the local cafés while enjoying the view of the area’s snow-covered volcanoes.
- Overnight in Puerto Varas.
- After breakfast, head north through the Pampa to the world-famous national park Torres del Paine in Patagonia.
- On the way there, you can observe Ñandus, condors and guanacos. Long before the arrival in the park, you can see from far the striking formations of the Cuernos and the Torres del Paine.
- Accommodation near the park, in Estancia Tercera Barranca or similar
- The Estancia Tercera Barranca is a provider of horseback riding tours in the region in the region.
- We offer tours in the park and the surroundings of the Estancia, you will get to know the unique fauna and flora of Patagonia and as well amazing views of Torres del Paine. Interesting fact: in the park there are 9 different species of orchids.
- This day is at leisure to explore the splendid natural surroundings of the farm. A demanding hike leads up to a viewpoint overlooking the entire river valley*, but it is also worth hiking only half of it to the first lookout**. An easier alternative is the leisurely Ventisquero Loop that leads along the river, mostly through forest***. It is also possible to arrange horseback riding or kayak. Or decide to do nothing apart from feeling the joy of being in this natural paradise. A special experience in the evening is watching the rising moon and the completely undisturbed starry sky.
- Overnight in chalet in Rincon Bonito.
- *Duration: 6-7 h round trip / 4 km (2.49 mi) / high difficulty (950 m or 3116 ft height difference)
- **Duration: 3-4 h round trip / 2 km (1.24 mi) / medium-high difficulty (400 m or 1312 ft height difference).
- ***2-3 h loop / 7 km (4.35 mi) / low difficulty
- (6-7 h hike + 30 min drive + 15 min boat ride)
- Leave Rincón Bonito today and hike back to your car. From a nearby meeting point, a pleasant 45-min-walk takes you to the shore of Las Rocas Lake. A boat awaits here to take you over to the exclusive Bandurrias Island located on the lake. There is a comfortable lodge on this pristine piece of land, surrounded by native forest and shut off from the rest of the world. After a delicious dinner, you spend the night in a quaint wooden cabin.
- Overnight on Isla Bandurrias.
- Recommendation: Add a third night in Rincón Bonito to fully make yourself feel at home and recharge your batteries.
- (approx. 15 min boat ride + 45 min hike + 4.5 h drive + 45 min ferry ride)
- Wake up to the sound of birds chirping and start the day with a rich homemade breakfast. Spend the morning however you like, for example taking a swim or exploring the lake with the lodge’s canoes. Leave the island around noon, when the boat takes you back to “mainland”. Drive back to Tagua-Tagua-Lake, the natural limitation to this hidden valley full of wonders. Get in line for the ferry that takes you back to Puelo, from where you continue driving back to Puerto Varas.
- Overnight in Puerto Varas.
- Recommendation: Add a second night on Bandurrias Island to fully take in the island’s tranquility and explore the pristine surroundings of the lake on a half-day hike to a view point.
- This is the last day of your adventure in Patagonia! Drive from Punta Arenas city to the airport and drop off the rental car. Keep enjoying Chile! Let us know what do you want to do next?
