4-Day Lakes District: Andean Crossing from Puerto Varas to Bariloche
4 days
4-Day Lakes District: Andean Crossing from Puerto Varas to Bariloche
from $1995 USD Request trip informationThis staggering voyage takes you through the virgin region of the Patagonian Andes, crossing different landscapes, immersed in two countries along the mountain chain. Discover the Rio Puelo valley. You will come across the enchanted Island of Las Bandurrias: a dream location. During these four days; you will feel the sensation of remoteness, the warmth of the local traditions with exquisite meals. Come to explore the secret and pristine crossing between Argentina and Chile.
Of note:
--The minimum capacity is two (2) passengers, and the maximum is ten (10).
--This trip can be done starting in Bariloche, Argentina and ending in Puerto Varas, Chile.
--The trip starts in Puerto Varas, Chile the closest airport to Puerto Varas is the Puerto Montt (PMC) airport, located 30 minutes to the south. The PMC airport offers connections to the Santiago (SCL) airport.
--The trip ends in Bariloche, Argentina the closest airport to Bariloche is the Bariloche (BRC) airport, 20 minutes to the east. The BRC airport offers connections to the Buenos Aires (EZE or AEP) airport.
--The Isla Bandurrias Crossing: all guides are WFR (Wild First Responder)certified. Local �huasos� (Chilean cowboys) are there to help as well, especially for carrying luggage via horse.
--The qualified staff on Isla Bandurrias are provided with safety equipment including a portable radio with available connections to radio networks; in case of emergencies they have access to direct telephone lines through this 2-way radio.
--Life jackets are provided for river and lake crossings. International adventure tourism insurance is used but clients are obliged to have their own travel insurance that covers them for such activities.
--A valid passport document is needed for both Argentina and Chile. Australians and Canadians are required to pay a reciprocity fee before entering Argentina.
--Passengers cannot bring any type of rigid cases, such as a square suitcase, instead a good quality duffel bag with strong zips will do.
--Pack comfortable trousers, waterproof pants, fleece, jacket, hat, some warm pairs of sock, sun block, insect repellent, personal medicines, flashlight and good trekking shoes. Using plastic bags as waterproof storage for your items is a great way to keep things dry in the case of rain.
--From mid-December to late January, horseflies are abundant through the whole southern part of Chile and Argentina. They will not harm you but are a nuisance and are attracted to dark clothing.
WHEN TO GO: September-April
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer from Puerto Varas to Isla Bandurrias (LD)
The trip starts when your private transfer picks you up from your hotel in Puerto Varas. The transfer will take you to the east where there will be some beautiful views of the Reloncavi fjord and the traditional little town of Cochamowith its wood church. We will have a delicious picnic lunch at the shore of the Tagua Tagua lake and then sail the lake for 45 minutes. After the ferry, the road will slow down inside the Puelo Valley, to amaze and delight you. Once you arrive to La Colina Farm, pack horses will be waiting to carry the luggage. We will walk for about 40 minutes on easy terrain until we reach Las Rocas Lake. After a short motorboat ride, you will arrive at Las Bandurrias Island. Here you will enjoy tea time with homemade cakes and cookies. You can also walk around the island or go for a swim. Timing: 4-hour private transfer (several stops to take some pictures) / 40-minute walk / 10-minute motorboat to Las Bandurrias Island.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Elite Accommodations: Isla Bandurrias Cabin
Day 2: Full Day Trekking near Azul Lake (BLD)
This morning we will enjoy visiting the Azul Lake with its crystal-clear waters and abundant fish life. The majestic peaks and stunning landscapes will not escape your attention! Our trek follows deep and straight passes into the forest along the mountains, which will take us to the south part of this lake. We will pass through the typical cold jungle, Valdivian-type rainforest with its ancient "Alerce" trees as well as other local "giants" such as the "Coihue" and "Arrayanes" (the cold tree). After a picnic lunch on the lake's shore in the afternoon, we will return back to the Island to enjoy the rest of the evening there. Timing: 30-minute motorboat Las Rocas Lake / 2 hour walk up to Lake Azul / 2 hours back to take the boat that will take us to the Island in 30 minutes
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elite Accommodations: Isla Bandurrias Cabin
Day 3: Full Day Horseback Riding through Rio Puelo (BLD)
This morning we will set off, once you feel comfortable in your saddle, on horseback toward Rio Puelo. The path crosses along self-suff icient farms surrounded by big mountains. We will have the possibility of enjoy different sceneries, from clean agricultural farms to trails insight t he deep Andes forest with ancient trees, fast rivers, waterfalls and wilderness. About two hours later we will arrive at the amazing Rio Puelo hanging bridge which brings locals the possibility of connecting isolated valleys with the main towns. The river has a unique turquoise color and draw incredible canyons and open beaches in its way down to the Pacific Ocean. We will continue to Ventisqueros Valley where we will make a stop to enjoy our lunch. In the afternoon, we will head back to Bandurrias Island. Timing:20-minute motorboat ride (round-trip) / 6 hours horseback riding
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elite Accommodations: Isla Bandurrias Cabin
Day 4: Trekking / Transfer from Isla Bandurrias to Bariloche (border crossing) (BL)
After breakfast, we have a half-hour hike to the Chilean Mountain Police Station to cross the border officially. The Station is located on a hill from which we will be able to see the Inferior Lake and the beginning of the Puelo River. Our hike continues along the Inferior Lake, on the same path once used by the pioneers on their way to Argentina. After about four more hours we will reach Argentina, where a jet boat will be waiting to take us to Lago Puelo National Park's dock. From there, a minibus will take us to the city of Bariloche, stopping only for lunch in the town of El Bolson. Timing: 4 hours of trekking / 30 minutes on jet boat / ½ hour private transfer from Lago Puelo to El Bolson
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Pricing
4-Day Lakes District: Andean Crossing from Puerto Varas to Barilochefrom $1995 USD
*** Contact Us for other itinerary and lodging options! ***
NOTE: Prices are per person in U.S. dollars based on double/triple occupancy. All quotations are based on the current rates of park fees, VAT, other government taxes, and current exchange rates. Should any of these be increased or a new tax introduced, these increases will be added on even if your trip has already been paid for.
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