Adventures, Lakes Crossing, Rafting, Hiking, and Things to Do around Puerto Varas, Chile
JJ's Patagonia Travel Desk
"Let me help you sort out what's worth doing and how to go about it, drawing on years of extensive traveling in this area between Temuco and Coyhaique, Chile." John Joy, resident in Patagonia since 1990
Staying at Tres Rios Lodge or Tradicion Austral or Not, contact John at joyofchile@gmail.com
LAKES CROSSING between Puerto Varas and Bariloche
The Lakes Crossing, or Cruce de Lagos, Cruce Andino, between Puerto Varas, Chile and Bariloche, Argentina is probably the most popular tour in southern Chile. It starts with a 08:30 bus departure from Puerto Varas along the southern shore of Lago Llanquihue, stops at Petrohue Falls and continues to Petrohue village on Lake Todos Los Santos at the base of imposing Volcan Osorno. Here travelers board a 200 passenger catamaran which departs at 10:30 to navigate 30 km of emerald waters with impressive views of volcanoes Osorno, Casa Blanca, Puntiagudo and Mt. Tronador, arriving at the village of Peulla at the eastern end of the lake at 12:15. In Peulla there is time for short hikes, or lunch. At 14:00 a bus takes travelers onward to Puerto Frias, passing customs and immigration en route and crossing the Andes through a pass at 976 MASL. At Puerto Frias the trip continues by boat across Lago Frias to Puerto Alegre and from there by bus again to Puerto Blest. The last boat ride on the journey departs Puerto Blest for Puerto Panuelo at 19:00. The final bus ride arrives in Bariloche at 21:30. Of course, the Lakes Crossing trip can start in Bariloche and end in Puerto Varas or Puerto Montt.
The cost of the Lakes Crossing is USD $230.
It is best to do this trip with skies that permit you to enjoy the magnificent views. We can book your firm reservation for the Lakes Crossing in advance, and you can wait to pay for the Lakes Crossing until you arrive in Puerto Varas, up to the day prior to your scheduled lakes crossing. If you decide not to go on the lakes crossing, for whatever reason, we can cancel your reservation without penalty. We can also re-schedule your lakes crossing reservation for a sunny day (it's a good idea to schedule 2-3 nights in Puerto Varas). The home Lakes Crossing office is only blocks away from Tradicion Austral Bed & Breakfast and we are friends with the staff. It's just one of the ways we can help you get the most out of your travels. We have a free transfer to meet your bus when coming to or leaving Puerto Varas on the Lakes Crossing.
EXCURSION to PEULLA
An alternative to the full Lakes Crossing, which includes the best features of the Lakes Crossing, would be the excursion from Puerto Varas to Peulla and back. In this manner you would see Petrohue Falls, all the volcanoes, and the fabulous scenery going and coming. You would start out on the Lakes Crossing from Puerto Varas as above but return from Peulla at 16:00 instead of continuing to Bariloche, arriving back in Puerto Varas at about 19:00.
The cost of the Excursion to Peulla from Puerto Varas is CLP $30.000.
BUS SERVICE between Puerto Varas and Bariloche
There is regular bus service along a scenic route between Puerto Varas and Bariloche that takes about 6 hours via Osorno, Puyehue, crossing the Andes at Cardenal Samore Pass, passing through Villa Angostura and going around Lake Nahuel Huapi into Bariloche. We can reserve bus tickets as a courtesy for our guests.
The cost of bus tickets is around CLP $17.000 in peak season.
RAFTING the Petrohue River
For many one of the most memorable adventure experiences during their vacation in Chile will be rafting the whitewater rapids of the Petrohue River. The clear jade waters of this most beautiful of all Chilean rivers tumble along the feet of 8700' Osorno Volcano dropping some 300' during the 1.5 hours raft trip. This half-day adventure departs Puerto Varas at 08:30 and 14:30. All equipment is provided, as well as a snack. This excursion is for everyone over the age of 11, considered easy to moderate, depending on river levels. All you need is a towel and swim suit.
The cost is CLP $30.000 with transportation from Tradicion Austral Bed & Breakfast.
CANYONING
If you love untamed nature, and you're in reasonably good shape, this is the adventure for you. Many of our guests have told us that canyoning was their favorite activity in the Andean foothills and volcanoes around Puerto Varas. Canyoning starts with hikes (~90 minutes) up through forests and river valleys to the top of a section of remote, pristine mountain stream. Wearing a wet suit and protective headgear and footwear, you'll descend the mountain in the streams going down natural water slides and plunging into pools. It's full of adrenalin challenge that will leave you elated and glad you did it. All equipment and a snack is provided.
The cost is CLP $35.000 for 3/4 day and CLP $60.000 for a full day. Transportation from Tradicion Austral Bed & Breakfast at 08:30 and 14:30 (3/4 day).
KAYAKING
Enjoy sea kayaking in scenic Reloncavi Estuary from the last section of the Rio Petrohue to the fishing village of Cochamo. On this 4 to 5 hours guided excursion through the fjord you'll have snowy peaks on the mountain ridges, dolphins, sea lions and waterfowl to accompany you. All equipment and a delicious box lunch is included. If you prefer, kayaking on Lago Todos Los Santos is also an option.
The cost is CLP $60.000 for a full day. Transportation from Tradicion Austral Bed & Breakfast at 08:30.
HORSEBACK RIDING
There are several options for horseback riding in the Puerto Varas area. Much of it is actually horse trekking in that you will cross freestone rivers, climb steep embankments, and wind through native rainforest. You can reach the summit of Calbuco Volcano in this manner, walking some of the last bit above the treeline. There are other rides that are less vigorous, through pastures and along beaches. And then there are multi-day expeditions with pack horses to the upper reaches of road-less Yosemite-like valleys where only a few have ventured. All expeditions are guided by experienced wranglers, and good horses and good equipment are provided. Let us know what you're looking for and we will set it up for you.
As a reference, the cost for riding or trekking is CLP $7.000 per hour, and somewhat less for full day adventures. You can reach departure points by local bus from Puerto Varas or, of course, by rental car. Guests at Tres Rios Lodge can start riding from the lodge itself on the slopes of Calbuco Volcano.
HIKING
There are marvels of nature along the paths of Chile that are enriching experiences to behold...and usually you will have them virtually to yourself. Some of the best trails are in the National Parks of Vicent Perez Rosales, Alerce Andino, Puyehue, and Queulat. Tres Rios Lodge sits at the center of the first three national parks, 5 km from VPR, and Queulat is along our route further south in Patagonia, Chile.
HELICOPTER TOURING
There are amazing marvels of nature seen from the skies of Chile that could never be appreciated by any other means. If you've ever wondered what Earth would look like if man did not inhabit it, this is your chance to see it in a virgin, original state. Tres Rios Fly Fishing and Adventure has teamed up for years with INAER HELICOPTER CHILE, the most reliable company and experienced pilots in Patagonia, Chile.
We recommend a flexible approach to scheduling the adventures and activities available in the Puerto Varas area. Weather is an important factor to get the most from some of the options. Most of the snowy peaks and volconoes will not be visible under heavy cloud cover. Rain and cloud is not good for the Lakes Crossing, the Excursion to Peulla, horseback riding, and fishing the upper Rio Petrohue (scenery-wise). Overcast skies are less important for activities such as canyoning, rafting, kayaking, fishing the Rio Maullin, tours of Chiloe Island, etc.
If you are staying with us at Tres Rios Lodge or Tradicion Austral Bed & Breakfast let us make your firm but changeable reservations for adventures and tours, and we'll look at the reliable extended weather forecasts once you're here, discuss options with you and either confirm or modify itineraries as necessary to match the weather. The people who will actually be taking you rafting, horseback riding, canyoning, fly fishing, touring, and crossing the lakes are our neighbors and friends and they are very cooperative in working with us. We are in a priviledged position to help you organise the best possible activities program.