This 10 day hiking trip is designed for small groups of nature lovers of average ability. No hard-core trekking experience or ambition is required. It is meant to introduce you close up to some of the most beautiful National Parks of the Chilean Lake District (and also includes an excurision into Argentina). There is no better way to appreciate these exquisite natural areas than to explore them on foot. We will visit Vicente Perez Rosales National Park and the Petroehue waterfall, hike up the slopes of Osorno Volcano and enjoy the fabulous views across Todos los Santos Lake and the volcanic peaks behind. In Argentina we will be based on Lake Mascardi and hike trails along rivers filled with glacial waters. We will visit the Nahuel Huapi National Park and Lanin National Park. On the way back to Chile we will hike around Lake Lacar and cross an isolated Andean Lake to get to Huilo Huilo Reserve. A fatastic exploration of Andean rainforest and huge waterfalls await us. There are also optional canopy tours and mountain bike excursion available. We will pass through the Chilean Lake district and visit the hot springs of Liucura River and hike in the Huerquehue National Park where we will enjoy the natural amphitheatre of thousands of Araucaria trees. A fantastic tour that allows you to explore some of the most beautiful and remote parts of the Lake District on foot and in comfort.

Day 1: Puerto Montt - Petrohué

Upon arrival at the airport of Puerto Montt your guide and driver for the tour will welcome you. Before setting off we will make a short stop at the harbor of Puerto Montt and the colorful fish market of Angelmó before driving on to the town of Puerto Varas, beautifully situated on the shores of Lake Llanquihue, just opposite the perfectly cone-shaped volcano Osorno. In the afternoon we will enter the first National Park of the trip, "Vicente Pérez Rosales". We will make a short stop at the waterfalls of Petrohué and take our time to absorb the impressive natural settings. In the afternoon we will arrive at our hotel in the National Park and have time for a short hike before dinner. Overnight at Hotel Petrohué. (D)

Day 2: Hiking in Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park

After breakfast we will start on a pleasant hike up the slopes of Osorno Volcano (2,661 m / 8,730 ft) to a pass between the volcano and La Picada Peak (1,710 m / 5,610 ft). On the first part of our trail we will cross wide lava fields, after which the vegetation becomes thicker, until we find ourselves hiking through native Valdivian rain forest. The flora will change significantly with every meter we advance. During the whole hike we will be able to enjoy fabulous panoramic views of Lago Todos los Santos and the surrounding volcanoes, including the immense Tronador Volcano (3,490 m /11,450 ft). Upon arrival at La Picada Pass, we will be able to rest and enjoy a well-deserved picnic. Then we will descend again. Our trail will lead us through thick native forest and a huge dried river bed to the emerald colored Lago Todos los Santos. We will have time for a refreshing swim in the lake before we will head back to our hotel in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Petrohué. (B, BL, D)

Day 3: Petrohué - Bariloche - Lago Mascardi (Argentina)

After breakfast we will board a catamaran for our lake-crossing trip to Argentina. During this full day boat and bus ride we will stop in Peulla, where we will take a short walk and enjoy a picnic, and later we will also stop in Puerto Blest, before we arrive at our destination, the port of Pañueli at Llao Llao. From here we will drive to our hotel on the shores of Lake Mascardi, where we will have dinner and stay overnight. (B, BL, D)

Day 4: Hiking around Lago Mascardi

We will set out on our half-day hike to explore the Andean valleys around Lake Mascardi. Our trail will lead us through native forests of coihue and lenga trees and along rivers filled with melt-water from surrounding Andean glaciers. Views of the immense, but extinguished Tronador Volcano and glacier will be magnificent. Along the way we will relax and enjoy our picnic. Upon return to the hotel, we will have time for a swim at the private beach or just relax for a while. In the late afternoon we will drive to Bariloche, the largest ski resort in South America. Our guide will take us on a short tour through the city; afterwards we will dine in a local restaurant. We will return to the hotel on Lake Mascardi in the evening. (B,BL,D)

Day 5: Lago Mascardi - San Martín de los Andes

Leaving Bariloche after breakfast, we will start our 4 to 5-hour journey to San Martín de Los Andes; admiring breathtaking scenery along the way. Initially we will drive along the edge of the expansive Patagonian Pampas, but once we turn west around Lake Nahuel Huapi the vegetation changes with every mile we pass. Finally, along the Seven Lake Route that crosses the National Parks Nahuel Huapi and Lanín, we will pass through thick forest. We will make several stops to take short walks and to enjoy our picnic. In the afternoon we will arrive at San Martín, a pleasant small city at the foot of the Andes with a mountain village atmosphere. After checking in at the hotel, you will have some free time to explore the town center and plazas of San Martín. Overnight in San Martín. (B,BL)

Day 6: Hiking San Martín - Huilo Huilo Reserve

After a short drive to the border at Huahum another great hike will await us. From here we will begin our moderate half day hike that leads us up into the hills surrounding Lake Lacar. The trail will gradually ascend. At first it will lead us through native forest, then the vegetation will disappear as we arrive at an open, reddish volcanic landscape from where we will appreciate incredible views of several active and inactive volcanoes in Chile and Argentina. We will be able to enjoy our picnic before we return to the vehicle and drive along Lake Lacar to Huahum to cross back into Chile. Here we will board a ferry to cross the isolated Andean Lake of Pirihueico, taking 1 ½ hours to reach our destination at the 60,000 hectare / 148,263 acres private reserve of Huilo Huilo. Overnight and dinner at Huilo Huilo. (B, BL, D)

Day 7: Huilo Huilo Reserve

Today we will take our time to explore the diverse landscapes and attractions of this reserve. We will undertake a half-day hike along an easy trail that brings us into close contact with nature; we will hike through thick native rainforest, observe huge waterfalls, walk along fast running rivers and enjoy great views of the extinguished snow-capped volcanoes that surround us. In the afternoon will we be able to choose from one of the optional excursions that the Huilo Huilo Reserve offers: a canopy tour to the tops of the native forest, a mountain bike tour or a relaxing half day on the nearby beach are some of the activities available. Overnight and dinner at Huilo Huilo. (B, BL, D)

Day 8: Huilo Huilo - Huife Hot Springs

We will pack up and start a beautiful drive through the Chilean Lake District. Passing several crystal clear lakes and rivers while enjoying views of huge volcanoes in the distance will be a constant throughout our trip. We will take a short hike and a picnic lunch on the way. Passing through the villages Coñaripe, Villarrica and Pucón, we will arrive at our hotel and the hot springs in the valley of the Río Liucura. The river is famous for its strong thermal activities and you will have plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful thermal pools that surround our hotel. Dinner and overnight at Hotel & Termas de Huife. (B, BL, D)

Day 9: Hiking in Huerquehue National Park

After breakfast we will depart on a beautiful hike in the Huerquehue National Park. This half-day excursion on a gradually ascending trail takes us through the different layers of the Valdivian rainforest to reach the impressive "amphitheater" consisting of thousands of Araucaria trees (Monkey Puzzle tree) at 1,200 meters / 3,940 ft above sea level. Once we arrive there, we will walk to three tiny, crystal clear lakes to rest, enjoy our picnic and have time for a refreshing swim in pristine water. In the afternoon we will return to our hotel and relax at the hot springs. Dinner and overnight at Hotel & Termas de Huife. (B,BL,D)

Day 10: Huife - Temuco

On our last day, we will pass the small towns of Pucón and Villarrica and head for the capital of the Araucaria region - Temuco. Here our adventure through the Lake Districts comes to an end. Our guide will drop you off at the airport to board your connecting flight. (B)

Rates for 2008/2009

Prices on request - the itinerary is fully customizable, please inquire.

Notes:

• This itinerary can be arranged all year round, but the best season is between October and March.
• It is designed for small groups with a minimum number of participants of four.
• The day of the Lake Crossing to Argentina is not private but with more passengers on the same catamaran/bus.

Includes:

9 overnights with breakfast, 8 lunch boxes and 8 dinners, transfers and excursions with driver and bilingual guide, entrance fees.

Not Included:

International or national airfares, airport taxes, travel insurance of any kind, meals not mentioned in the itinerary, expenses of a personal nature, personal hiking equipment, tips or gratuities

Hotels used for this Itinerary:

Hotel Petrohué**** Hotel Petrohué is located within Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, between the towering silhuette of Volcano Osorno and the blue-green waters of Todos Los Santos Lake. Built entirely of wood and stone, the hotel has the ambiance of an Alpine chalet that found its way to Chilean Patagonia. It features 13 rooms with views of the lake, volcano or river. General facilities include: room service, parking, bar, coffee shop and restaurant, pool, sauna and gym, meeting and conference halls, central heating, storage, laundry service as well as activities such as Trekking, Canyoning, Rafting and Fly Fishing.

Hotel Mascardi*** Hotel Mascardi, located on the shore of Lake Mascardi is surrounded by Andean mountains and leafy Patagonian forest. It offers 21 spacious rooms, equipped with TV, telephone with direct international dialing, central heating. All rooms are decorated with natural wood and offer fantastic lake views. General facilities include: room service, fax and e-mail at the front desk, safe deposit box at reception, private beach with docking facilities for medium size boats.

Hotel Le Chatelet*** Le Chatelet is one of the best hotels in San Martin. Centrally located and built in the local style of this part of Patagonia, it is a homely family run hotel with good services. The hotel features 32 rooms, all of which are well equipped with cable TV, stereo, telephone, room service and central heating. Additional facilities include an outdoor pool, sauna, gym, library, internet access and private parking.

Lodge La Montaña Magica*** Montaña Mágica Lodge is located within Huilo Huilo Nature Reserve, about 56 km / 35 miles from Panguipulli. The Lodge's name aptly describes its appearance: constructed with local woods it breaks all traditional architectural rules and looks more like a mountain than a house. Its nine very comfortable superior rooms are decorated in a warm, natural and earthy style. Apart from the rooms in the main building, the Lodge also offers 10 rustic log-cabins. General facilities include a cozy restaurant that prepares local specialties, a bar, a natural tree trunk hot tub, a sauna, a mini-golf course and internet access. Activities at and near Montaña Mágica Lodge include: hiking, trekking, horseback-riding, canopy, river rafting and mountain biking among others.

Termas de Huife**** Hotel Termas de Huife, surrounded by native Chilean forest, is set on the banks of Liucura River, about 30 km / 18,6 miles from Pucón,. The hotel features 11 luxury suites equipped with king size beds, minibar, telephone, bathtub and shower. General facilities at the hotel include: cafeteria, restaurant with international cuisine, conference room for up to 50 people. The Spa Center offers 3 outdoor thermal pools (one of them with quartz stones for a reflexology massage), sauna, therapeutic and relaxing massages as well as algae and mud bath therapy.