Patagonian Parks Collection

Upon arrival in Temuco, our local team will welcome you and we will begin our journey south, driving through small towns such as Cunco and Melipeuco on our way to Conguillío National Park, one of the most remarkable protected areas in Chile’s Lake and Volcano District and part of Kütralkura, the country’s first UNESCO Global Geopark.

As we enter the park, the landscape reveals how the Llaima Volcano has continuously shaped this territory. We will walk across ancient lava flows and visit the Truful-Truful Canyon and its waterfalls, the most significant geosite of the geopark, where more than 13,000 years of volcanic history can be observed.

After this first exploration, we continue a short drive to La Baita Lodge, Chile’s first eco-friendly accommodation. Upon arrival, we check in, relax, and enjoy lunch together. Later, after a coffee or a shared yerba mate, we head out for an afternoon hike to a viewpoint overlooking the Llaima Volcano and a vast valley covered in solidified lava, locally known as the “Devil’s Field.”

We return to the lodge in the late afternoon to unwind, take a warm shower, and relax by the fireplace. In the evening, a welcome Pisco Sour will be served, followed by a cozy dinner, as our local guide introduces the days ahead and the journey that is just beginning.

After breakfast at La Baita Lodge, we set out on a short drive past Lake Verde and Lake Arcoiris, immersed in a striking volcanic landscape, the same scenery that inspired the award-winning BBC documentary Walking with Dinosaurs.

Our day continues with a hike along the Sierra Nevada Trail, surrounded by native forest and ancient monkey-puzzle trees (Araucarias). As we move along the trail, we may hear and spot endemic birdlife such as the Chucao Tapaculo, the Magellanic Woodpecker, and the lively slender-billed parakeet. The trail features three viewpoints, each offering a different perspective over Conguillío Lake and the Llaima and Sierra Nevada volcanoes. We take time to enjoy a packed lunch, capture the views, and fully take in the surroundings before hiking back down and visiting Playa Linda, a peaceful lakeshore spot.

In the afternoon, we continue our journey to Pucón, Chile’s capital of adventure travel. Set on the shores of Lake Villarrica and dominated by the smoking Villarrica Volcano, the town offers a lively atmosphere framed by dramatic natural scenery.

Upon arrival, we check in to our hotel, located beside the lake and close to a pedestrian area with a bike lane. The rest of the evening is at leisure. Dinner is on your own, with a wide selection of restaurants and bars within walking distance and our guides will be happy to share their recommendations.

Today, we will be riding along one of the most scenic routes in Chile: the Seven Lakes Circuit. We will cycle along the shores of three beautiful lakes: Villarrica, Calafquén, and Panguipulli, and cover three-quarters of the route around Lake Villarrica.

Our first stop is in Villarrica, a small town by Lake Villarrica. Here, we can grab some snacks and refill our water bottles. We’ll then take a shuttle to avoid a busier stretch of road before resuming our ride.

As we ride this scenic route, we will stop for lunch at a very special place called Foye Mapu. Here a Mapuche family will welcome us in their home and feed us traditional food. They will share some of their ancestral culture and we can learn how to make “merkén”, a smoked chilli powder that is super tasty.

After lunch, we will cycle to reach the town of Panguipulli. From there, we’ll take a brief tour to the beach at Lake Panguipulli. Then, we’ll pedal a few more blocks to our next hotel.

Today we´ll set out early, driving to the village of Puerto Octay, where we´ll begin our cycling journey along one of the most scenic sections of the Llanquihue Lake Route. From here, we´ll ride through quiet roads and small villages with strong German heritage, surrounded by green pastures and wide-open landscapes.

The route unfolds over rolling hills and long flat stretches, always accompanied by views of Lake Llanquihue and the striking presence of the Osorno Volcano, whose perfect cone dominates the horizon. As we continue, the landscape becomes increasingly dramatic, with the volcanoes Osorno, Calbuco, and Puntiagudo visible along the way.

This fully paved and low-traffic road follows the lakeshore and crosses Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, offering a series of viewpoints and peaceful stretches where the foothills of the Osorno Volcano meet the water’s edge. Cycling through this scenery provides a constant sense of immersion in the surrounding nature.

Our ride concludes in Petrohué, on the shores of the turquoise Todos los Santos Lake, nestled within the national park. We´ll arrive by bike at our lakeside lodge in Petrohué, where we´ll gather for dinner and take time to celebrate the completion of our second cycling day.

Today the adventure begins on the Petrohué River, known for its crystal-clear waters and exciting Class III–IV rapids. After a thorough safety briefing, we gear up and head to the river to practice paddling techniques before launching into the first rapids.

The journey covers approximately 13 km of continuous action, navigating waves and currents while surrounded by native forests and snow-capped volcanoes. Along the way, we make several stops to step out of the raft, climb riverside rock formations, and swim in the refreshing waters of the river.

After about two hours on the river, we reach the landing point and return to base for a well-earned lunch. Later, we continue to Puerto Varas, a charming lakeside town overlooking Lake Llanquihue, where the rest of the afternoon is free to explore, relax, and enjoy dinner at one of the town’s many excellent restaurants.

We depart from Puerto Varas and take a scenic flight over southern Chile, offering aerial views of lakes, volcanoes, and the vast Patagonian landscapes before landing near Chaitén. From here, our exploration begins in El Amarillo with a gentle interpretive hike through the temperate rainforest, where we learn about the unique flora and fauna that thrive in this lush ecosystem.

Later, we continue toward Caleta Gonzalo, one of the most scenic areas within Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park. Along the way, the landscape unfolds with rivers, glacial valleys, and dense rainforest, creating a powerful sense of remoteness and connection to nature. With a bit of luck, we may spot the pudú, the world’s smallest deer, quietly moving through the forest understory.

Upon arrival, we settle into comfortable, carefully designed cabins overlooking the fjord and surrounding mountains, an ideal setting to rest and take in the surroundings. In the evening, we enjoy a dinner prepared with ingredients grown and produced by local farmers from the Chaitén area, closing the day with a taste of local flavors and traditions.

After breakfast, we explore different sections of the park while learning about the inspiring work of conservation, restoration, and rewilding led by the Rewilding Foundation. The history of Douglas Tompkins is deeply connected to this landscape, as the park became part of the largest private land donation ever made, laying the foundation for what is now known as the Route of the Parks of Patagonia.

Today’s hiking options include the iconic Chaitén Volcano Trail, a more demanding route that offers striking views of the surrounding landscapes, and the Cascadas Escondidas (Hidden Waterfalls) Trail, a gentler interpretive walk through the forest. These alternatives allow travelers to choose between different levels of difficulty while continuing to immerse themselves in the park’s unique ecosystems.

In the evening, we gather to enjoy our final dinner and night in this remarkable place, reflecting on the journey so far before continuing south toward Torres del Paine.

Today we arrive in Puerto Natales, where our journey continues into one of the region’s most significant natural and archaeological sites. A private transfer takes us to the Milodón Cave sector, an area rich in geological history and dramatic landscapes.

We visit the Milodón Cave Natural Monument, a massive cave where the remains of a mylodon, a prehistoric giant ground sloth, along with other early Patagonian animals from the Pleistocene epoch, were discovered. From here, sweeping views open over the surrounding valleys, making this an excellent spot to pause and take in the scale of the landscape.

Our exploration continues into a private area near the cave, where we observe natural condor colonies and walk through native lenga forests, accompanied by stunning views over Laguna Sofía and distant fjords. Moving along imposing rock walls, we discover some of the region’s earliest cave paintings, learning about their cultural and historical significance.

We then enter a lesser-known cave, illuminated by headlamps, to observe ancient stalactite mineral formations that have taken millions of years to develop. Nearby, at the rock formations known as “Two Horseshoes”, we encounter additional cave paintings and archaeological traces left by the indigenous peoples who once used these shelters for protection, daily life, and gathering.

After this immersive visit into Patagonia’s deep past, we continue to our Riverside Camp, surrounded by the quiet landscapes of southern Patagonia.

This day is one of the most challenging of the tour. It demands stamina and determination, but offers unforgettable rewards for those who take on the climb.

We’ll begin the hike by entering the Ascencio Valley, gradually ascending until we reach the Windy Pass. This section is as beautiful as it is exposed, with strong gusts of wind. It’s essential to follow your guides’ instructions to cross this area safely.

Just a few meters ahead, we’ll reach Refugio Chileno. This is the last point along the route with bathrooms, food for sale, and internet access. Make sure to bring cash if you plan to purchase anything.

From there, we continue into a lenga forest, crossing small streams until we arrive at a panoramic viewpoint that reveals the next and most demanding stretch of the day. The trail then climbs steeply up a massive terminal moraine, where we’ll be rewarded with the breathtaking view of the iconic Towers.

After breakfast, our transfer will take us to Pudeto, where we will begin a gentle round-trip hike. We will pass by the Salto Grande waterfall, where Lake Nordenskjöld flows into Lake Pehoé.

We will enjoy a peaceful walk along the shoreline, following a trail that skirts the black sand beach, where you’ll be treated to a wonderful view at the Cuernos Lookout.

On the way back, we’ll take a break to enjoy a fresh snack and a short rest before our private transfer takes us to the next starting point at Sarmiento Lagoon. After approximately one hour of hiking, we will reach a rock formation featuring a series of cave paintings that date back 6,000 years.

Upon arriving at the Laguna Amarga entrance, our private transfer will be waiting to take us to our accommodation.

After a final night of rest and a free morning in the peaceful coastal city of Puerto Natales, you will have time to stroll along its waterfront promenade, where the town opens onto the Patagonian fjords, framed by snow-dusted mountains and ever-changing skies. This relaxed walk offers a last chance to take in the rhythm and atmosphere of southern Patagonia.

At midday, you will enjoy lunch at an excellent local restaurant. Afterwards, we will transfer you to Puerto Natales Airport for your onward journey.

Have a wonderful trip back home, carrying with you the memories of Patagonia’s landscapes, culture, and spirit.