Lake District and Chiloe Island

The most iconic sights of the Lakes District are easily the majestic Osorno Volcano and the gorgeous Petrohue Falls. The snow-capped image of Osorno adorns most photos of the area, as it stands looking over Todos los Santos and Llanquihue Lake. The falls are gentle and serene and bring an elegant beauty to this already spectacular landscape.

Departing from Puerto Varas, youll travel in vehicle to the beginning of the El Solitario trail. You will trek at the base of the Osorno Volcano, taking in amazing views of the surrounding scenery. The trek will lead you through an ancient forest, over volcanic rock, and between renewed native forests. You will be surrounded by beautiful views of three volcanoes: Osorno, Calbuco, and Puntiagudo. Ending the trek, youll head to the Petrohue Falls, where turquoise waters flow mightily over the rocks, a great place to enjoy a picnic lunch. Finally, youll make a stop at Lake Todos los Santos, where the Andes provide a magnificent backdrop for a peaceful rest and gorgeous photos. You return to your Puerto Varas hotel in the afternoon and have the evening on your own before a restful night at your lodgings. (B,L)

After an early breakfast, you head south, crossing the Straights of Pargua by ferry to the island of Chiloe. Once on the island, you’ll drive to the serene Bay of Caulin where swans and other birds may be seen. The next stop is the former capital, Ancud, a picturesque community of rustic homes, colorful fishing boats and historic Spanish forts with a thriving market of local traders and artisans selling their wares. Chiloe is full of legends and superstition. Some island residents claim that century-old monsters roam here at night, sailing on elaborately painted ghost ships, frightening even the bravest of fishermen. Reaching the northern coast of the island, you’ll visit a World Wildlife Fund-supported penguin colony, one of the few places in the world where Magellanic and Humboldt penguins co-exist. A trip by zodiac takes you among the small islands of penguin rookeries. Depending on weather conditions, you might also observe a sea lion colony. At the end of the day, youll be transported to your accommodations in the city of Castro. (B,L)

Today your Chile travel takes you along the islands backroads deep into Chiloe to explore its cultural, agricultural and religious heritage on tours of three villages, Dalcahue, Curaco de Velz and Achao. You’ll tour UNESCO World Heritage Site churches and small interesting museums, watch artisans at work and enjoy regional cuisine. You’ll also see why the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has recognized Chiloe as a World Agricultural Heritage Site (SIPAM), for the ingenious practices its farmers have employed over generations to use and conserve natural resources. Here more than 200 varieties of native potatoes are cultivated. Depending on the time of year, today’s tour may include stops at viewpoints where endemic and migratory birds are observed, including the straight-billed curlew and the magnificent Chilean flamingo. You’ll enjoy lunch in one of Chiloe’s typical restaurants before returning to your hotel for dinner and another relaxing evening. (B,L)

On today’s excursion, you will see the Chiloe that amazed Charles Darwin when his voyages brought him here, traveling to Lake Huillinco, the western settlement of Cucao and the Pacific Ocean. The tour includes a visit to Chonchi, known as the “City of Three Stories” where slopes contain some of Chiloe’s wooden churches, the Museum of Traditions and a crafts market. You’ll then continue on to the town of Lacustrine de Huillinco where the cemeterys tombs resemble the islands architecture, before visiting Chiloe National Park. You’ll stop at the Visitor Center and then take a scenic walk along the path of “The Tepual” into a Chiloe forest. You’ll lunch in a typical restaurant before arriving on the western edge of the island to walk along the Pacific coast and then be returned to the hotel for another free evening. (B,L)

Before leaving Chiloe, you’ll enjoy a final breakfast and then be transferred to the airport for your Santiago flight. In Santiago your local guide will provide transportation to your accommodations. (B)

Your last day in Santiago leaves you free to explore on your own or if you prefer, we can arrange a city tour. (B)