Day 1 Bariloche –Las Horquetas Farm House:

Early pick up from your hotel, meet your guide for the trip and  load the vehicule. Transfer to El Bolsón.

3-hour trip, 120Km southwards, along the route surrounded by lakes and mountains, situated in the heart of the Patagonian Andes.  Arrive at El Bolsón. Chance to buy any last minute goods.   Short drive to the dock of Lake Puelo, in the Puelo National Park.

Turbo Jet boat sailing trip  across two lakes, thereby passing the custom control. After having complied with the custom procedures, we'll cross the rapids that unite the two countries of Argentina and Chile.(B, LB, D)

After the custom control at the Chilean border we will begin our trek to  Segundo Corral hamlet , 2 more hours and we will reach  Lolo´s   wooden and  cosy cottage. Lodging and dinner.

Timing: Lago Puelo Pier; Motor Boat: 1hs. 3 hours walk.

Day 2: Las Horquetas- Base Camp

After breakfast, we will start our day trek, passing through farm fields the terrain turns  up hill. Following  the “Barrancas” stream, the forest becomes predominantly old coigüe, (Nothofagus dombeyi )  turning into   mostly lenga trees(Nothofagus pumilio). These forests are pristine, fresh and don’t show any signs of human intervention hence the proliferation of a wide variety of lichen, misodendrum and fungai of great size. Steep climb takes us out of the lenga forest and into a high land plateau where we will  make our base camp for the  following  two  nights and share our experiences, emotions and reflections  around the campfire.(B, LB, D)

Timing: approximately 5 hours long, including  picnic.

Day 3: Base Camp- Glacier- Base Camp

The third day is demanding hike to the glacier. Early wake up call, and good breakfast. From base camp to the Glacier Logrado. We will overcome the tree line called ‘escorial” passing through some patches of seasonal snows to arrive at the view point ‘Mirador de los Cóndores’ (viewpoint of the Condors). From where we will enjoy the amazing view of the Correntoso River Valley.

The valley below is complemented by a glacial wall with lakes at the bottom of  the Puelo Valley. From here we will make out our final goal of the day, the lake and glacier Logrado. This fabulous view stays with us for the rest of the hike. We walk perpendicularly to the slope of the mountain, following the side of the valley through the ‘escorial’. Depending on the time of the year you will see different types of high mountain flowers.

After a good 3 or 4 hours of hiking over rocky trails we arrive at the lagoon where we cross over a black sandy beach that takes us to the glacier. Time for a well-deserved lunchbox enjoying the incredible ambience of this place. Return down  hill the same trail to our base camp, great meal and rest around the campfire.

Total hours:  7 hours.

Day 4: Base Camp- Las Horquetas

After breakfast and putting down the camp trek back to the Escobar family home where they will be waiting for us with a delicious and typical Chilean “asado al palo” or grilled meat, accommodation at the Escobar family house.(B,L,D )

Total hours walking: 5 hours.

Day 5: Las Horquetas Bandurrias Island-

We say goodbye to Lolo and after a good breakfast we depart for 2 hours walk to Segundo Corral, small hamlet. A manual hauling ferryboat will help us to cross the River. Amazing view of the source of the Puelo River. One hour more walking to reach the coast on Las Rocas. Boat trip to the Bandurrias Insland Lodge. Accommodation at great place. (B,LB,D)

Total hours walking: 5 -6 hours.

Day 6:  Bandurrias – Puerto Varas.

After  a good night sleep we will have breakfast pack all our stuff and sail  to the other side. Walk to La Colina farm. Meet the bus and say goodbye to the baqueanos.  Drive  back to Puerto Varas sailing the Lagua Tagua lake on the public ferry. Enjoy great views of the Reloncavi sound. This is where the Puelo River meets the sea. Drive pass Vicente Perez Rosales National Park.Chance to see the Osorno and Calbuco Volcanoes. Arrive into Puerto Varas in the afternoon. Accommodation at B & B.

Walking: 1hour.

Bus: 4.00hs.

Note: We can organize an exclusive extended stay at Bandurrias Island. Please ask for more information.

How many days:  The trip last 6 days 6 nights.

Route: Leaving from the town of Bariloche in Argentina to  Puerto Varas in Chile.

Capacity: Min 2 / Max 8 Persons.

Accommodation:

We stay in a comfortable rustic and clean farmhouse typical of the Puelo Valley. Food will be organically and locally grown from the garden and the meat will be cooked in its most delicious Chilean asado.

Night 1: Las Horquetas, (D,B) if group bigger than 4 pax need to camp.
Night 2 and 3 Camp in the wild, neither hot showers nor toilet.
Night 4: Las Horquetas, (D,B)
Night 5: at Bandurrias Island, (D, B)
Dbl room with facilities in our Cottage
2 DBL room and tent for the others. Shared facilities. Hot shower outside.
Night 6: B&B Puerto Varas

Walking difficulty: People should be in good physical condition. This trip is not recommended for people who suffer from vertigo. Some days will be long hours walking, especially days 2 and 3. If the weather is no good then it could turn more demanding.

Hours Walking: The daily walks are not more than 5 to 6 hours except the 4th day where we will have a demanding day of around 7 hours.

What’s included: Private minibus transfers in/out. Motor boats from Bandurrias Island, and international crossing across the lakes to Lago Puelo (Argentina),full board meals and drinks; pack horses with full equipment; 6 nights accommodation, including one night at fabulous retreat in Bandurrias Island, two nights at cabin in Las Horquetas farm,  two nights in base camp, and one night at Hotel in Bariloche. Local guide and trilingual tour leader; Vhf radio communication equipment, International company insurance.

Packing and Clothing: We suggest bringing a day-pack, where you will put a few personal belongings plus a lunch box and water bottle to access throughout the day. Please bear in mind that we do not accept any type of rigid cases; a good quality duffel bag with strong zips will do. We provide strong quality bags just to protect your own and to make things easier. Comfortable trousers, waterproof pants, fleece, jacket, hat, some warm pairs of socks, sun block, insect repellent, personal medicines, personal knife, flash lamp and good trekking shoes. Using plastic bags as a waterproof for your clothes is the cheapest way of keeping things dry in case of rain! Camera depending on your photographic stamina.
Personal knife, flash lamp and good trekking shoes. Using plastic bags as a waterproof for your clothes is the cheapest way of keeping things dry in case of rain! Camera depending on your photographic stamina. 

Flight Connections:  Daily flights depart either from Santiago international airport to Puerto Montt (Chile) and from Buenos Aires Jorge Newbery local airport into San Carlos de Bariloche (Argentina). 

Important Notes:

During January horse flies proliferate in the whole southern part of Chile and Argentina! They do not harm but are a nuisance and are attracted to dark clothing. Take this into account when selecting your clothing.

You can review with us any points that will affect your travel plans – for example where the trip starts or whether it includes a Pre-Trip Option or Post-Trip Extension.

Delicatessen:

The cuisine on the trip will be a mix of a special blend of flavours and ingredients. It consists of an ethnic variety of gastronomic Creole-Chilean style. A traditional wood stove gives its special flavour to the dishes.

Depending on the season, it is possible to taste the delicious rainbow trout, fontinalis, or salmon trout.

The Creole barbecue “Asado al palo” or “Asado al Asador” is served during several meals. It consists of delicious lamb cooked with plenty of embers and fire wood. As the main local dish, people cook it in different ways usually accompanied with salad, potatoes and, of course, Chilean red wine.

The vegetables and fruits are superb and the variety of the region's berries is impressive. Vegetarian dishes are also a great delicious option but we do need to know it if you prefer is vegetarian options at the time of making a booking.

The drinking water is crystal clear, safe to drink and tastes delicious. The island also has a personal collection of a good variety of wines.

Typical Lunch Box: 2 sandwiches, small juice, fruit, chocolate-bar, yoghurt, and cereal bar.
      

RATES IN AMERICAN DOLLARS PER PERSON

TREKKING TOUR, SEASON 2010-2011

SERVICES: bilingual tour leader, local guide, private transfers in /out, full board meals and drinks, pack horses, 6 days lodging, one of the nights in our exclusive isla Las Bandurrias, full camp site equipment for the two nights camping, navigation in three lakes, Hotel at Bariloche, border crossing in motorjet boat.

All prices correct as of March 2011 but may vary with exchange rate fluctuations, fuel surcharges, or changes in the general economic situation. A 20% deposit will secure reservation at current quoted price.
 
 
 

BOOKING CONDITIONS

Bank Deposit in American dollars:

Please provide your bank with the following instructions:

Banco Corpbanca
Oficina Puerto  Montt,
Name of : Marie Francoise Dutheil Berard
Calle Urmeneta 541 Puerto Montt
Cuenta Corriente en dólares Nº  36-028551-0
SWIFT: CONBCLRM

A copy of the deposit slip must be e-mailed or faxed to: Cathy Berard catherineberard@opentravel.cl  telfax: (56-65) 260524  as soon as possible

Please contact us if you have any questions or doubts to confirm the payment process. 

Reservation: Prepayment upon confirmation 20%

Terms and conditions: We stipulate that the 80% balance must be sent at least 21 working days before trip starts.

OPENTRAVEL cannot be held responsible for any extra cost in the event of cancellation or extension due to weather circumstances or safety considerations.

Cancellation Conditions:

60 days: prepayment will be refunded.
59- 21 days: 80 % of total will be refunded.
20 - 14 days: 50 % of total will be refunded.
13 - 0 days 0% of total will be refunded


 
 

We greatly appreciate our beautiful country and we make efforts to protect and to preserve our environment.

Thank you for your collaboration.