Sea kayak in the remote waterways of northern Patagonia in the Chilean Lake District. Great option for active travelers interested in paddling, wildlife viewing, and a one night homestay with a local family.
Requires high-intensity physical efforts that push the limits of one's fitness. May include tours with multiple days in a row of strenuous physical activity or single requiring more than 7 hours of activity. Recommended for travelers maintaining a demanding fitness level.
Arrive Puerto Montt and transfer to the quaint town of Puerto Varas. Spend the afternoon on your own exploring the town and the lakeside.
The trip starts in Puerto Varas on Llanquihue lakefront, and drive to the boathouse in Ensenada where gear will be loaded on the kayaks. After suiting up and a briefing, the trip begins on the gentle waters of the lower Río Petrohué. After lunch we reach the Ralun Hot Springs where we stop for a while on the river bank in these natural pools. After the hot springs, we paddle through the Basaltic Gorge and get wide vistas of the fjord.
In total, on Day 1, we paddle nearly 15 miles with views towards the magnificent Osorno Volcano. After finding a suitable spot to set up camp, we enjoy a well-earned dinner under the stars.
Day 2: Explore Lower Petrohue
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After an early breakfast, drive to the boathouse in Ensenada where gear will be loaded on the kayaks. After suiting up and a briefing, the trip begins on the gentle waters of the lower Río Petrohué. After lunch we reach the Ralun Hot Springs where we stop for a while on the river bank in these natural pools. After the hot springs, we paddle through the Basaltic Gorge and get wide vistas of the fjord.
After another mile or so, you reach the campsite for the night at the homestead of Senora Yolanda. Meet the family and join them for dinner in her home, with local lamb or fish, and traditional items. Then settle in for the night in our tents.
Day 3: Cochamo Bay and River - Return to Puerto Varas
After breakfast with Senora Yolanda and cleaning the camp, we get back in our vessels and head south down the fjord, with a view of the Volcanoes Yates and Hornopiren. Keep an eye out for sea lions and cormorants. Heading out from Ralun Bay, we eventually reach the village of Cochamó for lunch. After lunch, paddle up the Cochamo River and take a dip in the crystal-clear cold waters before settling in for the evening.
Day 4: Return home
1 Breakfast
Or continue explore Patagonia on one of our other adventures in the region. Click here to see our other tours in Patagonia!
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is $400, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
We were referred by a satisfied client and the booking of the trip was everything we wanted to do, and they listened to the types of hotels, sightseeing, etc. we wanted to do.
Jan S
3 weeks ago
Rapa Nui was on my bucket list for a long time so I worried that it would not meet my expectations. Our tour could not have been better. Our guide was knowledgeable and professional with an understanding of the island that made it come alive. I would and have recommended this trip to everyone that will listen.
elisa wright
1 month ago
Mary Curry is the BEST! I have worked with her for multiple family trips for over 10 years, and she is responsive, works within your preferences and budget, has great suggestions and has personal travel experience at many of the locations. We prefer active family vacations and Adventure Life and Mary Curry make sure that is what we get!
Heather Spanbauer
1 month ago
My tour operator was helpful. Unfortunately she was unable to get my single-supplement canceled. Not too many tours charge for that anymore and I almost canceled my trip because of that.
Joel
2 months ago
Excellent communication and coordination for our proposed trip. It couldn't have been smoother, and any question we did have was rapidly addressed. It has made the whole process nearly seamless.
