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PEAKS, RIVERS, & RAPIDS: LOS HUEMULES, FUTALEUFÚ & PUYUHUAPI ADVENTURE

from USD$ 8,990 / 12 days

Summary

Short itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Buenos Aires – City Tour
Day 2: Buenos Aires to Esquel
Day 3: Los Huemules Reserve
Day 4: Los Huemules Reserve
Day 5: Esquel to Futaleufú
Day 6: Futaleufú
Day 7: Futaleufú
Day 8: Futaleufú to Puyuhuapi
Day 9: Puyuhuapi
Day 10: Puyuhuapi
Day 11: Puyuhuapi to Santiago
Day 12: Santiago Walking City Tour – Departure from Santiago

Overview

This 12-day itinerary will take you through some of Patagonia’s best kept secrets. In a land of racing rapids and quiet streams, green mountains and blue lakes, and verdant valleys and panoramic peaks, this adventure-filled itinerary is ideal for those who love incredible landscapes and being outdoors.

You’ll venture to the hidden corners of northern Patagonia on this truly off-the-beaten-path adventure. Discover the main sites of the vibrant city of Buenos Aires before heading to Los Huemules Reserve in Esquel, Argentina, where the efforts of rewilding shine to immerse you in nature. Then, you’ll cross the border to the quiet Chilean town of Futaleufú with unexpected adrenaline-inducing thrills, and venture south to Puyuhuapi for more outdoor exploration and a serene, luxurious lodge. Including some of the best kept secrets of both Argentinian and Chilean Patagonia, this itinerary offers flexibility to choose your activities, ranging from mountain biking to hiking and white-water rafting to horseback riding.


Itinerary Details

Private transfer

Welcome to Argentina! Your private transfer will be waiting for you at the airport to take you to your hotel, nestled in the heart of Soho, Buenos Aires. This neighborhood draws its name from its resemblance to New York City’s Soho district and offers an eclectic blend of fashion, art, cuisine, and nightlife, making it a dynamic and exhilarating place to experience during your stay in Buenos Aires.

Private Half-Day Tour: Walking City Tour

In the afternoon, embark on a guided tour to uncover the southern region of Buenos Aires, rich in history, culture, and charm. Traverse the renowned 9 de Julio Avenue, boasting the title of the widest avenue globally, and visit the Plaza de Mayo, a pivotal site in political history. Explore the iconic Casa Rosada and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Delve into the vibrant neighborhood of La Boca, the birthplace of Tango, where street artists perform and tango-themed art abounds. Wander the cobblestone streets of San Telmo, known for its antique shops, colonial architecture, and historic food market dating back to 1897. Conclude your excursion in Puerto Madero, the modern waterfront district, where you can stroll by the river, admire renovated warehouses, and cross the unique Women’s Bridge.*

*Note that this tour can be adapted to your preferences or changed for a tour in a different area of the city if desired.

Meals: None.

Hotel

Nuss Hotel

Private Transfer

In the morning, you’ll be picked up from your Buenos Aires hotel to the airport, from where you’ll take a flight to Esquel, in the beautiful wilderness of Argentina Patagonia. You’ll be taken to the Huemules Mountain Reserve where you’ll be immersed in the mountains and nature of the incredible part of the world.

This reserve, where cattle historically grazed, has undergone an impressive transformation into a sustainable mountain reserve. Through eco-friendly practices including the use of geodesic domes, recycled wood, and employing local residents, the reserve stands as a tribute to Patagonia and its people.

Once at Los Huemules Reserve, you’ll have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of activities tailored to your preferences, including hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. While we’ve provided an example itinerary, please note that activities can be personalized upon your arrival.

Private Half-Day Tour: Hiking to Pinar Hill

After settling in, opt to embark on a half-day hike to Pinar Hill, located on the eastern side of the reserve. Traverse vast prairies and wander through ancient lenga and ñire forests, encountering a younger pine forest along the way. Enjoy the continuous backdrop of the picturesque mountains to the west and panoramic views of the Percy River valley and the Esquel mountains to the east.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Hotel

Huemules Mountain Reserve

Over the next few days, you’ll have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of activities tailored to your preferences, including hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. While we’ve provided an example itinerary, please note that activities can be personalized upon your arrival.

Private Full-Day Tour: Hiking to La Torta

On your second day at Los Huemules, we’ve arranged a full-day trekking adventure for you, although you have the flexibility to choose another activity if you prefer.

During this exhilarating hike, you’ll venture through vast lenga forests and follow ancient pathways once used by the region’s pioneering miners. Along the way, you’ll encounter remnants of old mining operations, abandoned settlements, railways, and intriguing machinery. The ascent involves navigating steep ridges and conquering two low-altitude peaks before reaching the summit, La Torta. From here, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view encompassing the Los Alerces National Park, the glaciers of the Andes Cordillera, and the charming town of Trevelin nestled in the 16 de Octubre Valley. Additionally, you’ll have the extraordinary opportunity to witness the majestic flight of wild condors, adding a unique and captivating element to your experience.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Hotel

Huemules Mountain Reserve

On your final full day at Los Huemules, embark on a combined adventure of mountain biking and horseback riding. However, if you have different preferences, feel free to choose an alternative activity.

Private Half-Day Tour: Mountain Biking

Begin with a moderately challenging mountain biking excursion, featuring various ascents and descents as you navigate through the lenga forest, scenic canyons, meandering creeks, and remnants of old forestry sites under the refreshing canopy of trees. This ride allows you to experience the unique terrain, flora, and fauna that define the canyons and valleys of the magnificent Patagonian mountains.

Private Half-Day Tour: Horseback Riding

After a satisfying lunch, enjoy a leisurely half-day horseback riding experience, offering a relaxed journey and the chance to peacefully soak in the stunning surroundings. Following an initial ascent through the lenga forest, you’ll arrive at a lush pasture area frequented by cattle. In this tranquil mountain setting, take a moment to pause, rejuvenate, and capture unforgettable photographs that will serve as enduring memories of your time in Patagonia.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Hotel

Huemules Mountain Reserve

Private Transfer

After breakfast, your transfer will take you across the border and over the Andean mountains for the Chilean leg of your adventure. Enjoy the scenic drive through forests, alongside streams, and over valleys to Futaleufú, a charming town nestled in the heart of Chile’s northern Argentina.

Once you arrive, enjoy a delicious lunch at the lodge before taking the afternoon to rest, take in the incredible views from your hotel, or explore your new surroundings.

*Note that this is a long transfer of approx. 2.5 – 3 hours.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Hotel

Hotel Uman Lodge

While in Futaleufú, you can choose your activities each day from a list that includes kayaking, hiking, zipwires, white-water rafting, birdwatching, fly fishing, and horseback riding. Although we offer some suggestions here, please note that activities can be personalized upon your arrival.

Private Full Day Tour: Rafting

The Futaleufú river is one of the most famous in the world for white water rafting. Race down a series of 13 clase IV rapids between two bridges on an adrenaline-inducing adventure.* Following a thorough safety briefing and practice session, we’ll embark on an exciting adventure down the Bridge to Bridge section of the river. Under your guide’s expertise, paddle and navigate through the falls and bends in the river as you feel the refreshing spray of the water. In the quieter moments, be sure to take in the beauty of your surroundings in this lusciously verdant valley as you raft through the thrilling Mundaca (IV+) and Pillow (IV) rapids. Get ready for an exhilarating ride!

*Minimum age of 16. Alternative activities are available if you’re traveling with children younger than 16.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Hotel

Hotel Uman Lodge

On your second day in Futaleufú, you can choose another activity from a list that includes kayaking, hiking, zipwires, white-water rafting, birdwatching, fly fishing, and horseback riding. Although we offer some suggestions here, please note that activities can be personalized upon your arrival.

Private Half-Day Tour: Leal and Las Rosas Lakes

Embark on a scenic hike tracing the historic path of the El Espolon colonies in Futaleufu. This route takes you through Valdivian forests, along the banks of clearwater rivers, and up hills to stop and pause at several lookout points. Take in the most breathtaking panoramic views overlooking the picturesque Las Rosas Lake and Noroeste Lake as you enjoy a snack before heading back down for a free afternoon at the lodge.

Difficulty: Medium

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Hotel

Hotel Uman Lodge

Private Transfer

After breakfast, your chauffer will collect you from your hotel to take you further south to your next Patagonian destination, Puyuhaupi. Overlooking the Dorita Bay, here you’ll find yourself immersed in the fjords and forests of Patagonia. Upon arrival, enjoy a gourmet lunch at the lodge’s restaurant and spend the afternoon enjoying the hotel’s facilities and spectacular surroundings.

*Note that this is a long transfer of approx. 3 hours.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Hotel

Puyuhuapi Lodge

On your second day in Puyuhuapi you can choose from a range of activities to choose from each day including a range of walks and hikes, outings in kayak or zodiac, and visits to local towns.  Although we offer some suggestions here, please note that you can pick your activities as you wish upon your arrival.

Private Half-Day Tour: Queulat National Park

This excursion takes you to one of the most iconic viewpoints of northern Patagonia. Starting with a boat ride across the fjord to the Carretera Austral dock, you’ll take a short drive to the Ventisquero Colgante area of Queulat National Park. The trail begins crossing a suspension bridge over the Ventisquero River where you can admire the views and power of the river.

On the other side, you’ll discover a path that winds through the dense forest before skirting the valley created by the moraine. Along the way, high-altitude views of the lagoon and lush evergreen forests appear, as well as beautiful panoramas of the lush evergreen forest that develops along the northwest side of the trail. This clean and easily accessible trail, although somewhat steep at the beginning, leads to the viewpoint that allows you to appreciate the impressive Hanging Glacier and the waterfalls that flow from it, with drops exceeding 150 meters. Listen out for thunderous roars as masses of ice break off in gigantic blocks, plummeting onto the rock of the cliffs and plunging into the Iceberg Lagoon below.

The viewpoint is accessed after a 3.3 km journey through the Valdivian Forest, enjoying the surprising flora and fauna of this sector of Chilean Patagonia.

Difficulty: Medium

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Hotel

Puyuhuapi Lodge

As in your previous destinations, in Puyuhuapi you will have a range of activities to choose from each day including a range of walks and hikes, outings in kayak or zodiac, and visits to local towns.  Although we offer some suggestions here, please note that you can opt for the activities you wish upon your arrival.

Half-Day Tour: Kayaking the Patagonian Fjords

It is said that Cai-Cai and Tentenvilú – two mythical serpents – after relentless strife, carved the Patagonian mountains and fjords. We invite you to explore the same mystical landscapes by sea kayak from the lodge. Paddle amongst the calm waters of the serene Puyuhuapi Fjord, traversing islands, islets, and fjords as you appreciate the incredible natural beauty of this part of the world. Keep an eye out for the seabirds that live on and visit the fjords, including herons, black-necked swans, wandering albatrosses, coots, cormorants, penguins, and many more. After a couple of hours of kayaking amongst the idyllic Patagonian backdrop, you’ll head back to shore to enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Difficulty: Easy

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Hotel

Puyuhuapi Lodge

Private transfer

After breakfast, your driver will collect you and take you to Balmaceda airport for your flight to the buzzing Chilean capital of Santiago. At the airport, your transfer will take you to your hotel where you can rest for the remainder of the day or explore the city. Head to the lively districts of Lastarria and Bellavista to try some of the local restaurants or stretch your legs with a walk up San Cristobal hill.

*Note that this is a long transfer of 4-4.5 hours approx.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel

Eco Boutique Hotel Bidasoa

Private Half-Day Tour: Walking Tour of Santiago

This morning will take you on a journey through the rich tapestry of Santiago, visiting a myriad of significant sites. From the seat of the government to the vibrant Plaza de Armas and the bustling Central and La Vega Markets, you’ll experience the diverse cultural landscape of the city. Ascending San Cristobal Hill will treat you to sweeping panoramic views, while exploring historic districts like Lastarria, Bellas Artes, and Santiago Centro will immerse you in the city’s rich history and charm. Along the way, indulge in the flavors of Santiago with tantalizing local delicacies sampled at markets and restaurants.

After the tour and depending on the time of your flight, you’ll return to your hotel to collect your belongings and take your transfer to Santiago International Airport for your flight home. Safe travels!

End of EcoChile Services

Meals: Breakfast.


2024 – 2025 SEASON RATES

Land Portion Pricing: Group of 2 people

Price per person

>> from USD 8,990

* International and domestic flights are not included in this price. Price based on double occupancy.

**Kindly be advised that the rates provided might be subject to fluctuations based on specific dates, as well as to local political and economic variations.


Included

  • Accommodation as listed in the itinerary or similar.
  • Transportation as specified in the itinerary.
  • Meals as listed above.
  • All activities as specified in the itinerary, including transportation, entrance fees, specialist bilingual guides, and specific equipment for canoeing activity.
  • Trip Coordinator: a 24/7 point of contact, supporting you during your trip.

Not included

  • International and national flights
  • Travel Insurance
  • PCR or antigen tests
  • Voluntary gratuities
  • Personal use items
  • Any other item (food, drinks, activities) not mentioned in the itinerary

PEAKS, RIVERS, & RAPIDS: LOS HUEMULES, FUTALEUFÚ & PUYUHUAPI ADVENTURE

Duration: 12 days

Price: from USD$ 8,990 / person

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