Pumalín-Douglas Tompkins -Tagua Tagua National Parks

 Drive towards the area of Ralún from where we will continue bordering towards Cochamó on the shore of the Reloncaví Sound. These still unspoilt destinations and paradise for trekking and kayak. The views become more spectacular as we proceed and it feels as if we are leaving the modern world behind, the country road leads us to the Tagua Tagua Lake, a natural lake section of the Puelo river catchment which has its origin in a lake of the same name in Argentine  Patagonia territory, flowing  north-west through the Andes into the Reloncaví Estuary of the Reloncaví Sound at the northern end of the Gulf of Ancud. Once we arrive to Puerto Maldonado a public ferry boat will take us sailing on the clear blue waters to the Mitico Puelo Lodge who owns the  concession for the private Tagua Tagua Park.
After another short but beautiful ride across the lake to the shore of the beginning of the trail will   disembark at the  hidden entrance of Parque Tagua Tagua. After a steep scramble ascending 300 feet (100 m) to the top of a waterfall, we begin our hike up the valley and through a pristine temperate rainforest protected within the borders of this private park. After walking 4.5 miles (7 km), we will arrive at Refugio Los Alerces, a charming cabin bordering a stunning lagoon, where we will spend the two following nights. Rest and enjoy our box lunch.  Get our packs sorted with the sleeping bags and during the afternoon we will enjoy a leisure hike exploring the corners of the Valdivian forest. Return before time for some tea and rest next to an  amazing evening sun.

 

Waking up in between this wild national Park, and ready for a nice cup of good coffee or tea to get ready for a wonderful exploration of the park. (B,BL,D)

 

 After a hearty breakfast we   hike   back at own pace and on time to get the ferry boat back where the transport will be waiting for you to drive to Hornopirén village on the shore of the sea. This is the beginning of the the Carretera Austral! This section of the road  has been recently paved (Caleta La Arena-Hornopiren)  and   wonderfully designed with fantastic views of the Reloncaví  Sound. Accommodation at Hotel in Hornopirén. (B-L)


 

Today we will take the morning  ferry from Hornopirén and spend the day sailing in between the fjords and ancient forests within the Douglas Thompkins National Park. The voyage to Leptepu takes 3.5 hours. This scenic trip offers views of some of the most beautiful coastline on the planet, where evergreen forests reach down into the fjords, bordered by granite walls and glaciers. Some of the glaciers flow into waterfalls, giving life to an already gorgeous landscape. You’ll also pass by the Quintupeo and Cahuelmó fjords.
Once you reach Leptepu, continue 6 miles along a gravel road until you arrive at Fiordo Largo cross the Reñihué Fjord and arrive at Caleta Gonzalo, where transportation will be waiting for you.
Time Permitting short hikes in the afternoon. Accommodation Hotel double based with breakfast.
Pumalín National Park was originally envisioned and created by Douglas Tompkins, the founder of The Northface and Sprit clothing companies. Alongside his wife Kristine, Tompkins purchased over 700,000 acres of untouched rainforest land in this region and over the years they built it into what we now know as the Douglas Tompkins (Pumalín )National Park.
 

Hike to Chaiten Volcanoe. – Trail Length: 3.4 miles round trip Elevation: 2000 feet
Time Needed: 4 hours Difficulty Level:  Moderate to difficult This trail leads to a viewpoint of Volcán Chaitén, an active volcano that erupted in 2008 causing a violent mud flow destroying major parts of the Pumalín forest in its way. During the hike, we could see stumps of old trees with their tops blown off that are still standing intact with new ones sprouting around them.
The hike starts off in a lush rainforest, passes a river and leads through a steep climb up with incredible views of the valley along the way.
Accomodation in Hotel. (B,BL)
 

Hike to El Mirador
Trail Length: 3.4 miles roundtrip from Campsite Grande
Elevation: 1270 feet
Time Needed: 3 hours
Difficulty Level: Moderate
El Mirador trail to an overlook of the Michimahuida Glacier. This hike is located in the southern part of the park after passing through town Chaitén. (B,BL)

 

Last morning in Chaiten. Time to pack and take the transfer to the local   airport for your charter flight back to Puerto Montt La Paloma airport. This stunning landscape will spoil your sight while flying across the sound or Reloncaví spotting glaciers, lakes and volcanoes from your seat on the plane. Have your immigration card and passports handy. Transportation to Puerto  Varas  and accommodation at local  Hotel, rest and shower after a long day.  (B,)   
Day 9: Last morning in the Lake District, time to stroll around this petit charming town facing the Llanquihue lake, the third biggest one in   South America encompassing the main Volcanoes of the region, Osorno, Calbuco, and Tronador.  Transfer to airport for continuation of your journey in Chile.
End of services.(B)

 

Day 9: Last morning in the Lake District, time to stroll around this petit charming town facing the Llanquihue lake, the third biggest one in   South America encompassing the main Volcanoes of the region, Osorno, Calbuco, and Tronador.  Transfer to airport for continuation of your journey in Chile.
End of services.(B)

Last morning in the Lake District, time to stroll around this petit charming town facing the Llanquihue lake, the third biggest one in   South America encompassing the main Volcanoes of the region, Osorno, Calbuco, and Tronador.  Transfer to airport for continuation of your journey in Chile.
End of services.(B)