Mitico Lodge, Puelo Valley

Pick up from Puerto Montt Airport or hotel in Puerto Montt/Puerto Varas.

Transfer and transfer to the Mitico Puelo Lodge, located 146km / 90 miles south east of Puerto Montt. The latest flight arrival time is 10.00.

11.00: From Puerto Varas we head east along the Southern shore of Lake Llanquihue for 45km / 28 miles to the village of Ensenada.

From here we head south along a paved road heading towards Ralun for approximately 35km / 22 miles.

From Ralun we continue along a gravel road for 60km / 37 miles to Lake Tagua Tagua, passing through the village of Cochamo. At Puereto Canelo, on the shore of Lake Tagua Tagua, you will board the Mongo II launch to cross the lake to the lodge. The whole journey should take just over 3 hours.

On arrival welcome drink and if in the morning, this will be followed by lunch.

In the afternoon you are free to follow a self-guided activity or book up a guided trip (additional cost).

After the activity, return to the lodge. Set menu dinner and accommodation.

Buffet breakfast at the lodge.

Today is a brand new day to enjoy a new experience.

You can read more about the excursions available in the Practical Information below.

Come with us and get immersed in the beauty of nature or go and follow the trails of the settlers to learn about the pioneering history through their true descendants. There are self-guided trips or you can pre-book your choice of excursion (at extra cost).

Our experienced guides have spent years getting around the valley and they know well its geography, weather and people. Most of our staff are born and raised here, and along with our solid network throughout the valley, we know its secrets and wonders.

Buffet breakfast at the lodge.

11.00 departure and transfer to Punta Canelo where our van to the airport in Puerto Montt is waiting for us.

Arrival to Puerto Varas approx. 14.30, Puerto Montt airport approx. 15.00.

Please book flights that leave at 17.00 or later.

There are self-guided excursions available or you can book up guided tours (extra cost). All excursions are accompanied by a bilingual guide with VHF radio and first aid kit and any snack/box lunch required.

Mountain biking

Bikes: Giant Mountain bike, Shimano 24-speed drive train, aluminium frame, front suspension, brake disk.

Puelo tour (6 to 7 hours), moderate difficulty

Our day begins crossing Tagua Tagua lake by jet boat up to Punta Maldonado. From here we head to Llanada Grande, where we get on the bikes and follow a beautiful trail through fields and native forest, crossing the Igor creek, until reach the Azul Lake where we rest and have our lunch.

Weather permitting we can also take a dip in its blue waters. Then we take a 3km / 1.8 mile trail by the crystal-clear waters of the Mapocho River to meet our transfer that takes us back to the lodge.

Trekking

Tagua-Tagua Waterfalls (3 to 4 hours), easy to moderate

On this trip we hike the first 3km / 1.8 miles along the trail that leads into the Tagua Tagua Park, dedicated to conservation and scientific research. We stop by the Information Centre, hike by two waterfalls and under the old tree canopy, and cross the El Salto River.

On our return, we cross a large hanging bridge and admire the stunning views of the river and Tagua Tagua Lake. (350m / 1,148ft of level difference and 6km / 3.7 miles round trip)

Alerce Lagoon (7 to 8 hours), moderate

This trip takes us through a large part of the area devoted to conservation and scientific research in the Tagua Tagua Park. After a short motorboat ride we reach the start of the trail. From here we hike to the Alerce Lagoon, that offers an amazing panoramic view of the El Pico de las Sombras Peak.

We have lunch and then take the trail back, across footbridges, hanging bridges, and many, many waterfalls. (500m / 1,640ft level difference, 12km / 7.4 miles back and forth)

Andean Lakes (6 hours), moderate

Leave the lodge by in the motorboat and head for Totoral Lake where we begin a 50min hike to Azul Lake.

We cross this deep blue lake by boat, and on the other side we take a new trail, leading to Las Rocas Lake (50min). Here we meet a second boat that takes us to the northeast part of the lake, where we meet the transfer that takes us back to the lodge.

Arena Beach (3 to 4 hours), easy

This trail runs across the impressive dunes of Tagua Tagua lake formed by the water and wind over. On the way we hike by the lake shore crossing a wetland with abundant bird life. At the end of the trail we visit the Gallardo family, relatives of the early settlers who populated the valley more than a hundred years ago.

Llanada Grande (5 to 6 hours), easy

We leave the lodge by boat and from Punta Maldonado we travel to Llanada Grande by vehicle along the international road (Chile – Argentina).

From here we will start a hike through the valley, stopping to visit the inhabitants of the valley, getting to know their stories, lifestyle and the local produce they grow.

Kayaking

Sea Kayak (Prijon from Germany) doubles and singles, with complete gear (paddles, skirts, water jackets, PFDs, duffel bags for equipment and camera).

Kayak to the big fall (3 to 4 hours), easy

We set off in our kayaks from the beach in front of the lodge for 2 hours of paddling on Lake Tagua Tagua surrounded by big mountains. We paddle across the lake to a big waterfall that cascades right into the lake.

Tagua Tagua Crossing (7 hours), easy

We paddle for 4 hours on Lake Tagua Tagua surrounded by the Andes and waterfalls.

Rafting

Rafting guide, complete equipment (wetsuit, water jacket, boots, PFD, helmet, and paddle) safety kayaker.

Rafting Puelo River (4 hours), moderate to hard

We follow the Puelo River from Puerto Urrutia, specifically El Balseo to Santo Domingo, in a trip has both floating and rafting.

The trip begins in the wider, more quiet part of the river, were we practice paddling techniques.

After these 7km / 4 miles we meet the second part: nine rapids class III to IV, stretching for 10km / 6 miles of white water.

Horse riding

South Puelo Horse Ride (3 to 4 hours), easy

We’ll take the boat to sail along the Puelo River for about ten minutes. We disembark and mount our horses for a gentle ride along the south bank of the river. We pass through the native forest of northern Patagonia, and also visit the families of settlers who settled in the area more than 100 years ago.

Cultural

Puelo Riverside (7 hours), easy

We head up the Puelo River by boat visiting the lodge’s our neighbours on the way. Descendants of the settlers who came to the valley over one hundred years ago, most live in places one can only access by water. We discover their stories, lifestyle and local produce.

Rural Experience (5 to 6 hours), easy

This tour takes you to experience firsthand the many activities of the Patagonian countryside.

Depending on the time of year you can participate in the harvest of apples, cider making, assist in the preparation of jams with fruits from the farm, shear sheep or even herding cattle with the “baqueanos” (cowboys) of the Puelo Valley.

Boat tour (3 to 4 hours), easy

An easy day exploring the lake and river by boat.

Chile is the land of contrasts, from verdant vineyards to driest desert, deep fjords and towering glaciated volcanoes.

A narrow but incredibly long, snake-like country, Chile’s unusual geography features more than 5,000km of South Pacific Ocean coast. The country is almost 4,400km long but barely more than 160km at its widest.

It is best divided into general regions, all of which offer spectacular landscapes and identities of their own.

This variety means Chile is the land where almost every activity is possible. Hiking, biking, rafting and kayaking.

Or climbing, cruising, fishing, horse riding, wine tasting.

Or simply eating great food, relaxing and exploring.

Patagonia

Trekking heaven. Paine National Park lies in Patagonia and features some of the best trekking in South America. With no altitude worries here, hikers enjoy an unrivalled mix of access to wild flora and fauna that exists in this massif. It is at once windswept, and then balmy. Paine National Park is a must see for walkers visiting South America.

Northern Patagonia is the least densely populated part of the country – spectacular virgin scenery make this a hidden gem and superb area for trekking, boating and horse riding.

And that’s before you think about possibly cruising through fjords, or kayaking them, flying to Antartica or staying at a working hacienda.

Easter Island

Iconic, Easter Island is an archaeological treasure. Here you will find the famous Moai stone statues, as well as caves and rocks decorated with etched petroglyphs and painted pictographs.

Northern Chile

Northern Chile features the Atacama, the driest desert with the clearest skies in the world, is alive with active volcanoes replete with spitting geysers mixed with archaeological wonders and fantastic rock formations.

Central Chile is the heart of Chile and includes the capital Santiago. With its Mediterranean climate of hot dry summers and mild wet winters, this central valley produces some of South America’s finest wines, Colchagua Valley to name but one.

Here, the Andean mountain chain soars more than 6,000m above sea level. Chile’s traditional symbols such as huaso (cowboy) and cueca (national dance) originate here, an area which is rich in agriculture and produces most of Chile’s export fruit.

In winter, skiers are attracted to this tasting the promise of some fabulous snow on the huge peaks which overlook Santiago.

Southern Chile and the Lake District

Lush and verdant, The Lake District area is the place to climb snow-capped volcanoes by day while relaxing next to stunning glacial lakes by evening. You can walk, bike, raft, cruise and drive your way around this beautiful region.

Central, southern and Patagonia Andes all present different challenges to mountaineers and trekkers. Options are varied in the central Andes with many of the Patagonian peaks remaining unexplored and unsummitted.

Good kit is vital for every trip.

Book with Andean Trails and get 15% off Páramo’s fantastic ethical and high performance outdoor gear.

Overview

Chile has a wide range of climates from arid deserts to bracingly cold Patagonia.

When planning for these changeable climatic conditions you will encounter across Chile, layering is the most practical and versatile clothing system.

The sun is very strong throughout the country, so good sun cream, a hat and sunglasses are vital.

It can also get very cold at night time especially in the mountains. Jumpers, fleeces and warms hats – which you can buy there – are also essential.

Give plenty of thought to kit selection, and try to keep weight down.

Below is a more detailed guide.

Detailed kit list

• Medium weight parka or a down jacket.
• Waterproof jacket and trousers. The jacket needs to be water proof and roomy. Side-zip pants are recommended.
• 2-3 long-sleeve shirts – no cotton
• 2-3 short-sleeve T-shirts – no cotton
• 2 pair of hiking trousers- cotton or synthetic material (no jeans)
• 1 fleece or sweat trousers (for cold evenings)
• 2 pair hiking shorts
• Long thermals – synthetic or wool – light to medium weight top & bottoms.
• 2-3 mid-weight (wool or synthetic) socks.
• 2-3 liner socks if needed
• Athletic-type socks, several pairs, city use
• Hiking boots that are waterproof and well broken-in.
• Running/tennis shoes or sandals are very comfortable when you are in cities
• 1 lightweight wool sweater or windproof fleece
• 1 wool or synthetic warm hat.
• 1 light sun hat with a wide brim.
• 1 pair of medium-weight wool or synthetic gloves
• Broad-brimmed sunhat, essential.
• Sunglasses with UV filter.
• Scarf for cold.
• Bandanna – to protect neck from strong sun.
• Daypack (at least 30 litres). Comfortable and with waterproof lining or cover.
• Water bottle (2 litres approx.) & purification tablets.
• Personal first-aid kit to include: painkillers, plasters (band-aids), moleskin, anti-biotic cream, general antibiotics (ask your GP), after-bite (tiger balm), anti-diarrhoea tablets, throat lozenges, re-hydration salts & personal medication.
• Insect repellent (just in case)
• Towel & wash-kit.
• Wet Wipes/antiseptic hand-wash cream.
• Sunscreen (factor 30+) and lip salve.
• Head-lamp (plus spare bulb and batteries).
• Penknife.
• Travel alarm clock.
• Plastic bags – ‘Zip-loc’ & tough bin liners.
• Camera and film / memory cards (take at least twice the amount you think you will need!).
• Book, e-book, mp3 player/ipod or other to help pass the time.
• Binoculars.
• Spanish/English phrasebook.
• Extra snacks i.e. cereal bars or favourite chocolate bars.

Miscellaneous others

• Money belt.
• Passport.
• U.S. dollars cash, mixed-denomination notes, undamaged and unmarked.
• ATM cash/credit card.
• Any inoculation certificates.
• Personal & medical insurance certificates.
• Presents e.g. Postcards from home.
• Comfortable clothes for travel, smart clothes for night life, especially in big cities.

Andean Trails has 25 years of experience of putting together the best South America holidays.

We pay a fee to the CAA for every licensable passenger we book since we hold an Air Travel Organiser’s Licence granted by the Civil Aviation Authority. In the unlikely event of our insolvency, the CAA will ensure that you are not stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an advance booking.

We also offer ATOL (Civil Aviation Authority) protected holidays to give our customers peace of mind when booking and travelling.

When you buy an ATOL protected air holiday package from Andean Trails Ltd you will receive a Confirmation Invoice from us confirming your arrangements and your protection under our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence number 6275.

You can read more about ATOL, who is covered and what protections you have if not ATOL-covered, on our ATOL page.

What is ATOL?

The CAA’s ATOL scheme offers protection to your money and your holiday if you book with us. Not everybody is covered (see ‘Who is covered?’ for more), as you must purchase an ‘air package holiday’ with Andean Trails to be protected.

And  ‘air package holiday’ is defined as including a flight and some ground services (hotel, transfer, trek etc). This is also known as an ‘ATOL-protected holiday’.

Who is covered?

To be covered by ATOL, you must book a flight and some ground services with us and be from the UK. If you are from the UK and only book ground services and no flights, you are not covered by ATOL (see below for more on how non-ATOL clients are covered).

If you are outside the UK and buy flights with us, you will be ATOL protected IF any of the flights booked with Andean Trails touches/stops in the UK at any point during your holiday package booked with us.

If you buy your flights elsewhere, please check with that agent if you are ATOL protected. Be careful with online flight purchases and make sure you know what protection you have, if any, before paying for flights.

Not all holiday or travel services offered and sold by us will be protected by the ATOL scheme. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking.

For land only holidays not involving any air travel, in accordance with “The Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992”, all UK passengers booking with Andean Trails Ltd. are fully protected for the initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all money paid to us, arising from cancellation or curtailment of travel arrangements due to the insolvency of Andean Trails.

I’m not ATOL covered, what protection do I have?

If you are not ATOL covered, any payments you make to us go to a Trust account.

We can only access this money once your tour has been completed, meaning that if anything happens to Andean Trails Limited while you are on holiday, then your money is secure and you can either complete the trip or be able to make it home.

If you pay for your holiday with a credit card, some offer payment protection – please check with your cardholder.

You also should have cancellation protection written into your insurance (which we recommend you have at the time of booking) in case you need to cancel.