Pioneer Trail in Patagonia

with boating and hot springs, rafting, kayaking or fishing options

Ride across the Andes onto a plateau of lakes, waterfalls, rivers and ancient forests. Follow the legendary 300 year old pioneer trail once used by Indians, Spaniards, and Missionaries
This small group adventure on horseback will take you into a forgotten world of pure nature far from the tourist track. Leading through dense forested valleys and high mountain passes, you will pass through a scenic blend of isolated pioneer farms, rivers, lakes, waterfalls and the ancient Alerce rainforest.
The journey starts at the riverside lodge and follows up through the pristine wilderness to the Andean valley of La Junta often called the "Yosemite of Chile". Amidst the granite mountain peaks are stands of 3,000 year-old Alerce trees and an amazing variety of wildlife - condors, pumas and songbirds.
The real adventure freak can raft the rio Petrohue and kayak in the Reloncavi. For more adventure we offer a Canyoning tour during the Pioneer trail through waterfalls and gorgeous canyons at our mountain lodge. There is also a one day excursion in the fjord Reloncavi to visit sea lions and hot springs, which are only reachable from the sea or add a day at the lodge with excellent salmon or trout fishing.

Itinerary 
Day 1
Traveling in the afternoon from Puerto Montt, Puerto Varas or Petrohue, via Ensenada through an amazing scenery to the Riverside Lodge. There is time for a nature walk, fly-fishing or just relaxing in the hammocks. Dinner with candlelight. Overnight in cabaña (cabin) with private bathroom.
a) Sealions & Hot Springs Boat
Excursion    on  Day 1    
+ $140 (based on € 90 / minimum of 2)
Aboard a fishing vessel, the trip starts from La Arena (south of Puerto Montt) throughout a great scenery of snow topped mountains, volcano and bays.
In the water we can see sea lions and dolphins. On our way through the fjord, which reaches about 80 km into the mainland, we pass salmon farms and mussel seed collectors. After a 2 hours journey, we reach Punta Lobos, the loberia (sea lion colony), where we can observe and listen to the shoutings of these mammals of the sea. After having taken some pictures, we will continue to Don Juans house where a typical Chilean dish will be prepared for lunch. The tour continuous to the termas (hot springs) which can only be reached by boat. If you like you can try the warm water for a nice bath. The visiting time of the termas can slightly change, due to the tide. During the excursion you can fish and see how the local fisherman catch fish. If there is time for a walk, we can either have a visit to a lonely lake and to a small church which you only reach by boat. The tour will end after another boat hour in Cochamó and we head to the Riverside Hostel.

c) Kayaking Option Day 1   -- on request
Transfer at 9 a.m. from Puerto Varas to Ralun. Kajaking through the Fjord with a lunch break in a breathtaking surroundings. After 5 hours of paddling you will arrive at the river lodge

Day 2
Breakfast. Before we leave, our guests will get a little riding school. Ride along the río Cochamó. Picnic in the Valdivian rainforest. Five-hour ride into the Andes. Arrival in the mountain lodge in La Junta. Lamb or fish asado prepared on the open fire. Dinner and overnight in our mountain lodge.
Day 3
Breakfast on the balcony of our rustic lodge. Hike the six kilometer nature-trail into the Andean rainforest. The trail is well-marked and some 50 different plants and trees are identified. You get a trail-book and lunchbox. Hike to a nearby lagoon in the ancient forest, where some of the trees are 1,000 years old, or just hang out, enjoying the spectacular La Junta valley. In the afternoon, walk 30 min. to the La Junta canyon. Descending through the tubes and pools and try the natural formed tobbogan. After this tremendous adventure, a hot shower and a a hearty meal is awaiting the explorer. Overnight in the mountain lodge.
Day 4
Breakfast. On horseback we descend through the rainforest. Midday picnic. We are back with enough time to take a shower and having a cup of tea with homemade cake before leaving the camp. Transfer out at 5 p.m. to Puerto Varas/Puerto Montt.

Fishing opportunities:
You can also add a day of guided fly fishing during or after your trip. Your guide will take you to the best places to catch salmon or trout. There are three nearby big fishing opportunities - the Rio Cochamo, the Rio Puelo and the Rio Petrohue. The extra guided day of fishing is $495. Fishing gear can be rented.