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LAKE DISTRICT ODYSSEY

11 days
Land Arrangement only

$5875

About your trip

This exciting adventure features the best of Chile and Argentina’s Lake District, one of the most arrestingly beautiful destinations in the world! Rolling hills and valleys caress the Pacific before soaring inland to snowglazed volcanoes. Quaint farms and villages with strong northern European influences are carved out of dense, temperate rainforest, lush with bamboo, rhubarb and fuchsia. Dazzling blue lakes embrace tracts of unspoiled forest, rich river estuaries and flower-strewn alpine meadows, all showcased in some of South America’s oldest national parks. Active days are complimented by cozy nights at fine hotels and lodges, offering luxurious amenities, gourmet meals and excellent Chilean and Argentine wine.

Tour Highlights

Amble along the perfectly conical white-peaked Osorno Volcano

Stretch your legs on a walk within Chile’s most popular national park, Puyehue

Rejuvenate in a thermal spa that is fed by natural hot springs

Arrive by catamaran to explore the famed Arrayanes Forest, or El Bosque

Hike in Nahuel Huapi National Park, based at the luxurious alpine-style Llao Llao Resort

Experience a traditional dinner and tango show in pulsating Buenos Aires

Inclusions
  • Comprehensive pre-departure planning packet and expert travel advice.
  • All in-country transfers as scheduled (transfers on different days are additional). Ground transportation in spacious and comfortable private vehicles with professional drivers. Tips to airport luggage handlers are included.
  • Boat and/or Catamaran transportation where applicable on a seat-in-boat basis (other travelers will be aboard, but our group will be privately escorted).
  • Local and return flight reconfirmation, in-country airport check-in and luggage assistance
  • All accommodations in first-class (4-5 star) hotels as listed (or at similar hotels, the best available in smaller towns) on a shared basis with private bath. Advanced bookings are recommended if you plan to arrive early or extend your stay. Double beds for couples (queen or king-sized) can be requested in advance, but cannot be guaranteed, as most hotels offer few rooms with double beds.
  • Single Supplement provides single room accommodations in all hotels. Due to the small size of some of the hotels we use, there is a maximum of 2 singles allowed per group. If you require single accommodations, making reservations well in advance is recommended.
  • All meals indicated on the itinerary (B=breakfast; L=lunch; D=dinner). Vegetarian diets accommodated on request (advance notification required). For other diets, consult your travel specialist before making a reservation.
  • All guided tours and excursions (as listed) conducted on a private basis by knowledgeable, English-speaking local guides in each region (includes applicable entrance fees). On Day 6, the ferry to/from Villa La Angostura is operated on a group basis (privately guided but non-Southwind passengers also on board).
  • There will be two main guides throughout the trip (one from Chile and the other from Argentina).
  • First-aid kit.
Itinerary

DAY 01 (THU): HOME

Depart home on an overnight flight to Santiago, Chile’s cosmopolitan capital.

DAY 02 (FRI): SANTIAGO / PUERTO MONTT / PUERTO VARAS

Arrive early to Santiago, connect on your own to Puerto Montt, southern gateway to the Lake District. Reception and transfer by private vehicle to the resort town of Puerto Varas. The Middle European architecture makes this lake port a favorite weekend destination for the well-heeled, as well as for hikers, kayakers and anglers. Check-in to the Radisson Puerto Varas Hotel (formerly Colonos del Sur) with time to relax (depending on flights) before driving to Frutillar, one of Chile’s most popular lake resorts. This predominantly German community has expansive views of Lake Llanquihue and the picture perfect Osorno Volcano. Frutillar has preserved much of its traditional architecture and many of its Old World customs, like afternoon tea with kuchen. A tour of the regional museum, dedicated to the local colonizers, reveals interesting and immaculately preserved collections of 19th century farming implements and household artifacts. It is also home to several reconstructed period buildings, including a water-powered mill, blacksmith’s shop and a mansion set amid manicured lawns. We also stop at the lakeside theater Del Lago and admire its state-of-the art architecture. Time permitting, we’ll meet for a short walk to enjoy the views from the gentle trails of the Edmundo Winkler Forest Reserve, a great introduction to the temperate rainforest’s incredible plant and flower diversity. This evening, we drive back to Puerto Varas with an evening trip briefing and welcome dinner with our guide at the nearby Las Buenas Brasas restaurant. (D)

DAY 03 (SAT): LAKE LLANQUIHUE / OSORNO / PUERTO VARAS

Today we follow a scenic paved road around the southern shore of Lake Llanquihue to the community of Ensenada. Driving up the slopes of the Osorno Volcano (8,725′) to the Tesky climber’s refuge (5,085′), we enjoy incredible vistas while hiking toward the lower snowfields. The view of Llanquihue is spectacular, at 30 miles long it is the 4th largest lake in South America. Descending through typical forests, we stop to see a secondary crater called La Burbuja. A dirt road brings us to the emerald-green waters of Todos los Santos Lake, part of the famed International Lake Crossing and centerpiece of Vicente Pérez Rosales, created in 1926 this was Chile’s first national park. We can walk at the lake’s edge or join for a short shared boat excursion (weather permitting), taking advantage of photo opportunities while learning about the area’s natural history. En route, we stop to see the crystal-clear waters of Petrohué Falls thundering over basalt columns and through lava flows. Lunch is included today at the charming buffet-style Don Salmon restaurant. Returning to the Radisson Puerto Varas Hotel, dinner is on your own to try some of the appealing local restaurants. (B,L)

DAY 04 (SUN): PUYEHUE NATIONAL PARK

Early risers can enjoy the sunrise from the hotel before breakfast. As our journey continues with a drive to Puerto Octay, we notice changes in the landscape with well-tended fields of grain and vegetables in fertile valleys. Puerto Octay is a picturesque village on a quiet bay enclosed by the Centinela Peninsula. Historically, this village was an important lake port in the mid 1800’s until the railway was established. We have time to visit a small museum before we drive to Villa Entre Lagos and onto Lake Puyehue (at the entrance to Puyehue National Park). We stay at the comfortable Termas de Puyehue Hotel with pools fed by hot springs (both indoors and open to the sky), and a complete thermal spa. This afternoon we visit the park headquarters and follow a gentle trail in the Puyehue National Park looking for native plants, moss, mushrooms, fungi, shrubs and trees. The 1-mile Pionero Trail switchbacks through a dense forest, ending with a scenic vista over Lake Puyehue and the Chanleufu River. This well-marked trail has information signs posted throughout, and offers the chance to view unique bird species such as Des Mur’s wiretail, chucao tapaculos and the black-throated huet-huet. For the rest of the afternoon we have time to relax and take advantage of the hotel’s amenities, which include an art gallery housing a permanent exhibit of paintings and sculptures, and a small antique museum. Special reading rooms house selected literature from Chilean, Latin American and European authors. This evening we dine at the Hotel’s Olivia Nova or Lago Puyehue restaurants with vistas of the mountains in the distance, choosing from a variety of international dishes and an exclusive wine list. (B,L,D)

DAY 05 (MON): INTERNATIONAL LAND CROSSING

Today we drive to the Anticura section of Puyehue National Park. The country’s most popular park was created in 1941 to protect approximately 260,000 acres of pristine forest, stark volcanic scenery and wildlife; 125 species of birds and 35 of mammals, including puma, grey fox and pudù (the shortest dear in the world reaching only 14 inches high). In the lower forests, dominated by the ulmo, we also find the olivillo, tineo and southern beech. In the dense undergrowth is the arrayán, famous for inspiring Disney in the creation of the sets for the movie Bambi, and quila, a genus of solid bamboo that grows in impenetrable thickets. Backdropped by the Puyehue volcano (7,350′), our well-marked trail leads to the lovely falls and cascades for which the area is known, notably Princess Falls and Salto del Indio. Afterwards, we depart for a scenic drive across the Andes. We cross the Cardenal Samoré International Pass at 4,311 feet. Our drive takes us into beautiful evergreen and deciduous forests, dotted with southern beech trees, including coihues and lengas. Crossing into Argentina, our route takes us to the beautiful Lago Espejo, (Mirror Lake) and Lago Correntoso (Swift Lake), part of the Seven Lakes Route. Time permitting, we stop to take pictures and for a short walk among old coihue trees, following an easy trail through a beech forest. We continue on to lunch at La Posada del Lago Restaurant in the charming town of Villa La Angostura a tranquil resort community of attractive cabins and hosterías tucked sporadically into the evergreens on the shore of Lake Nahuel Huapi. In the afternoon, we’ll check-in to the Hostería Las Balsas, one of only two “Relais & Chateaux” hotels in Argentina. Opened in 1989, Las Balsas is nestled in the forest on the shore of a tranquil bay. The 13-room hostería is designed to fit perfectly in a woodland setting with large windows overlooking the water. The cuisine is a delicacy of wild meats, fish, vegetables and herbs grown on the property. On occasion and depending on availability, we may stay instead at the equally charming and upscale Correntoso River & Lake Hotel, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. (B,L,D)

DAY 06 (TUE): VILLA LA ANGOSTURA

This morning we catch the 1-hour boat or catamaran to visit Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes. A scenic, often overlooked park located on the tip of Quetrihué Peninsula, Los Arrayanes protects one of the largest remaining stands of the arrayán tree, a member of the myrtle family. In the Mapudungun language of the Mapuche Indians, the peninsula’s name means “place of the Arrayanes.” Our route follows an easy interpretive loop highlighting the region’s flora and birdlife. We walk amid the amancay or mutisia as well as coihues and ñires while listening to sweet calls of the diucas and bandurrias. This forest is unique with several trees reaching 60-80 feet (very tall for an Arrayán), some are up to 300 years old. The trunk of the Arrayán is very twisted, with cinnamon colored bark which is very cold to the touch. The tree’s flower is small and white and produces a violet berry. It is said that the natives brewed wine and made jam from the berry, and a medicinal tea is prepared from the leaves. Later, we return to mainland for lunch at Viejo Coihue, a nearby restaurant serving dishes typical of the area. In the afternoon, we stretch our legs with a short hike. A few miles from town starts a well-established path that will take us to the famous Coihue tree called “Abuelo or Grandfather”. We will trek through native forest for 1.5 hours until we arrive to the magnificent tree of more than 500 years of age. On our way back we will take another scenic trail which will lead us to one of the nicest bays of the Nahuel Huapi called “Last Hope” where we will stop for a mate (Argentine tea) tasting. We’ll have the opportunity to see unique species of trees, birds, insects, fish and a several varieties of ducks. Afterwards, a short drive brings us back to Hostería Las Balsas or Correntoso Hotel. (B,L)

DAY 07 (WED): BARILOCHE / LLAO LLAO

Today we can take a 2-hour gradual uphill hike to the Belvedere lookout for a lovely panoramic view of the surrounding lakes and mountains. Correntoso Lake and River can been seen, as well as three important sections of Lake Nahuel Huapi, Brazo del Rincon, Machete and Ultima Esperanza, well known for fishing. The lakes are backdropped by the range forming a mountain border with Chile, including the peaks of Macal, Tres Hermanas, Pantojo (an old volcano), Matus and Campana. If there is enough time, we can hike to see the Inacayal waterfall (1 additional hour round-trip). After returning to town, we drive around Nahuel Huapi Lake to the Argentinian resort town of San Carlos de Bariloche, stopping en route at the historic El Boliche Viejo, and old Patagonian style country store/restaurant for lunch. Once in town, we walk through the main square, perhaps to sample the region’s famous chocolates or purchase some of the lovely wool crafts produced in the area. Continuing into the heart of the Lake District, we arrive at the prestigious Llao Llao Resort. Situated in an idyllic setting, on a peninsula surrounded by mountain peaks, lakes, rivers, and forests, this “Luxury Hotel of the World” and state-ofthe-art spa is the perfect ending to a spectacular day. This evening we dine at the nearby Il Gabbiano gourmet restaurant, featuring Mediterranean-style cuisine prepared with excellent local products of the region. (B,L,D)

DAY 08 (THU): NAHUEL HUAPI PARK

After an early breakfast, a 1 hour drive brings us through Bariloche and up to Cerro Otto (4,610’) for panoramic views of Nahuel Huapi National Park and a day of easy going hiking. Designated as a national park in 1903 (the first in South America), Nahuel Huapi protects more than 3,000 square miles of lakes, sparkling rivers, trout streams, turquoise glaciers, rocky, snow-capped peaks, dense forests, and waterfalls. Following a winding and scenic road, we arrive to the trailhead and begin walking by lenga beech forests and fields of wildflowers. We look for amancays, legend says that the red streaks on the upper petals of the yellow flower are the blood of a beautiful princess stolen by a condor. We keep an eye out for Magellanic Woodpeckers as we head to the Halzburg lookout (about 4 miles round trip). From the rocky top we have spectacular views of Nahuel Huapi, Moreno and Gutiérrez lakes and the peaks of Tronador, Catedral and Campanario among others. Back in the city we enjoy a local style lunch at one of the distinctive restaurants in Bariloche. Returning to the Llao Llao Resort, we have the remainder of the afternoon and evening at leisure to take advantage of such amenities as: tennis, spa treatments, fitness center, pools or any number of outdoor activities such as horseback riding (extra cost applies) or water sports. With dinner on your own, you may dine in elegance this evening at one of the hotel’s restaurants, perhaps enjoying a traditional Argentine barbeque, fine wine as strains of tango melodies from the piano to soothe the senses. (B,L)

DAY 09 (FRI): BARILOCHE / BUENOS AIRES

This morning we drive a short distance to lovely López Bay, from this landscape we hike about 1 mile following a gentle and scenic trail to view the Brazo Tristeza section of Lake Nahuel Huapi and Cerro Capilla (7,110’). Later, following a winding road through the Nahuel Huapi Park, we stop by fields of colorful lavender, whose sweet scent permeates the air. Completing our circle we ascend by chairlift to the top of Cerro Campanario for a superb panoramic view of Lake Nahuel Huapi (Tiger Island in the Mapuche language) and Lake Moreno. We arrive back in Bariloche and continue to the airport to check-in for our afternoon flight to Buenos Aires. We are met in this buzzing, European-style city and transferred the Emperador Hotel, centrally located in the elegant and exclusive Recoleta neighborhood near shopping centers and art galleries. This evening we are treated to a memorable Argentine farewell dinner and sultry tango show at one of the best venues in the city, the exclusive Gala Tango. (B,D)

DAY 10 (SAT): BUENOS AIRES / USA

The morning is at leisure for final shopping or sightseeing at your own pace. The newly re-developed Puerto Madero upscale district offers several shops and superb restaurants and the artists’ quarter of San Telmo. On the weekends, nearby Cortázar Square in Palermo Viejo is a nice option. Meet up with your local guide this afternoon for a tour of some of the city’s attractions, such as the Plaza de Mayo, where the city was founded, Metropolitan Cathedral and the neighborhoods of San Telmo and Montserrat. We drive by the Obelisk landmark, 9 de Julio (the world’s widest avenue containing 22 lanes), the splendid Colón Theater, National Congress, Casa Rosada (Government house), and other historical buildings in the city. The intriguing and famous Recoleta Cemetery rounds out our tour. By early evening, we transfer 1 hour to the Ezeiza International Airport to board an overnight flight home. (B)

DAY 11 (SUN): ARRIVE HOME

Arrive back in your gateway city this morning and make onward connections home.

Transportation

The Land Cost does not include any flights. Round-trip international air from US gateway cities is approximately $1,200-1,600 per person. Dec 15-Jan 15 is a peak travel time so higher fares may apply. Local in-country flights ARE NOT INCLUDED, budget approx $350-$600 per person for the Santiago-Puerto Montt and Bariloche-Buenos Aires flights. International carriers offering non-stop service from US gateways include; American (Dallas, Miami), Delta (Atlanta) LAN (Miami), and United (Houston or Newark). Airfares are subject to change at any time before tickets are issued. Upon receipt of your deposit, Southwind will send you recommended air arrangements to match your land itinerary. Airfares are subject to change at any time before tickets are issued.

Additional Information

EXCLUSIONS

  • US domestic, International flights, nor local flights within Chile or Argentina.
  • Chilean airport arrival and departure fees (approx. $17 per person)
  • The entry fee into Argentina for US citizens is $160 (valid for 10 years and multiple entries) and for Canadian citizens is $75 (valid for single entry only). Fees must be paid online before arrival.
  • Six (6) meals at about $25-40 each per person.
  • Tours or other services not listed on the itinerary.
  • Alcoholic beverages nor items of a personal nature; such as clothing, equipment, laundry and phone calls.
  • Tips to the local staff.
  • Expenses incurred in preparation, such as, but not limited to, non-refundable airline tickets, travel insurance, nor additional expenses resulting from flight delays, schedule changes, cancellations, or missed connections

VISA INFORMATION

With a valid US or Canadian passport do not need a visa to enter Argentina or Chile for visits of up to 90 days for tourism or business. For those traveling with a passport from a country other than the US or Canada, visit projectvisa.com for more visa information.

WEATHER INFORMATION

In the Lake District, or northern Patagonia you’ll find the temperatures very comfortable during the summer months (November-February). Daytime should be very pleasant with highs around 65-75°F, and the nights can be cool with lows in the 50’s. The gusty winds blowing off of the lakes can be cold at times and rain showers are common.

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On receipt of your deposit, subject to availability and at our discretion, World Juanderer will reserve your place on your selected holiday. A contract is only made between you and us upon your booking being confirmed and accepted by us.

  1. PRICE 

Prices are subject to change without prior notice. Each package tour and its add-ons are subject to change based on the tour operators and number or participants in the tour.

  1. IF WE CANCEL OR CHANGE YOUR HOLIDAY

3.1 World Juanderer reserves the right to change or cancel your booking in accordance with operating requirements or circumstances beyond its control.

3.2 If an alternative is not available or acceptable, you will be entitled to either a full refund of monies paid by you to us or transfer to another World Juanderer holiday without payment of any transfer fee.

3.4 If the change or cancellation is due to force majeure (i.e. circumstances like political unrest, war or threat of war, riots, bad weather conditions etc.), we will give a full refund of any monies paid to us less reasonable expenses incurred by us in respect of your booking.

3.5 World Juanderer is not responsible for the costs of any other travel arrangements affected due to our cancellations or rescheduling of any trip departure.

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4.1 With our personal experience in traveling and joining these tour packages, World Juanderer will do our best, at our discretion, to select accommodation, sightseeing trips, and transportation to give you good value for money.

4.2 World Juanderer constantly strives to improve trip itineraries and features. If such improvements can be made, or unforeseen circumstances beyond our control make changes necessary, we reserve the right to vary itineraries and to substitute hotels. World Juanderer is not responsible for any other travel arrangements affected due to our cancellations.

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5.3 All monies paid by you to us, whether in respect of the deposit or full payment, may be disbursed by us as and when we see fit, in respect of the services to be provided and/or fees payable under your selected holiday. The payment of a deposit or any other monies in respect of your holiday shall be deemed to be an authorization to disburse thereof as aforesaid.

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