A Civilized Walking Adventure in Northern Patagonia

Type of Trip: Hiking Length: 11 days Season: October-April Rating: Grade I

Embark on Southwind’s Lake District Odyssey, a captivating journey through the heart of Chile and Argentina’s northern Patagonia, showcasing arrestingly beautiful destinations renowned for snow-glazed volcanoes, dazzling blue lakes, and flower-strewn alpine meadows. Delve into quaint farms and villages with strong European influences, nestled within dense, temperate rainforests brimming with bamboo, rhubarb, and fuchsia. This easy-to-moderate adventure immerses you in some of South America’s oldest national parks, including Puyehue and Nahuel Huapi, where you’ll hike through forests of lenga beech, explore crystal-clear waterfalls like Petrohué Falls, and discover the unique Arrayanes Forest, home to cinnamon-colored myrtle trees.

Active days exploring the Osorno Volcano, Todos los Santos Lake, and the Seven Lakes Route are complemented by cozy nights at carefully selected fine hotels and lodges, such as Termas de Puyehue Hotel (with its thermal spa), Las Balsas Inn, and the spendid Llao Llao Resort and Spa. Indulge in luxurious amenities, gourmet meals featuring Patagonian cuisine, and exceptional Chilean and Argentine wines, making this Odyssey a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.

Trip Highlights:

• Amble along the perfectly conical white-peaked Osorno Volcano
• Stretch your legs on a walk within Chile’s most popular national park, Puyehue
• Follow the walkways to see the rushing emerald waters of Petrohué Falls
• 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

Brief Itinerary

DAY 1: US / SANTIAGO

Start your adventure with a flight to Santiago, Chile’s vibrant and cosmopolitan capital.

DAY 2: SANTIAGO / PUERTO MONTT / PUERTO VARAS

Arrive in Santiago and connect to Puerto Montt, the southern gateway to the Chilean Lake District. A warm welcome awaits as you transfer to the charming resort town of Puerto Varas, nestled on the shores of Lake Llanquihue. Immerse yourself in the German-influenced architecture of Frutillar, enjoying expansive views of the lake and the majestic Osorno Volcano.

DAY 3: LAKE LLANQUIHUE / OSORNO / PUERTO VARAS

Today, ascend the slopes of Osorno Volcano (8,725′) for breathtaking views of Lake Llanquihue and surrounding landscapes. Discover the emerald-green waters of Todos los Santos Lake, part of Chile’s first national park. Marvel at the cascading Petrohue Falls as they thunder over basalt columns.

DAY 4: PUYEHUE NATIONAL PARK

Journey overland to Puyehue National Park, a haven of pristine forests and volcanic scenery. Rejuvenate your senses with a soak in the hotel’s thermal spa, fed by natural hot springs. Hike a gentle trail in the park, seeking out native plants, birds, and perhaps even a glimpse of the elusive pudú, the world’s smallest deer.

DAY 5: INTERNATIONAL LAND CROSSING

Hike to the picturesque Princess Falls and witness the beauty of the region’s cascades. Embark on a scenic drive across the Andes, crossing the Cardenal Samoré International Pass into Argentina. Continuing to the charming town of Villa La Angostura, a tranquil resort community nestled on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi.

DAY 6: VILLA LA ANGOSTURA

Join for a scenic ferry ride to Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes, home to one of the largest remaining stands of the unique arrayán tree, known for its cinnamon-colored bark. Walk amid the amancay flowers and listen to the sweet calls of native birds as you explore this enchanted forest.

DAY 7: BARILOCHE / LLAO LLAO

Hike to the Belvedere lookout for panoramic views of the surrounding lakes and mountains. Drive along the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi, arriving in the Argentinian resort town of Bariloche, famous for its chocolates. Check into the prestigious Llao Llao Resort and Spa, an idyllic paradise surrounded by mountain peaks and sparkling lakes.

DAY 8: NAHUEL HUAPI PARK

Explore Nahuel Huapi National Park, the first in South America, protecting a vast expanse of pristine wilderness. Walk through lenga beech forests and fields of wildflowers, keeping an eye out for Magellanic Woodpeckers. Ascend to the Halzburg lookout for spectacular views of the surrounding lakes and peaks.

DAY 9: BARILOCHE / BUENOS AIRES

Enjoy a scenic walk to Brazo Tristeza, capturing the tranquility of Lake Nahuel Huapi. Ascend by chairlift to the top of Cerro Campanario for a superb panoramic view of the entire region. Fly to Buenos Aires, a vibrant city brimming with culture and history. Enjoy a traditional dinner and a captivating tango show.

DAY 10: BUENOS AIRES

Embark on a day tour of Buenos Aires highlights, experiencing the city’s European-style architecture, vibrant neighborhoods, and rich cultural heritage. Savor the flavors of Argentine cuisine before boarding your overnight flight home.

DAY 11: ARRIVE HOME

Arrive back in your gateway city, filled with unforgettable memories of your Patagonian adventure.

Experience the Lake District Odyssey and venture on a remarkable journey through the stunning landscapes of Chile and Argentina!

Detailed day-by-day itinerary (PDF for the 2025/26 season)
With full trip profile, inclusions/exclusions, estimated airfare, and other info.

Departures

On request any week throughout the October-April season

You can pick your own dates and have Southwind design a custom itinerary anytime during the season for a minimum of four participants. Please contact our Travel Specialists.

2025/2026 Land Cost

4-5 participants: from $8,900 p.p.d.
6-9 participants: from $8,300 p.p.d.
10-12 participants: from $7,700 p.p.d.
Single Supplement: from $2,300

p.p.d. = per person based on double occupancy. Price does not include international or local flights. Southwind ticketing affiliate helps coordinate flights to match your itinerary.

Detailed day-by-day itinerary (PDF for the 2025/26 season)
With full trip profile, inclusions/exclusions, estimated airfare, and other info.