VALLE DEL CALLAO PUERTO VARAS
Expedition
El Callao Valley is found deep in the national park Vicente Perez Rosales, surrounded by volcanos and beautiful lakes of glacier origin. One of the most requested volcanos by hikers is the El Puntiagudo due to its high technical difficult to climb. This iconic volcano from the south of Chile is so long that will be beside us for the most part of the journey through the valley. From the peak of the Cenizo Hill, we will enjoy of an amazing overview of the landscape of the volcano, the valley and lakes that surround the cliff. Volcanic presence is an advantage as we will be able to enjoy crafted hot springs located on centenary tree trunks. This valley is characterized for not being very visited, so it is very likely to don’t see anyone else during the expedition. The forests are a must-see spot, as they are in their natural state, many of them never touched. They are kept in their natural state, in perfect harmony with the native flora and fauna and the few colonizer families that live within this place. We will be witnesses of how these families live in this place in a sustainable way, going with them in their daily routine of vegetable harvest and cow milking. The milk obtained is used to make cheese and butter in situ, we will try these nice natural products during our stay at the lodge.
PROGRAM
6 Days – 5 Night Trip
Day 1
Arrive at El Tepualde Puerto Montt airport, where a shuttle will be taken to Puerto Varas to the accommodation site, (Address: Estancia 440). In the accommodation place a short briefing will be provided in order to answer any questions visitors may have.
Day 2
Shuttle to Puerto Varas, to Lago de todos los Santos. From this place we will take a boat to cross within two hours to the end of the lake. Once we get to the shore, the first hike will start. About 5 to 7 hours of hiking through the path with a beautiful environment. We will get to a cozy retreat, home of one of the valley families, where they will provide a nice dinner.
Day 3
We will start the day with a country breakfast, to get enough energy for the rest of the day. We will spend most time of the day in a trail that will take us to a wonderful lookout from the valley, both lakes (Todos los Santos and Rupanco) and the challenging Puntiagudo Volcano. When we get back, we will have some rest in “pozones”, wooden made structures filled with hot springs. By the end of the day we will head back to the refuge where we will enjoy dinner and get some sleep.
Day 4
After breakfast we will pack our belongings to keep forward, deep in the valley. After a 5 hour hike, we will make it to a camp located in front of the wonderful Los Quetros lake. This place is ideal to enjoy the sunset, swim or just relax in a peaceful and quiet place. We will set up the camp and share dinner around a bonfire.
Day 5
We will dismantle the camp, and have breakfast while muleteers take care of the luggage. Once ready, we will head up to Rupanco Lake. In the way there we will witness the real world of the south of Chile, finding small country houses, sowing and cattle. When we get to the lake shore we will be able to install in one of the charming huts, to have a nice country dinner.
Day 6
Starting the day with a country breakfast, people will be organized in boats for a lake tour that will last for about an hour. After this, we are going to the shuttle and if the weather is nice we will have a nice surprise for you. Airport shuttle.
Recommendations
Equipment and Clothing
- Pad (available to rent)
- Sleeping bag (available to rent)
- Fishing Gear (recommended)
- Sunglasses
- Backpack (day pack 20lt. at least, big packs will be ported by muleteers)
- Shirt, breathable if possible (made of polyester or nylon)
- Hiking boots, preferably with ankle support
- Jacket (wool and cotton are not recommended because you will sweat more and it takes more time to dry)
- Sunscreen
- Trekking pants, breathable if possible
- Warm Hat
- Sunscreen
- Headlamp
