

South America
10 days
9 nights
12 people
Moderate
Wildlife & Nature
Unravel the mysteries of Chiloé, a land of hidden myths and softly spoken legends. We’ll take you on a unique cultural and naturalist exploration of this stunning archipelago—Chile’s largest island—as well as to the northern region of the route of the famed Parks of Patagonia. In addition to gaining unique, hands-on insight from several rewilding and conservation projects, we’ll experience culinary traditions surrounded by some of the world’s most spectacular scenery. While traveling by boat, by air, and by land, our expert guides will welcome you into diverse landscapes and ecosystems, home to a spectrum of flora and fauna. Our unique selection of accommodations will have you falling asleep surrounded by lakes and volcanoes or overlooking fjords and mountains—all after rejuvenating days spent in some of the most majestic scenery in the world.
Looking for more dates?
This trip has additional dates with a new version of this itinerary. You can see future departures here.
Arrive today in Puerto Montt where and be transferred to the charming town of Puerto Varas. After settling into the hotel, we’ll take a walk together through town, right on the shore of one of the largest lakes of Chile—with a breathtaking view of the Andes Mountains to match. Keep your eyes peeled for the active volcanoes of Osorno and Calbuco as you breathe it all in. We come together again in the evening for a welcome dinner in town.
Arrive today in Puerto Montt where and be transferred to the charming town of Puerto Varas. After settling into the hotel, we’ll take a walk together through town, right on the shore of one of the largest lakes of Chile—with a breathtaking view of the Andes Mountains to match. Keep your eyes peeled for the active volcanoes of Osorno and Calbuco as you breathe it all in. We come together again in the evening for a welcome dinner in town.
Hotel Cumbres, or similar, Puerto Varas
Dinner
Hotel Cumbres, or similar, Puerto Varas
Dinner
We begin the day with a visit to the Vicente Perez Rosales National Park and take in the stunning views over Osorno volcano. The landscape changes dramatically as we drive up to the volcano station where we begin our morning hike to the Red Crater. Once back in the valley we explore Petrohué Falls and its magnificent basaltic formations and waterfall before heading to Lake Todos los Santos for lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll have a unique opportunity to give back to the land as we meet up with local NGO Legado Chile to partake in regenerative field work, working on the natural restoration of the wetlands in the small village of Llanquihue. After a full and active day, we end the day in Puerto Varas with a beer tasting and Chilean barbecue dinner at a local brewery.
We begin the day with a visit to the Vicente Perez Rosales National Park and take in the stunning views over Osorno volcano. The landscape changes dramatically as we drive up to the volcano station where we begin our morning hike to the Red Crater. Once back in the valley we explore Petrohué Falls and its magnificent basaltic formations and waterfall before heading to Lake Todos los Santos for lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll have a unique opportunity to give back to the land as we meet up with local NGO Legado Chile to partake in regenerative field work, working on the natural restoration of the wetlands in the small village of Llanquihue. After a full and active day, we end the day in Puerto Varas with a beer tasting and Chilean barbecue dinner at a local brewery.
Hotel Cumbres, or similar, Puerto Varas
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel Cumbres, or similar, Puerto Varas
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Following breakfast, we’ll set out for the scenic crossing to the island of Chiloé. During our 35-minute ferry ride, you’ll encounter breathtaking views of the Andean range from the water, as well as the first villages of the island, made noticeable by the typical wooden towers of the churches that make this place a unique architectural wonder. Throughout the day, we’ll explore the north part of the island and experience the wonderful living cultural heritage of Chiloé. We’ll visit small villages, taste fresh oysters, and witness the breeding colony of both Humboldt and Magellanic Penguins. Keep your eyes open for more wildlife encounters on the way, as you're sure to see many other species of birdlife who call this place home. This evening we enjoy dinner as a group at our charming wooden lodge facing the Pacific ocean.
Following breakfast, we’ll set out for the scenic crossing to the island of Chiloé. During our 35-minute ferry ride, you’ll encounter breathtaking views of the Andean range from the water, as well as the first villages of the island, made noticeable by the typical wooden towers of the churches that make this place a unique architectural wonder. Throughout the day, we’ll explore the north part of the island and experience the wonderful living cultural heritage of Chiloé. We’ll visit small villages, taste fresh oysters, and witness the breeding colony of both Humboldt and Magellanic Penguins. Keep your eyes open for more wildlife encounters on the way, as you're sure to see many other species of birdlife who call this place home. This evening we enjoy dinner as a group at our charming wooden lodge facing the Pacific ocean.
Hotel Ancud, or similar, Ancud
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel Ancud, or similar, Ancud
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We’ll kick off the day by boat as we navigate the mouth of the Chepú River, crossing through the unique sunken forest observing the local wildlife along the way. We disembark and begin a soft hike to Muelle la Luz, one of the several wooden docks found at different points of the archipelago. Each dock is known to have a different symbolic meaning for local inhabitants, which we will get to discuss with our guide. From here, we’ll head to a local family’s house to participate in the preparation of the locally loved curanto, a dish which originated in Chiloé. We transfer to the town of Castro, and check in to our one-of-a-kind hotel, elevated on stilts and situated right on the water. The evening is yours to explore and enjoy dinner at your leisure.
We’ll kick off the day by boat as we navigate the mouth of the Chepú River, crossing through the unique sunken forest observing the local wildlife along the way. We disembark and begin a soft hike to Muelle la Luz, one of the several wooden docks found at different points of the archipelago. Each dock is known to have a different symbolic meaning for local inhabitants, which we will get to discuss with our guide. From here, we’ll head to a local family’s house to participate in the preparation of the locally loved curanto, a dish which originated in Chiloé. We transfer to the town of Castro, and check in to our one-of-a-kind hotel, elevated on stilts and situated right on the water. The evening is yours to explore and enjoy dinner at your leisure.
Hotel Palafito 1326 or similar, Castro
Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel Palafito 1326 or similar, Castro
Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, we’ll set out on a walking tour of Castro, a city known for its colorful palafitos (stilt houses) and beautiful churches. We’ll take in the smells and sights of the local market, where we’ll purchase ingredients that we’ll later use to prepare our dinner. Once we reach the western side of the island, we’ll enjoy a two-hour hike to the Muelle Las Almas (Dock of Souls), a stunning wooden deck with remarkable views of the grand Pacific Ocean. Once returning to Castro, we’ll prepare dinner together with a local chef using our market-fresh ingredients.
After breakfast, we’ll set out on a walking tour of Castro, a city known for its colorful palafitos (stilt houses) and beautiful churches. We’ll take in the smells and sights of the local market, where we’ll purchase ingredients that we’ll later use to prepare our dinner. Once we reach the western side of the island, we’ll enjoy a two-hour hike to the Muelle Las Almas (Dock of Souls), a stunning wooden deck with remarkable views of the grand Pacific Ocean. Once returning to Castro, we’ll prepare dinner together with a local chef using our market-fresh ingredients.
Hotel Palafito 1326 or similar, Castro
Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner
Hotel Palafito 1326 or similar, Castro
Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner
After a delicious breakfast, we’ll spend our last day in Chiloé exploring the villages of the east canals, including Dalcahue, Archao, and Quinchao. We’ll have the opportunity to take in the beauty of some of the temples, designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites, located in the archipelago. You’ll then have a truly unique, hands-on experience spending time with the local carpenters, who use native wood and ancestral skills to craft their art—one at risk of disappearing. We’ll enjoy lunch at the “cocinerías,” food markets run by female leaders of the local villages, before we embark on our return trip to the mainland. Relax this evening back at our lovely boutique hotel.
After a delicious breakfast, we’ll spend our last day in Chiloé exploring the villages of the east canals, including Dalcahue, Archao, and Quinchao. We’ll have the opportunity to take in the beauty of some of the temples, designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites, located in the archipelago. You’ll then have a truly unique, hands-on experience spending time with the local carpenters, who use native wood and ancestral skills to craft their art—one at risk of disappearing. We’ll enjoy lunch at the “cocinerías,” food markets run by female leaders of the local villages, before we embark on our return trip to the mainland. Relax this evening back at our lovely boutique hotel.
Hotel Cumbres or similar, Puerto Varas
Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel Cumbres or similar, Puerto Varas
Breakfast, Lunch
This morning, we’ll take a stunning flight over the fjords of the Parks of Patagonia to reach Chaitén (40-minute flight). Our local team will meet and introduce us to the El Amarillo area of Park Pumalín, a treasure for conservation and rewilding. We begin exploring the beauty of the park by hiking the Darwin frog trail, named after the endangered amphibian of the southern forest. The 3km trail takes us through the Alerce forest where we come face to face with 2000 year old trees along the way. In the evening, we’ll drive to Caleta Gonzalo, the main entrance of the park, where we’ll enjoy dinner and the breathtaking scenery from our cabins with a view.
This morning, we’ll take a stunning flight over the fjords of the Parks of Patagonia to reach Chaitén (40-minute flight). Our local team will meet and introduce us to the El Amarillo area of Park Pumalín, a treasure for conservation and rewilding. We begin exploring the beauty of the park by hiking the Darwin frog trail, named after the endangered amphibian of the southern forest. The 3km trail takes us through the Alerce forest where we come face to face with 2000 year old trees along the way. In the evening, we’ll drive to Caleta Gonzalo, the main entrance of the park, where we’ll enjoy dinner and the breathtaking scenery from our cabins with a view.
Yelcho en la Patagonia, Chaitén
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Yelcho en la Patagonia, Chaitén
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, we’ll head out to explore different sections of the park. Today’s hike takes us to the active Volcán Chaitén (3miles/5 km, 4 hours), an incredible example of the raw power of nature residing within these lands. As you hike, you’ll have the chance to learn more from your guides about the temperate rainforest and its abundance of flora and wildlife. From elusive amphibians to unique mammals and birds—including the Magellanic woodpecker and the Pudú, the smallest deer on earth—you’ll want to keep your eyes open and ears perked in order to take it all in.
This morning, we’ll head out to explore different sections of the park. Today’s hike takes us to the active Volcán Chaitén (3miles/5 km, 4 hours), an incredible example of the raw power of nature residing within these lands. As you hike, you’ll have the chance to learn more from your guides about the temperate rainforest and its abundance of flora and wildlife. From elusive amphibians to unique mammals and birds—including the Magellanic woodpecker and the Pudú, the smallest deer on earth—you’ll want to keep your eyes open and ears perked in order to take it all in.
Yelcho en la Patagonia, Chaitén
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Yelcho en la Patagonia, Chaitén
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning is dedicated to exploring the section of the park near the Caleta Gonzalo fjord before driving to Chaiten for our flight back to Puerto Varas. Make sure to look out the window for dramatic views of the fjords below. This evening, we share one last dinner together as we recount our adventures.
This morning is dedicated to exploring the section of the park near the Caleta Gonzalo fjord before driving to Chaiten for our flight back to Puerto Varas. Make sure to look out the window for dramatic views of the fjords below. This evening, we share one last dinner together as we recount our adventures.
Hotel Cumbres or similar, Puerto Varas
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel Cumbres or similar, Puerto Varas
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we will transfer back to Puerto Montt in time for your outbound flights.
Breakfast
The listed price of this trip is per person based on double occupancy.
2023 dates supplemental pricing:
Internal air (D3 & D9): $160 per person
The listed price of this trip is per person based on double occupancy.
2023 dates supplemental pricing:
Internal air (D3 & D9): $160 per person
You’re in good company. Solo travelers typically make up about half of our small groups. With curiosity at the center of our experiences, there’s a natural camaraderie that develops over the course of a trip. We have two options for you:
Shared Room (subject to the latest Covid-19 guidelines): You'll be matched with another solo traveler of the same gender.
Private Room: Have your own room, subject to availability, for a supplemental cost of $525 per person. After booking your trip, please request a private room when you fill out your traveler information form and we’ll add the option to your booking and final balance.
Note that for the two nights at the Caleta Gonzalo cabins, a single room cannot be guaranteed and you will most likely need to share with another traveler.
You’re in good company. Solo travelers typically make up about half of our small groups. With curiosity at the center of our experiences, there’s a natural camaraderie that develops over the course of a trip. We have two options for you:
Shared Room (subject to the latest Covid-19 guidelines): You'll be matched with another solo traveler of the same gender.
Private Room: Have your own room, subject to availability, for a supplemental cost of $525 per person. After booking your trip, please request a private room when you fill out your traveler information form and we’ll add the option to your booking and final balance.
Note that for the two nights at the Caleta Gonzalo cabins, a single room cannot be guaranteed and you will most likely need to share with another traveler.
Travelers should feel comfortable walking 2–4 miles over the course of each day and spending most of the day outdoors. The longest hike with be on Day 8 (4 hours; 3miles/5km) and can be optional. Travelers should also be comfortable taking ferries, and if continuing to the extension, will have an opportunity to kayak.
Travelers should feel comfortable walking 2–4 miles over the course of each day and spending most of the day outdoors. The longest hike with be on Day 8 (4 hours; 3miles/5km) and can be optional. Travelers should also be comfortable taking ferries, and if continuing to the extension, will have an opportunity to kayak.
We’ll be staying at locally owned boutique hotels throughout the trip. In Chaitén, we’ll be staying two nights at the Yelcho en la Patagonia. Note that wifi can be limited due to the remoteness of the lodge. Keep in mind that in these more remote locations, many amenities, such as the types of pharmacies or grocery stores you expect in a larger city, will not be available.
We’ll be staying at locally owned boutique hotels throughout the trip. In Chaitén, we’ll be staying two nights at the Yelcho en la Patagonia. Note that wifi can be limited due to the remoteness of the lodge. Keep in mind that in these more remote locations, many amenities, such as the types of pharmacies or grocery stores you expect in a larger city, will not be available.
Our trip begins in Puerto Montt the morning of Day 1, when we’ll be meeting at the airport and transferring by private vehicle to Puerto Varas. Your flight should arrive in Puerto Montt no later than noon.
Our trip concludes in the morning on Day 10. We recommend departing any time that day (transfer from Puerto Varas back to Puerto Montt).
*Airport transfers are only provided if arriving & departing on the trip dates, or if pre/post arrangements have been made through Atlas Obscura.
Our trip begins in Puerto Montt the morning of Day 1, when we’ll be meeting at the airport and transferring by private vehicle to Puerto Varas. Your flight should arrive in Puerto Montt no later than noon.
Our trip concludes in the morning on Day 10. We recommend departing any time that day (transfer from Puerto Varas back to Puerto Montt).
*Airport transfers are only provided if arriving & departing on the trip dates, or if pre/post arrangements have been made through Atlas Obscura.
Call us at +1 646-961-4857
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Your participation goes towards the vital protection and preservation of this beautiful region of the world and the communities who live here. A portion of every participant’s trip cost goes towards supporting local NGOs and conservation organizations, such as Legado Chile and other groups who will lead us in our rewilding experiences. In addition, this trip is committed to producing 0% plastic emissions, a carbon print compensation, and recycling 100% of the waste produced.
Visa requirements for Chile vary depending on traveler citizenship. Please check requirements for travel to Chile and any countries passed through in transit. A passport is required for international travel. We recommend your passport expire at least six months after your return home.
Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated, though in certain cases ingredients can't be substituted or omitted from particular dishes. If you have a severe allergy, please contact us to find out if this is the right trip for you.
Have a question for us about Chiloé & the Fjords of Northern Patagonia? We're here to help!
Call us at +1 646-961-4857
Check out our FAQ
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Have a question for us about Chiloé & the Fjords of Northern Patagonia? We're here to help!
Call us at +1 833-919-9154
Check out our FAQ
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Sign up for our emails.
Have a question for us? We're here to help!
Call us at +1 833-919-9154
Check out our FAQ
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.