Hikerbabes VIP, Patagonia Lake District: Hosted by Tara

Let's raise a glass together to an exciting trip ahead during your welcome dinner! Tonight's gathering will take place at a local restaurant, just a brief 5-minute walk from the hotel. The evening promises a delightful 3-course set menu, offering a taste of the most authentic Patagonian flavors. Please note that a bottle of water and a glass of wine are included. Additional food and beverages at your own expense.

Meet your host, Ambassador Tara and fellow members before heading to welcome dinner!

Overnight in Puerto Varas.

Breakfast is included at the hotel. El Greco Hotel provides a continental-style breakfast with a diverse selection, including scrambled eggs, cold cuts, local pastries, yogurt, cereals, bread, jams, orange juice, and hot drinks. The specific offerings may vary depending on your confirmed hotel.

After a hearty breakfast, gather with your guide and group in the hotel lobby. Embark on a scenic 55-minute transfer around Llanquihue Lake, treated to awe-inspiring views of three majestic volcanoes dominating the skyline: Osorno, Calbuco, and Puntiagudo. Along the journey, admire the local architecture reflecting German influence, adding to Puerto Varas' captivating blend of cultural heritage and scenic landscapes. The transfer leads you into Vicente Perez Rosales National Park, a reserve preserving this remarkable lakes and mountains environment. Arriving at the base of Osorno Volcano, immerse yourself in the beauty of this mountain, known for offering ski resort services in winter and scenic tours in summer. Enjoy two consecutive chairlift rides, ascending to 5,380 feet, where a panoramic view of the Andes range, nearby lakes, and volcanoes awaits. Take some free time for leisurely walks or savor a coffee against this stunning backdrop. Please note, chairlift tickets are provided, but any additional purchases, such as coffee, are at your own expense. The chairlift's operation is subject to weather conditions. Once you've soaked in the splendor of the volcano, descend and proceed with a visit to Petrohue Waterfalls.

After the visit to Osorno Volcano, a 45-minute transfer will transport you to the mesmerizing Petrohue Waterfalls, nestled within Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park. Here, cascading waters against a backdrop of lush greenery and volcanic landscapes create a breathtaking natural spectacle. Accompanied by your guide, explore well-maintained trails offering various viewpoints for intimate encounters with the rushing waters. The area presents three different trails, tailored to suit the group's interests and fitness levels. Your guide will recommend the most suitable trail, featuring easy paths with gentle slopes. Near the waterfalls, there's a cafe and a small fast-food restaurant where you can purchase meals at your own expense. Capture unforgettable moments through your camera lens and enjoy leisurely walks before returning to your hotel via a 50-minute transfer. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to explore the city at your leisure. Please note that the order of activities for today is subject to change based on weather conditions.

Overnight in Puerto Varas.

Breakfast is included at the hotel. El Greco Hotel provides a continental-style breakfast with a diverse selection, including scrambled eggs, cold cuts, local pastries, yogurt, cereals, bread, jams, orange juice, and hot drinks. The specific offerings may vary depending on your confirmed hotel.

After breakfast, you'll be picked up from your hotel for a scenic 1.5-hour journey to Ralun, a mountain village nestled at the Reloncavi estuary near the river mouths of Petrohue and Ralun rivers. The drive offers picturesque views of stunning natural landscapes. Upon reaching the coast, your kayak guides will provide a safety briefing and equip you with technical gear, including a life jacket and paddle. Depending on your kayaking experience, you'll receive either a single or double kayak. The kayaking adventure spans approximately 12 miles from Ralun to Cochamo village, navigating the serene waters of Reloncavi Fjord—a vast estuary merging with the Pacific Ocean. The fjord boasts breathtaking vistas of towering mountains like Yates Volcano and lush green surroundings. As you paddle, keep an eye out for wildlife encounters; dolphins, sea lions, and penguins are frequent visitors, offering delightful moments alongside or around your kayak. Around midday, a unique culinary experience awaits at a local shoreline house. Engage with the locals, learn about their remote lifestyle, and relish a hearty traditional meal prepared by the family. After lunch, continue your kayaking journey, arriving at Cochamo, a charming fishing village. Explore Cochamo with your guide, and if desired, you can purchase additional food and drinks at your own expense. Following the exploration, embark on a 1.5-hour transfer back to your hotel. Please note, this kayaking tour is subject to weather conditions.

Overnight in Puerto Varas.

Breakfast is included at the hotel. El Greco Hotel provides a continental-style breakfast with a diverse selection, including scrambled eggs, cold cuts, local pastries, yogurt, cereals, bread, jams, orange juice, and hot drinks. The specific offerings may vary depending on your confirmed hotel.

Your Andes lakes crossing adventure begins bright and early. After breakfast and checking out from the hotel, prepare for a picturesque 55-minute drive to Petrohué. Here, you'll embark on an enthralling 2-hour boat ride across Todos los Santos Lake. Amidst the serene turquoise waters, marvel at the majestic Osorno, Puntiagudo, and Tronador volcanoes, alongside towering mountains and lush forests. Arriving at Peulla, a secluded Andean village, a brief 5-minute transfer will whisk you to Natura Hotel for a delightful lunch. The journey continues with a 2-hour transfer to Frias Lake, including a customs stop at the border. The boat ride across Lake Frias, a 30-minute journey with emerald waters from nearby glaciers, treats you to stunning views of Tronador Volcano. Upon reaching the opposite shore, a swift 25-minute transfer leads to Blest port on Nahuel Huapi Lake. Take some time to explore before embarking on a captivating 1.5-hour cruise across Nahuel Huapi Lake. As the landscapes unfold, enjoy the scenery during this final leg of the journey towards the captivating city of San Carlos de Bariloche. Disembark at Pañuelos port and take a 50-minute transfer to your charming hotel in Bariloche. This 11-hour traverse navigating three distinct lakes and crossing borders offers glimpses of stunning vistas and cultural transitions. Catamarans provide amenities such as restrooms, ample outdoor seating, indoor seating, and a simple bar. As luggage won't be accessible during the journey, it's advisable to bring a backpack with essentials. Remember to keep your passport handy throughout.

Upon crossing Lake Todos Los Santos, your journey leads to the remote village of Peulla nestled in the Andes Mountains. Here, indulge in a delicious three-course lunch at the Natura Hotel restaurant. Please be aware that this meal consists of a set menu, including one soft drink. Any extra food or beverages will be at your expense. Following lunch, a transfer will take you to Frias Lake, with a brief stop at the border for customs procedures.

Overnight in San Carlos de Bariloche.

Breakfast is included at the hotel. Carlos V Hotel provides a buffet-style breakfast with a diverse selection, including cold cuts, local pastries, yogurt, cereals, bread, jams, orange juice, and hot drinks. The specific offerings may vary depending on your confirmed hotel.

Prepare for an extraordinary day in Patagonia! Once breakfast concludes, gather with your guide and fellow travelers in the hotel lobby for an immersive exploration of the western region of Bariloche, known as "Circuito Chico." This journey spans 40 miles by vehicle, punctuated by several captivating stops. The highlight of the tour is the chairlift ascent to Campanario Hill, a mountaintop surrounded by glistening lakes. Enjoy ample time at the summit, indulging in the awe-inspiring vistas—one of the region's most breathtaking panoramas. A café atop Campanario Hill offers hot drinks and pastries for purchase. Continuing the excursion, the tour pauses at the Llao Llao reserve—a protected area boasting numerous trails amid lakes, forests, and mountains. Follow your guide on an easy 45-minute walk through the unique myrtle forest, immersing yourself in its natural splendor. Next, a visit to San Eduardo church reveals the architectural influence of Alejandro Bustillo in Bariloche and across Argentina. Midday brings a stop at Gilbert, a local brewery nestled in a rustic cabin. Taste three beers included in the visit, and take the opportunity to savor delectable food available for purchase. After lunch, return to your hotel, with free time to explore Bariloche's historic downtown at your leisure. Note that the order of attractions may vary.

Overnight in San Carlos de Bariloche.

Breakfast is included at the hotel. Carlos V Hotel provides a buffet-style breakfast with a diverse selection, including cold cuts, local pastries, yogurt, cereals, bread, jams, orange juice, and hot drinks. The specific offerings may vary depending on your confirmed hotel.

Prepare for an exhilarating day of trekking. After a hearty breakfast, a 45-minute transfer leads to the trailhead for the rewarding hike to Goye Hill. The scenic path begins alongside a pristine stream, winding through dense forests, and gradually ascends to the summit. The trail traverses diverse terrain—dense forests, rocky paths, and after approximately 2.5 hours, leads to the mallines section. Crossing over trunks and wooden pathways, the trail ascends to the first summit of Cerro Goye. Here, your experienced trekking guide will find a sheltered spot for a well-deserved packed lunch. Post-lunch, continue along the ridge toward the second, slightly lower summit before the descent begins. The descent is the most challenging part, due to loose stones and steep slopes. As the circuit closes, you'll return through the final stretch of the wide path to reach the gravel road leading back to your vehicle. Take the transfer back to your hotel, with the rest of the afternoon free to rest. Carrying a small backpack with water, the lunch and snacks is recommended, and trekking poles can be helpful. Please be mindful that hiking activities are subject to weather conditions. Additionally, due to the secluded nature of the hike, restroom facilities won't be available along the trail. Distance: 7 miles | Duration: 5 hours | Difficulty: Moderate | Elevation Gain: 2,800 ft

A packed lunch is provided and will be enjoyed during the hike. The lunch box includes a sandwich (smoked trout or boston shoulder), a quiche, a piece of fruit, dried fruit, a pastry, and some candy. Please be aware that water is not included, so we recommend filling your bottle at the hotel. Your guide will provide the packed lunch in the morning at the hotel, and you'll need to carry it during the hike.

Later in the afternoon, a quick 5-minute walk will take you to a local restaurant for your final dinner with fellow travelers. Enjoy a delightful 3-course set menu featuring traditional Patagonian cuisine. Please note that a bottle of water and a glass of wine are included. Additional beverages can be purchased at the venue. Keep in mind that the menu is subject to change based on the confirmed restaurant.

Join your host and guide for our Hikerbabe VIP retreat tradition, Gratitude closing. 45 minutes before dinner we will meet up to share our favorite activity and moment we are most grateful for. Let the sharing and beautiful memories close out our retreat in an epic way!

Overnight in San Carlos de Bariloche.

Breakfast is included at the hotel. Carlos V Hotel provides a buffet-style breakfast with a diverse selection, including cold cuts, local pastries, yogurt, cereals, bread, jams, orange juice, and hot drinks. The specific offerings may vary depending on your confirmed hotel.