Fly fishing sample itinerary

Horseback riding

Hiking

White water rafting

Photographic and cultural tours

Mountain Biking

Bird watching

Fly-fishing sample itinerary
6 nights 6 days.

First day: Arrival
An AM arrival at Puerto Montt Airport. Here the lodge’s staff will meet you for transfer to the Fundo el Salto Lodge. The transfer consists of a 60-minute drive Northeast. En-route you will pass by the scenic lakeside town of Puerto Varas, along the shores of Lago Llanquihue, and into the Vicente Perez Rozales national park.
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After getting organized at the lodge and having a light lunch, it is time to go fishing. A short drive will take you and your guide to the upper reaches of the Petrohue River. The Petrohue is a larger river that drains the Todos Los Santos lakes into the Pacific Ocean. This river is fished using Mackenzie River  boats and also wading along its many braids. The main feature of the Petrohue is large Brown trout but it can also present you with other very pleasant surprises. We fish here primarily with nymphs and streamers both from a boat and wading along the shore. Because of the difficult access this section of the river receives very little fishing pressure and fishing is usually extremely productive as the sun goes down, we get to the takeout. Our driver will be waiting for us to take us to back to the lodge for cocktails and dinner.
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Second day: Small tributaries
These rivers drain remote Andean valleys of volcanic origin and its crystal clear waters run pure from the foothills of snowcapped volcanoes. We start our day fishing the upper reaches of the river fishing succession of pools and runs, which hold healthy populations of wild fish which can get up to 4 or 5 pounds, these rivers are fished by wading using or small rods with nymphs and smaller streamers. Later as the temperature rises and the insects hatch we may change to dries as soon as we see consistent action on the surface. Here brightly colored rainbows get their size from feeding on small fresh water crabs that populate most of the rivers flowing from the Andes into the pacific Ocean, this allows the fish to grow fast and brightly colored. Brown trout also populate these rivers and as usual they tend to live in deeper pools or close to rocks or logs. After morning of fishing in such a wonderful setting we head back to a designated spot to enjoy a stream side lunch fixed by your guide. After lunch we may rest for a while under the shade of a big Coihue tree to continue fishing until the end of the day. After fishing, we head back towards the lodge to join the rest of the group for cocktails and a delicious dinner.
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Third Day: The spring creek
Today we will fish one of the few spring creeks in Chile. It is a very productive body of water that holds one of the highest concentrations of big fish in the area. The creek is crystal clear allowing you to spot many big fish. The trick is to cast a fly close to the fish without spooking them. An advantage over many other spring creeks is that, since these fish do not see many anglers, they are not easily spooked. This will give you a good chance of hooking large Brown or Rainbow trout. A good fish for this creek can range from two to six pounds. Larger fish have been hooked but very few have been landed. This is because we usually have to use fine leaders. Fishing the creek is fun and exciting. We will have a streamside lunch with a view of the magnificent Osorno Volcano. Later we will fish another section of the creek or we will try the main river, returning to the lodge around 6:30 for dinner.
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Fourth Day: The Foothills of Osorno
A 30 minute scenic drive will take us to the upper section of the river running by the foothills of the Volcano. This section has several braids; each one with many pools and runs. Here some parts of the river are more suitable for wading and the guide will stop the boat for you to get out and fish. We will use nymphs and streamers and later in the evening, if conditions are right, we will switch to dries. This section of the river is very productive for both Brown and Rainbow Trout. After the evening's fishing we go back to the lodge to join our fishing companions and hosts for dinner.
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Fifth day: The Petrohue River
After an early breakfast at the lodge, a short ride by car will take us to the put-in where our boats and guides will be ready for the journey. The Petrohue River flows between the Santo Domingo Mountains and the magnificent Osorno volcano. The Petrohue float is one of the most scenic journeys in South America. This section has several braids; each one with many pools and runs. This part of the river is most suitable for wading. Fishing is usually very productive for both Brown and Rainbow Trout; a good fish in this river can range from three to eight pounds. There are also small runs of Sea Trout, Atlantic and Chinook salmon, in this case sizes can easily jump above ten pounds. At mid day we will have an unforgettable stream side lunch then continue our float downstream reaching the takeout point around 6:30 p.m. From here point we will be driven back to the lodge.
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Sixth Day:
Within 45 minutes by boat from the lodge there are three mid size rivers flowing into the Todos los Santos Lake. These rivers drain remote valleys of volcanic origin and its crystal clear waters run pure from the foothills of snowcapped volcanoes. We start our fishing day were the river enters the lake in search for large cruising fish that venture in the area in search for prey. Here we have the chance of hooking a real trophy. After a stream side lunch we venture to the upper reaches of the river. We will fish a succession of pools and runs, which hold healthy populations of wild fish. If we observe surface we can change to dries. All of these rivers are fished by wading. Later in the day, on our way back to the lodge, we will stop by some very productive reed beds. Here large Rainbows and Browns eagerly take a small streamers or dragon fly pattern.  After fishing, we head back towards the lodge.
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Seventh Day:
Departure After an early breakfast, the lodge's staff will drive you to the Puerto Montt airport to meet your departure flight or to the nearby dock to connect to the ferry boat for the lake crossing to Bariloche if you are continuing to Argentina. Photographic and cultural tours
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Fundo el Salto Lodge
Horseback riding
Our daily trips allow you to explore pristine areas and enjoy the comfort of the lodge.  The terrain largely dictates the pace and the distance we need to travel on a certain day but where possible there is a lot of trotting and cantering specially during the longer rides. The terrain at the is varied with prairies, rolling hills & temperate rain allowing day trips to remote mountain valleys or half day trips through the forest and prairies. The use of horses remains as one of the main means of transportation in the remote valleys of the Andes Mountains, thus there are trails to most areas of interest. We will plan our daily rides the day before and they are tailored to the experience of the rider. Riding parties are paired according to experience and interests. Experienced riders will be able to go at a faster pace always escorted by our guide. As to the lengths of the rides, these will be daily rides of up to 6 hours with additional one or two hours rest and several stops. 
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The Horses
American Criollo horses with roots on the Spanish races, Its breed is Anglo-Spanish, particularly Argentinean horse, taller than the Chilean, equally strong but quite spirited. They vary in size but the majority being between 14,2 and 16 hands . They are well schooled strong, fit, willing and sure footed. Horses are allocated to suit your level of riding experience. Each day before departure the horses are thoroughly checked for any signs of fatigue or injuries, when necessary the horses will be changed. Saddling up and the horses general welfare during the rides is the responsibility of the guide unless the guest wants to saddle its own. You will not be asked to help or look after your horse unless is something you specifically request.
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The Riding Customs
The tack is Chilean and comprises of metal-framed saddles. Its origin is Spanish and they have been designed specially for long trips. Layered with “chiporro” (sheepskin) and protected with leather. The other clothing beneath the saddle are called: batan, pellon and matra (felt) and are normally laid on ground by gauchos and baqueanos to provide a soft and warm bed. Rope, rawhide and leather form the bridles, girths, straps etc. The stirrups consist of a leather cup through which the foot cannot pass. Most of the horses are ridden in simple snaffles. Halters are worn throughout the ride with rope tied around the horse's neck to tie up at lunch stops/rest stops, etc.
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What You Need to Bring
In general we recommend to bring summer and winter clothing: long pants/riding pants, waterproof parka or rain coat, waterproof pants, leather riding boots, leather gaiters, strongly woven long sleeved shirt as protection on bush trails, fleece jacket, wool socks, hat as protection from sun, rain and branches, sunscreen lotion & lip balm, sun glasses, gloves, riding helmet.
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Full-Day Horseback Ride and Trek Around the Calbuco Volcano
This journey around Volcano Calbuco combines horseback riding with trekking. Our adventure begins when we saddle up at the horse ranch, Los Volcanes. A 2.5-hour ride brings us to the base of Volcano Calbuco. We then trek for approximately 1.5 hours to the impressive Salto del Caliente, a 60-meter waterfall. After an invigorating swim and a delicious lunch, the return trip follows the same route back through both native forest and an impressive volcanic landscape.
Minimum Age: 12 years old
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Half-Day Horseback Ride to Salto de Angel 
This excursion combines a 3-hour gentle horseback ride with a short walk. We begin our horseback adventure at the horse ranch, Los Volcanes. The beginning of the trail takes us through thick, native forest until we reach an astonishing lookout that provides memorable views of Volcano Osorno and Cerro Puntiagudo. A 20-minute walk follows our ride to the waterfall Salto de Angel, where we will stop for an invigorating swim and a hearty snack. Our return trip follows the same route.
Minimum Age: This tour is appropriate for all ages Riding Requirements: No prior horseback riding experience in necessary, but participants must be in good physical condition.
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Walking and hiking
Float trip and hiking in the Petrohue river valley: Float in the quiet lower section of the river, after a  fabulous river side lunch you will enjoy a walk up the river that will provide you with ample opportunities to observe native flora and fauna in a magnificent setting.
The Petrohue float is one of the most scenic journeys in South America. The River flows between the Santo Domingo Mountains and the magnificent Osorno volcano. From the Todos Los Santos Lake,   in the Vicente Perez Rosales National Park, and empties in the Pacific Ocean at the quiet Reloncavi estuary, a deep and quiet fjord deep in the foothills of the Andes. Early in the morning, after breakfast , you will be met by your guide at the lodge,  a 1 hour scenic ride by car, will take you to the put-in at the upper section of the river, running by the foothills of the Volcano. Here our boats and guides will be waiting. We will start our float trip down the turquoise colored waters of the Petrohue River. The boats will take us in to the beautiful river valley where there is no access by roads. Silently we will drift down the river and will have the opportunity to observe a variety of birds in this unique environment.  Ibises, birds of prey like the Cara - Cara or the Flightless Steamer duck, Chile's, and one of the worlds, largest ducks. Later we will stop for a stream-side lunch , then we will  continue our journey down the river to the point were we will leave the boats and start our trek up the valley following an old cowboy trail  that runs parallel to the river. The trail will take us away from the river into one of the valley's oldest forests; here we will be able to see a variety of species that reach an uncommonly large size due to its old age. This corner of the valley has remained unchanged for the last 2,000 years, contrary to what has happened in other areas in the valley where the volcanic influence of both the Calbuco and Osorno volcanoes has affected most of the landscape. Continuing along the trail up the valley and under the forest we will cross several creeks that run into the main river, the environment changes as we get closer to the Osorno volcano, with several open areas colonized by a variety of lichens, ferns and smaller trees.  Additionally, a curious pattern to observe as we get closer to the volcano is the fact that the size of the rocks increases from small pebbles to very large rocks of several tons. After we wade across one of the larger tributaries of the Petrohue River, we will come to an area were several artesian springs come to the surface the cold and mineral rich water gives birth to a unique environment where several species of aquatic plants provide food and shelter to fish, birds and mammals. We will continue our journey up the valley to the point where the vehicles will be waiting to take us back to the lodge for dinner.
Difficulty: steady trek
Duration:  trekking approximately 4 hours, river float trip 4 hours.
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Trek to the Petrohue falls. These falls were formed by an  ancient lava flow which encountered the massive granite wall  of the Santo Domingo Mountain range. Today the Petrohue river flows over the lava fields, at the end  this fields its  emerald waters give birth to the magnificent Petrohue falls.  The junction of frozen lava with the granite mountain is still clearly visible today.  After a break at the falls we continue along a riverside trail that will show you how the rain forest  is conquering the lava, along the trail we will  have the opportunity to quench our thirst drinking crystal clear cold water from artesian springs on a pristine emerald-green surrounding of ferns and moss.  Return back to the lodge for dinner.
Difficulty: Fairly easy trek.
Duration: approximately 1.5  hours.
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Trek at the foothills of the Osorno Volcano.
After breakfast we will start our Trek along to the foothills of the Osorno Volcano. The lodge's all terrain  vehicles will take us up  the North slope of the volcano following an old road. Trekking will begin at 4,000 feet, we will trek towards the East all the way back to the lodge at 400 feet. From this point we will be able to see the lakes, rivers and forest below us and the several magnificent Andean peaks around us, among them , the impressive mount Tronador which is the highest peak in  Patagonia with 11,411 feet.  As we get lower into the valley , the landscape around us will change from volcanic sand and lichens to a mature rain forest. The most interesting aspect of this transition is to observe how different species adapt to a changing  environment. Also  we will have a very good chance to observe the majestic Andean Condor in it's natural environment. As we reach 2,000 feet we reach a point where we will  have a panoramic view of  mount Tronador and the Puntiagudo Volcano against the emerald colored waters of the Todos los Santos lake. Here we will  stop for Lunch. Later we will continue our journey down through  forested areas until we reach the shores of the Todos Los Santos lake, where we can quench our thirst or  swim in it's crystal clear  waters. Once at the bottom of the valley we will head South following  an old trail that will take us through several  forested and open areas all the way back to the lodge.
Difficulty: Steady plus trek,
Duration: Approximately 6 hours.
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White water rafting
Rafting the Petrohue River Class III Level:
Class III (intermediate) Grab a paddle and join us on one of Chile's most beautiful rivers, the Petrohue. A ride down this Class III section of river provides thrilling adrenaline-rushing rapids, as well as opportunities to float through quiet sections while taking in the splendor of Vicente Perez Rosales National Park. Expert guides lead you down this stretch for approximately 1.5 hours, which passes through breathtaking scenery and offers views of volcanoes Osorno, Calbuco, and Puntiagudo.
Time of Year: November to April 
Length: Half-Day Tour 
Trip Time: 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, or 3:30 pm to 8:30 pm 
Minimum Age: 12 years old 
Requirements: No prior rafting experience is necessary, but participants must know how to swim and be in good physical condition.
Includes: State-of-the-art equipment (wetsuits, spray jackets, life jackets, booties, helmets, paddles, and self-bailing rafts) Round-trip transportation , Hearty Snack on the morning tour and delicious lunch on the afternoon tour.
What to bring: Bathing suits, sunscreen, and a dry change of clothes.
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Full-Day Tour Rafting and Floating Petrohue River (mild) Spend the day  on a relaxing float down the beautiful Petrohue River. This trip is ideal for families, or for anyone seeking a more tranquil river trip. This stretch of river takes 4.5 hours and provides guests with an opportunity to fish and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Vicente Perez Rosales National Park and the Llanquihue National Forest Reserve. It is common to see diverse species of birds, such as Torrent Ducks, Kingfishers, and Olivaceous Cormorants. Additionally, the dramatic views of volcanoes Osorno, Calbuco, Puntiagudo, and Tronador will leave you spellbound.
Level: Class I (mild) 
Time of Year: November to April  
Length: Full-Day Tour 
Trip Time: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm 
Minimum Age: This trip is appropriate for all ages.
Requirements: No prior rafting experience is necessary, but participants must know how to swim.  Includes: -State-of-the-art equipment (wetsuits, spray jackets, life jackets, booties, helmets, paddles, and self-bailing rafts) -Round-trip transportation -Delicious Lunch
What to bring: Bathing suits, sunscreen, and a dry change of clothes.
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TREK GRADES Expeditions:
Summer and winter mountaineering background advisable.

Tough:
Regular hill walking background advisable. May involve some backpacking - always stated in trip description

Steady Plus:
As "Steady" but with varying extra demands. i.e. Remoteness, altitude, long days, weather, lack of comforts etc.

Steady:
Hill walking and camping background advisable.

Fairly Easy:
For all recreational walkers. 




Tour to Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas  Local crafts markets.
Today your guide will take you to the lakeside village of Puerto Varas here we will visit several arts and crafts stores were you will find, among other items, the famous Lapiz  jewelry, fine carvings made of local hard woods, Pottery replicas of ancient archeological pieces, beautifully  hand knitted sweaters made from hand spun and naturally died wool or soft mohair blends, the list of items  is very long. After visiting  the stores in Puerto Varas , we will drive to Puerto Montt to enjoy a seaside lunch on a restaurant whose specialty is fresh seafood and fish. After lunch your guide will take you to the Angelmo market were local produce and crafts are brought by boat from hundreds of islands of the Chiloe archipelago as well as several other remote areas of Chile. Here you will find many unique pieces in  leather, silver , wool and natural fibers  such as horse hair or vines. After visiting the market ,  we will go the  highest point of the city to enjoy a grand panoramic vista of Puerto Montt. Later we will drive back to the lodge following the road used by the first settlers in 1853  to communicate the ocean and the lake.
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Full-Day Lake Llanquihue & Local Villages.
From the Lodge, we follow the scenic coastal road around the northern shore of Lake Llanquihue. This route offers unsurpassable views of  volcanoes Osorno and Calbuco as well as beautiful views of the Lake and native rain forest. This full-day sightseeing tour takes you on a loop around Lake Llanquihue, passing through picturesque German colonial villages, such as Cascada, Puerto Octay, Centinela, Frutillar and Puerto Varas. A delicious lunch is served in Frutillar. Once Puerto Varas we will walk around the town looking at various old buildings of interesting architecture, many of which are national monuments. We will also visit several arts and crafts stores where you can find the finest examples of weavings, jewelry and native wood carvings. Throughout our journey, we wind around the beautiful coves and glorious rolling fields dotted with picturesque farmhouses that characterize the Lake District.
Time of Year: Year-Round.
Length: Full-Day Tour.
Includes: Knowledgeable guide Round-trip transportation, Delicious Lunch
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Mountain Biking:
The park offers the opportunity to travel along a variety of trails and ridges on a mountain bike. Using the equipment we provide to assure comfort and safety, biking allows our guests to fully enjoy the geography of  Chile’s lake District. The use of helmets, gloves, sunglasses and adequate footwear are an important element for each of these outings. Half-day bicycle explorations will be combined with trekking and horseback riding explorations.
Duration: Half or full day.
Difficulty level:  excursions are matched to guest capacity; expert to novice.
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Bird watching:
The park and surrounding rain forest provides several different eco systems for birding. The guides have identified and catalogued 53 species of birds. If we venture into the rain forest, we can observe several more unique species such as most of the Tapa Culos, the Des Mur’s wire tail or the Megellanic wood pecker. The river, estuary and  lakes offer the opportunity to observe: The black necked swan, rails, grebes, geese, Steamer and Torrent ducks and stilts.
Duration: Half or full day.
Difficulty level:  excursions are matched to guest capacity; expert to novice.
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Note: The acceptance  of this program implies that the person knows about the nature of activities to be done. We reserve the right to cancel or change certain activities or to restrict an individual from participating on certain activities if this result on a risk to the physical integrity of an individual or group. Because adverse climatic conditions or acts of god, the activities can be changed or canceled if  we estimate that there is risk for an individual or the  group. If canceled and if possible the activities will be substituted for others. In case an individual does not follow the instructions from a member of the crew or guide, the consequences of it's actions will be of his sole responsibility.  Guides and/ or lodge staff may take pictures or videos of guests and these images may be used in promotional material without the need of consent unless guests specifically requests not to.
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