| Soft
trekking through the Andean lakes |
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Deep in the ancient alerce forest you will find an exclusive cozy
lodge and cabins on almost 5000 acres of Patagonian property far
from the cares of civilization. Spend a few days here exploring
the surrounding mountains and forests, waterfalls and springs, by
hiking, climbing, or horseback riding with special mountain guides.
Follow paths in Los Alerces de Lenca Pard that thread through different
species of the 4000 year old native Alerces. Until 1994 this property
was being exploited for lumber, primarily the Andean Larch, now
protected by local laws. The Garcia-Vander Stelts family, bought
the property and Nelson Garcia, the owner and manager, decided to
build the lodge to help preserve the natural beauty and variety
of unique flora and fauna and offer nature, lovers a comfortable
base to explore the area. The architecture and materials were selected
to harmonize with the environment, and the Lodge opened its doors
at the end of 1997.
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| Day 1 PUERTO
MONTT - ALERCE MOUNTAIN LODGE |
| You will
be meeting at the airport or your hotel in Puerto Montt and transferred
to Alerce Mountain Lodge. Follow the Carretera Austral (Southern Highway)
south alongside the Reloncavi Estuary for 23 miles, then begin the
ascent to the lodge on a road constructed of alerce logs. You will
make a small detour to see "El Tata", one of the oldest
alerce trees in this area, around 4000 years old. A short while later,
you will reach Laguna Reflejos (Reflections Lake) and board a small
hand drawn ferry for the last leg of the journey to Alerce Mountain
Lodge. You will be welcomed to the lodge and get an introduction to
the history of the lodge and the alerce tree. Afternoon Hike to Oro
Verde Mayor (Moderate 3 hour trek) Oro verde or "green gold"
is the majestic colors of the Valdivian forest. After a relatively
easy walk you will reach El Condor Lookout, where you can see down
into the glacial valley formed millions of years ago. Continuing you
walk, you will observe alerce trees up to 3000 years old. A highlight
will be the Fountain of Hope, where crystal clear water running from
the mountains forms an enchanting waterfall and pool. Return to the
lodge along a path known as Igor. Dinner and overnight. |
| Day 2 TREKKING
THE ALERZALES-HORSEBACK RIDING |
| Trail through
the Patagonian Andes (soft to moderate 5 hour trek). After an early
buffet breakfast, start your ascent to the Gran Nevado (1500 meters/4900
feet above sea level). From the top you will have magnificent views
of volcanoes such as Puntiagudo, Osorno, Calbuco, Yates, Apagado and
Corcovado as well as mighty Tronador. You can also see Lake Llanquihue
and the Reloncavi Sound. After a short break to appreciate these spectacular
views and to have a bite to eat, continue walking following the mountain
path up to El Condor Lookout, before returning to the lodge. Enjoy
lunch in the Lodge. In the afternoon you will have free time to relax
and enjoy the lodge facilities, such as the spa and sauna. Dinner
and overnight. |
| Day 3 HORSEBACKRIDING
PAMPICHUELAS |
| Discover
the Pampichuelas (Moderate 5 hour trek). After breakfast, we start
towards the stables to begin the ascent to the Pampichuelas (approximately
950 meters/3000 feet above sea level). These are moss and fungus formations
growing over once existing lakes in the area. The walk to the Pampichuelas
takes you along paths under a dense canopy of coigues, quilantos and
tepas, all native species of the Valdivian forest. After a short break
at the Pampichuelas you will continue walking to El Rodado, where
shingle makers continue their trade using the techniques of their
grandfathers. The horses will be waiting for you here for the return
trip to the lodge. After lunch at the lodge, you are free to relax.
Dinner and overnight. |
| Day 4 ALERCE
MOUNTAIN LODGE-PUERTO MONTT |
| After your
buffet breakfast, spend your morning at leisure enjoying the lodge
and its surroundings. Transfer to Puerto Montt after lunch. |
| DEPARTURES
DATES AT REQUEST. |
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Based on Single room
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US$ 785
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Based on Double room
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US$ 680
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Based on Triple room
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US$ 635
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Cabin min 4 people
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US$ 605
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INCLUDED :
- Round trip airport transfers from Puerto Montt to the Lodge.
- Bilingual guide.
- All meals (American buffet breakfast, lunch, high tea and dinner).
- Aperitif and a half bottle of wine per person in lunches and
dinners.
- 3 nights lodging in Alerce Mountain Lodge.
- All the activities mentioned in the program.
- Use of all the facilities in the Hotel.
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NOT INCLUDED :
- Air local tickets Santiago-Puerto Montt-Santiago.
- other drinks or wines, and extras in Hotel like laundry or telephone
calls.
- Tips.
- Medical expenses.
- Any type of Insurance.
- Anything that is not shown in the program.
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| WHAT
TO BRING? |
| Comfortable
warm clothes - Rain and wind protection - Good trekking shoes - Photographic
camera - Solar protector, jockey - Little back pack for trips - Personal
medicines.
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