TOURISM

Puerto Varas is the gateway to the Chilean and Argentinian world-famous Patagonia region. There are innumerable attractions nearby, such as hot springs and skiing. For sports enthusiasts, Puerto Varas is a true paradise for fly fishing, mountain climbing, skiing, golf, water sports, horseback riding, among others. A map of the region, including the tours locations, can be found here.

 

Wednesday (March 11, 2015) Afternoon

On the Wednesday of the conference (March 11th, 2015), we will have the afternoon free for social activities and tourism. We compiled a list of proposed activities that the conference organization is coordinating. The duration of each activity is 4-5 hours departing at 3pm from the Hotel Patagonico. The conference organization will take care of making the arrangements (please do not make your own booking).

Horseback Riding+Trekking:

Several options aimed for beginners to experienced skill levels. All the rides will take place at a beautiful park near the scenic town of Frutillar, about 30 minutes from Puerto Varas. Transportation included. Can also include a 1 hour trekking expedition or a bird watching tour. Prices range from 70 to 100 USD depending on the exact option and number of people participating. More information and pictures here.

Osorno Volcano:

Come with us to enjoy the adventure of climbing the symbol of Lakes Region tourism. Tour the southern shore of Lake Llanquihue for 50 minutes, in which we will see in beautiful countryside decorate the lakeside landscape. At the base of the volcano we will arrive at the village of Ensenada, where we begin our ascent and enter the Vicente Perez Rosales National Park. We will stop along the climb to appreciate the panoramic view of the Petrohue River valley and see one of the volcano's extinct craters. At the end of the path we come to the Ski Center and its coffee shop, where you can use the chairlifts (not included) for an even better view of the surrounding scenery. Price around 30 USD (depending on number of people). More information and pictures here.

Rafting in the Petrohue River:

Grab a paddle and join us on one of Chile's most beautiful rivers, the Petrohue. A ride down this Class III section of this 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. We begin our adventure with a safety briefing. Our trip finishes at the confluence of the river Hueno Hueno at our base to change clothes and enjoy a snack. We will be back in Puerto Varas at the evening. Price around 60 USD (depending on number of people). More information and pictures here.

 

Longer Tours

In case you want to stay longer either before or after the conference, it will be possible to do day-long tours to Peulla, Chiloe, etc. If you are interested in any of these tours, please mention it in the comments section of the registration form and we will arrange it for you.

Peulla:

You cannot leave the region before sailing through the wonderful Todos los Santos Lake, visiting the world famous Petrohue River Falls, and knowing Peulla, a small ecological town with 120 inhabitants that is part of the famous Cruce Andino tourist circuit. After visiting the Petrohue River Falls we will sail through Todos los Santos Lake for about two hours, watching the Osorno, Puntiagudo and Tronador volcanos. In Peulla you cannot miss the opportunity of participating in some of the adventure tourism excursions like canopy, horseback rides, fishing and 4x4 safari tours that are offered in this natural paradise. More information and pictures here.

Petrohue:

We begin our tour travelling around the southern shore of Llanquihue Lake. You will have the chance to find out more about the German colonization and the agriculture of the region. Once inside Vicente Perez Rosales National Park, we will visit the world famous Petrohue River Falls, whose turquoise colors delight travelers. Then we will move on to the origin of this river, Todos los Santos Lake, and visit its volcanic beaches. We continue our journey to the center of Osorno Volcano Ski from where we can see the valley of the Petrohue River and Lake Llanquihue. More information and pictures here.

Chiloe:

This full day excursion allows us to visit the northern part of the Chiloe Island and the Gulf of Ancud. We will get to know its history and its forts, customs and legends. After traveling across the Chacao Channel for 30 minutes, we will get to the village of Chacao and will visit its church. We will go to the south west coast of the island of Chiloe to reach some islands in the Ocean Pacific where a colony of Magellanic and Humboldt penguins can be seen in the summer season, from November to March. Our visit to the island will end with lunch at the city of Ancud (optional), before returning to the mainland. More information and pictures here and here (for an alternative tour to the Chiloe island).