On this journey of discovery and adventure in Pumalin, the experienced and knowledgeable guides will lead you on daily walks along some of the most important trails in the park. When you’re not exploring, you can unwind and relax in the comfortable and cozy cabins of Lodge Caleta Gonzalo, enjoy delicious meals at the restaurant, and connect with other like-minded travelers who share your passion for immersing themselves in nature and contributing to its preservation for future generations.
In the morning, you will be picked up from your chosen location in Puerto Montt, Puerto Varas, or directly from El Tepual Puerto Montt Airport (PMC), ensuring a smooth journey to Marcel Marchant Aerodrome, also known as La Paloma, nestled in the heart of Puerto Montt. Here, you'll take off on a breathtaking 40-minute flight to the Chaitén Aerodrome (SCTN), where a dedicated driver awaits to escort you to the serene Lodge Caleta Gonzalo. The drive, spanning roughly 90 minutes over 60 kilometers along the scenic Carretera Austral Norte, is a photographer's dream, offering endless vistas worthy of your camera's attention.
Upon arrival at Lodge Caleta Gonzalo, you'll have time to settle into your cozy cabin before enjoying a delicious lunch. During the afternoon, you can explore the nearby trails, including the enchanting Cascadas Trail or the lodge’s eastern expanse, revealing an organic garden, a pristine beach, and the secluded pools of the Gonzalo River. Later in the day, your guide will outline the thrilling activities in store for you. As dusk falls, savor a sumptuous dinner before retreating to your cabin for a peaceful night's rest.
Overnight at one of Lodge Caleta Gonzalo's Little Cabins.
Begin your adventure at dawn with a hearty breakfast served in the Lodge's restaurant, afterward, you will be provided with a packed lunch for your journey, which can be easily stowed in your backpack. Close to 9:00 a.m., we'll take a shuttle from the Lodge, setting course for the trailhead that marks the start of our exploration. The day's trails are chosen with consideration of the prevailing weather, the preferences and skill levels of guests, and are ultimately selected by your guide to ensure an ideal match.
Among the favorites trails are the scenic Cascadas Trail, near the Lodge, Cascadas Escondidas, Alerces Trail, Tronador, the educational El Volcán, also the Michinmahuida Trail, and the awe-inspiring Volcán Chaitén.
Overnight at one of Lodge Caleta Gonzalo's Little Cabins.
Upon the morning of your departure, following breakfast, the journey commences at 9:00 a.m. towards the Chaitén aerodrome, where you will board your flight back to Puerto Montt, once in Puerto Montt, you will be transferred to your chosen location in Puerto Montt, Puerto Varas, or directly to El Tepual airport in case you have an onward flight later that same day.
Transfer services from your hotel in either Puerto Montt or Puerto Varas to La Paloma aerodrome, as well as transportation back to your accommodation.
Round trip plane tickets from Puerto Montt to Chaitén. Flights are provided by two reputable commercial airlines that have extensive experience in the area.
All ground transfers within Pumalin Park will be provided, allowing you to explore the park alongside other guests of the Lodge.
Accommodation at cabins in the Lodge. Please ask your Travel Experience Designer for availability.
All meals (breakfast, box lunches, and dinners). Please note that drinks are not included, except for the complimentary house wine during the dinner. Specific dietary restrictions or allergies can be accommodated.
Experienced guides who specialize in hiking. They holdﾠWFR certificationﾠand possess extensive knowledge of all the trails within Pumalin Park. Please Note: During your hikes, you will be joined by other guests of the Lodge who are participating in similar programs.
Personal accident insurance: mandatory for this type of travel.
Tips -totally voluntary- for whoever you consider appropriate.
Drinks (in addition to the complimentary “house wine” offered at dinner) and snacks, sandwiches or other additional food to what is stipulated in the itinerary.
Souvenir purchases or additional expenses at the restaurant.
Items for personal use.
The Caleta Gonzalo Lodge at Pumalin National Park boasts an impressive infrastructure that embodies the remarkable vision of Doug Tompkins. Designed and constructed with meticulous attention to detail, the cabins capture Tompkins’ aesthetics and style, serving as a harmonious blend of tourism and conservation within the park. These cabins offer an enchanting experience, characterized by their cozy and captivating ambiance while minimizing their visual and environmental impact. Guests are effortlessly enticed to immerse themselves in the embrace of nature, fostering a profound connection that ignites a deep appreciation and love for the surrounding wilderness.
Everyday on request (subject to availability).
The program can last from 3 days/2 nights to 5 days/4 nights. Please ask your Travel Experience Designer for more information, availability and rates.
The trip can start either in Puerto Montt, Puerto Varas or Caleta Gonzalo.
This program offers a range of hikes, from leisurely walks to more challenging treks, covering distances of 1 to 12 miles. We recommend discussing your preferences and abilities with the guides at Lodge Caleta Gonzalo to find the perfect trail for you.
The trails are constantly maintained and well marked. However, before you go out on any adventure, it is very important to ask for advice and condition information from the park rangers. Weather conditions in this area can alter quickly which increase the difficulty of all trails, especially on rainy days.
The Carretera Austral (route 7) is the main access point for each hike. All trails have a nearby parking area close to the trailhead.
For greater safety, we suggest taking a detailed map of the area you will be hiking in, or use one of the available trekking map apps. In most parts of the Pumalin Park there is no cellular reception so your application must allow offline browsing. Do not forget to stop by the Information Center of Caleta Gonzalo and check the large mural map that will be of great help to locate the trails.
Transport will be in either comfortable vans or smaller 4x4 vehicles.
During the summer months (December to March), you can expect to have some nice weather and warm days. However, you also need to bear in mind that it may rain a lot, no matter the season. Please prepare accordingly.
Remember: the weather in Patagonia is unpredictable and may move between all 4 seasons in one day. It is recommended to come prepared.
Max. Temperature average: 15°C (59°F) during summer.
Min. Temperature average: 7°C (44°F) during summer.
Travellers need to be prepared for fluctuating weather that can move from summer to winter in the same day.
Essential equipment includes:
We reserve the right to change the order of the days in any itinerary at the sole discretion of the trip guide and based on operational considerations. The trip guide can modify, change or eliminate part of the itinerary based on safety/weather considerations.
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Updated October 4th, 2022
Dear Traveler,
We are very happy to announce that there are currently no travel restrictions in Chile.
Together with the above mentioned, it is mandatory to comply with the following requirements:
In case you have any questions, we will be happy to help you!
Best,
The Team at Cascada Expediciones & EcoCamp Patagonia
