There are over 20 half- and full-day adventures
offered at Yan Kee Way Lodge, included with the All-Inclusive
Program. Below is a sample of what is offered:
Petrohue River Rafting
The Petrohue River was the venue for the 1999 Chilean
National Rafting Championship and is your destination
for the white water rafting expedition. Enjoy spectacular
views of Lake Llanquihue and the volcanoes Osorno, Puntiagudo,
Tronador and Calbuco. The section of the river that you
will run is class 3 to 4. The expedition will take you
approximately 10.5 miles downriver and approximately one
and 1/2 hours to complete. Volcanoes and temperate rain
forest surround us as head down the white foaming rapids.
Many remark on the visual setting, comparing it to the
jungle-like landscapes of Southeast Asia. It is no wonder
that some call this area the cool jungle.
Petrohue Float Trip
A more leisurely section of the Petrohue River is tackled,
as it meanders through the Petrohué valley, where
you will European style farmlands planted among the jungle
like forests of Ulmo Trees. During some seasons, these
trees are laden with fragrant white flours -- the source
of this regions' famous Ulmo honey. The raft trip lasts
approximately 6 hours, reaching Ralún, where the
Petrohué joins the Pacific Ocean in the estuary
of the fiord Reloncaví. During the trip, enjoy
impressive views of the volcanoes and the flora and fauna
of this region. In Ralún visit the thermal waters
located along side the river. This is a trip for the entire
family. Full-day Andean Lake Crossing
Transfer to Vincente Pérez Rosales National Park
(a 15-minute ride) and the town of Petrohué, situated
on the shores of Todos Los Santos Lake. Here you will
board a catamaran to cross the lake to a pioneer settlement
known as Peulla.
Half-day Photographic Expedition
Travel through Villa Ensenada to the entrance of Vincente
Perez Rosales National Park and the Laguna Verde area.
The expedition takes you along the edge of the volcano,
where you may enjoy the native plant and animal life while
proceeding to your destination, "Los Pilleyos".
Continue into Vincente Perez Rosales National Park to
visit an area where you may see the glacial run-off from
the volcanoes' slopes and glaciers, together with other
points of interest. Then proceed to the famous Petrohué
waterfalls or "Los Saltos". The falls were created
by the enormous lava flows of Osorno Volcano, which cut-off
the flow of water between Lake Todo Los Santos and Lago
Llanquihue and formed a new outflow from Todo Los Santos,
now known as the Petrohué River. The flora and
fauna of the temperate rainforest abound in this area.
Enjoy short hikes to "Los Enamorados" and "Carrilemu"
to learn about the different types of rocks, vegetation,
and animals that live in this temperate rainforest. This
is special expedition for the family and for those who
love the outdoors and wish to see and photograph the flora
and fauna of this area.
Boating Llanquihue Lake - Half day
Lago Llanquihue is the third largest natural lake in South
America. Small towns, many of which incorporate the word
"Puerto" in their names, surround it. In 1854,
German colonists founded one of the most recognized towns
in Chile, Puerto Varas, in their efforts to colonize this
beautiful, verdant but forest covered land. You will enjoy
a pleasant trip along the shore of the Lake, were you
will see beautiful landscapes near the impressive cone
of Osorno Volcano. The lush native vegetation covers the
many lava fingers that fan out, reaching out into the
lake, creating a series of small coves along the shoreline.
Boating Todos Los Santos - Half day
Boating in the emerald green waters of Todos Los Santos
Lake, you sail to Margarita Island, located in the middle
of the lake. The trip travels the east side of Osorno
volcano, La Picada Mountain, Puntiagudo Volcano, Cayutue
cove and Leon Mountain, among others.
Hobie Cat Sailing Llanquihue Lake - Half
day
The sailing adventure begins from the beach in front of
Yan Kee Way Lodge on Llanquihue Lake. This activity allows
you to enjoy the natural surroundings, the weather, the
forests, the beaches while taking in a great view of the
Osorno volcano as you cruise along with the waves and
the wind. The sailing guide will always be in charge of
sailing, however you may be given the opportunity to sail
by yourself if you can demonstrate sufficient knowledge
and skill and request to be responsible for handling the
boat.
Canoe Llanquihue Lake - Half day
The canoe trip travels along the shorelines of Llanquihue
Lake, starting from Yan Kee Way Lodge. You will paddle
to Laguna Verde (green lagoon), which lies to the east
and at the end of the lake you see from the lodge. You
will be inside Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park,
where you'll take a break and then go for a short walk
through the surrounding Chilean cool jungle. The hike
will take us about 20 minutes of easy and enjoyable walking.
If you desire, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a
refreshing swim in a natural cove.
Horseback Quinta Del Lago-1/2 Day
Nestled on the side of Calbuco volcano, where our horses
will be waiting for us to start our adventure through
meadows that surround the volcano until we get to El Mirador,
where we can appreciate a panoramic view of Llanquihue
lake, Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes. In this beautiful
setting we will take a break and enjoy the surroundings.
Following our break, we'll make our way back through large
green fields and native forests, and return to the Lodge.
Chiloe Expeditions Puñihuil &
Ancud-Full Day
Depart for Pargua, 85 kilometers from Ensenada by the
international route. Here, you will board a ship that
will transport you through the Chacao Canal (Pacific Ocean),
through countryside that surrounds the island. Along this
route you can spot Seals, Sea Lions, Chilean Dolphin (Toninas),
Pelicans, Cormorants and other species of birds. Once
on the island, you will continue for 20 minutes by vehicle
to Ancud, the first of the two most important cities of
Chiloe. Continue to the coasts of Puñihuil. This
is a small town of artisan fishermen that understand the
archipelago of islands here, where Magellanic and Humboldt
penguins reproduce only during the months of October and
March. Here, you will also find Cormorants, Olivaceous,
Guanay, Red Legged Cormorant's, Magellanic Oystercatchers
and Kelp Geese. Afterwards, you return to Ancud for lunch
and return to the lodge.
Cascada Canopy Adventure-1/2 Day
Travel by car through the Vicente Perez Rosales National
Park to the Cascada Canopy on a winding road along the
western flank of Osorno Volcano. You'll receive instructions
from Canopy personnel and be outfitted for your adventure.
You're sure to enjoy the vistas and beauty of the "Cool
Jungle." Unlike hot equatorial jungles, these are
cool and humid and filled with many beautiful tree specimens.
The aerial canopy slide will take you into a world of
coigues, tepas, and canelos-trees that make up the native
Chilean forest. The flight over the forest, while securely
connected to strong cables, provides you with some of
the most spectacular views of Lago Llanquihue. The "flight"
travels through 11 aerial stations over a course of approximately
2 km.
Osorno Volcano Climbing Expedition - Full
Day
The climb of Osorno (8736 feet above sea level) will take
place over three distinct types of terrain. You will walk
for 2 hours on volcanic rock and 2 hours in the volcanic
sands on the cone of the volcano, until reaching the glacial
sector where we begin our ascent on ice and snow. You
will encounter slopes of up to 50º on parts of the
climb. Upon reaching the summit, you will have beautiful
views of the surrounding Andes Mountains and the settlements
dotted around the shoreline of Lake Llanquihue. The descent
will take approximately 2 1/2 hours. Safety on the volcano
is of extreme importance. All guides are highly qualified
and will assist you in order to have safe and unforgettable
experiences.
Canyoning Rio Poto Expedition-1/2 Day
Located 20 minutes from Yan Kee Way Lodge, the Poto River
is nestled in a beautiful canyon. Get ready for lots of
slipping, sliding and at the end, a waterfall of 20 meters!
Depart the lodge for the Rio Blanco lookout point, which
is between the Calbuco and Osorno volcanoes. You must
walk for about 20 minutes, arriving at the house of Sr.
Perez. You will suit up for an adventure in the crystal
clear waters of the Poto River. Many describe it as a
plunge into a natural Jacuzzi. You will walk, jump and
slide throughout many sections of the river as it has
been carved out and smoothed by centuries of running water.
After approximately 1 hour of exhilarating fun, you arrive
at a junction with the Rio Blanco. At this point you will
look down upon it from the upper section of the waterfall.
You will finish the canyoning adventure by rappelling
down the waterfall.
Puerto Varas & Puerto Montt Night Tour
Depart for Puerto Varas, 42 km from Ensenada. Your night
will begin by visiting the main pubs and discos of the
Puerto Varas area, as well as the casino. Afterward, you'll
head to Puerto Montt and the bars and pubs of the Pelluco
neighborhood.
Puerto Varas & Puerto Montt City Tour-Full Day
Depart for a 42 km drive along the southern shore Lago
Llanquihue. German settlers who lived around the lake
established Puerto Varas in 1854. The lake provided transportation
for moving goods and trade. Puerto Varas was the principal
lake port used to support trade with Puerto Montt. On
warm sunny days, the beach will be packed with sun bathers.
In summer months, the population of 28,000 swells with
tourists from the north of Chile. In town, you'll visit
Cerro Philippi and Cerro Calvario two places that provide
beautiful photo opportunities with views of the bay, the
city and Volcano Osorno. You will drive through downtown
and the commercial center and then turn south toward Puerto
Montt.
Puerto Montt, with a population of 130,000,
is capital of the Xº Region of Chile and about 12
km from Puerto Varas. Located on the shore at the northern
end of Reloncavi sound where Tenglo Island protects it
from the Pacific Oceanm, you will see its streets, people
and typical architecture. As a seaport, Puerto Montt provided
connections to the larger outside world and economy. You
will also visit the picturesque Angelmo. This awesome
cove has one of the main and largest handicrafts fairs
in the region, which offers a great variety of typical
handicraft and a colorful fish market, with all kinds
of seafood and shellfish.
SEA KAYAKING:
Half-day Llanquihue Lake - Paddling towards the fish farms
that are on the northern shore that you see in front of
the lodge. Here you will have an opportunity to see the
pens in which small salmon are transferred and allowed
to grow in fresh water before being moved to salt water
pens to finish their growth. Afterward, you paddle to
Laguna Verde, inside the Vicente Perez Rosales National
Park, where you will appreciate the rain forest and local
birds. Here you will have the opportunity to take a short
trek inside the park. Afterward, paddle back to the lodge.
Full-day Todos Los Santos Lake - You will
enter Vincente Perez Rosales National Park, which you
can see stretching across the vista on the flanks of Osorno.
Petrohue is the point of entry of the catamarans that
ply Todos Los Santos Lake taking passengers to and from
Peulla that is the last Chilean outpost before crossing
into Argentina. At Petrohue you will see the deep green
crystal clear waters of the lake where you will begin
paddling. On Todos Los Santos Lake (also known as Emerald
Lake), you will kayak along the coast. Along the way you
will see many of the local birds, and other natural beauties
such as Margarita Island, Osorno Volcano, La Picada Mountain,
Puntiagudo volcano, and Leon Mountain, among others. You
will stop at one of the many beaches to enjoy a box lunch
before returning to Petrohue.
Full-day Reloncavi Estuary - Depart for
the town of Ralún, 32 km away, where paddling down
the Petrohué River to the Reloncaví estuary.
You'll follow the river toward the saltwater estuary passing
through beautiful mountains and green valleys that provide
amazing vistas and surroundings. You will have an opportunity
to observe birds, sea birds and a variety of sea life
including the occasional Orca. You will take a lunch break
on one of the many scenic beaches in the Reloncavi Estuary.
We will finish at the little town of Cochamó where
a vehicle will be waiting to take you back to the lodge.
MOUNTAIN BIKING:
Half-day Downhill Osorno Volcano - Depart for the Burbuja
area (a large lava bubble formation) on the flank of Osorno
Volcano located at an altitude of 4,429 feet. You begin
the downhill run at the Burbuja Ski Lodge Refuge. Before
descending the volcano you will begin with a trek upward
toward the highest tower of the ski lift (approximately
a 1-hour trek). From this vantage point, there are spectacular
views of the summits of the volcanoes Osorno and Calbuco,
the expanse of the 320-square-mile Llanquihue Lake and
the surrounding Andean Mountain Range. On a clear day,
you may get a peak at Mt. Tronador which is over 12,000
feet in height and straddles the Chile and Argentina border
to the east. After returning to the Burbuja Ski Lodge
you'll receive safety instructions and begin the descent
by roads and paths, which are surrounded by native vegetation
and fantastic views. You finish the adventure with a visit
"Laguna Verde" which is within the Vincente
Pérez Rosales National Park.
Half-day Vicente Perez Rosales National
Park - In the park, you will ride on trails and routes
of medium difficulty. You will see the outflows from the
glaciers of Osorno Volcano that run off into the Petrohué
River. A part of the ride will take you along a beautiful
trail named "Los Enamorados". Upon arrival at
"Carilemu," you will enjoy the beauty of the
temperate rain forest and specimens of local trees including
Coigues, Mañios, Arrayanes and a variety of mosses.
The ride continues along the shore of the Petrohué
River to Todos Los Santos Lake.
Full-day La Picada - Depart for the La
Picada refuge, within the Vicente Pérez Rosales
National Park, approximately 36 km from Ensenada. Begin
the ride on an up-and-down concrete path. The path will
take you to the north-east face of Osorno volcano, where
the La Picada refuge is located. You continue along the
side of the volcano and finish on a flat area in front
of Todos Los Santos Lake. Here, you will take a lunch
break. Afterwards, begin the hard and technical downhill
descent to Todos Los Santos Lake and the town of Petrohue,
where a truck will be waiting to take you back to the
lodge.
TREKKING:
Full-day Cayutue Lagoon - Depart for the town of Petrohué,
located on the shores of Todos Los Santos Lake. During
the trek you'll come across the different species of birds
typical to this area including the Martín Pescador,
Chucao, Tiuque and various bright green parrots. Magnificent
trees and mosses will be all around you. As you gain altitude,
you will have a great view of Puntiagudo Volcano and the
magnificent mountaintops of the Andes including the famous
Derrumbe. After a rest and a well-deserved lunch break
on the shores of the Cayutué Lagoon, you will return
to the beach where the hike began.
Full-day Desolation Pass - From Petrohué,
you head upward toward the base of Volcano Osorno (8,730
feet). The trek takes you through Osorno's volcanic canyons
where amazing rock formations are etched out of the canyon
walls by the melting snows and glaciers of Osorno. As
you head upwards to Desolation Pass, at an altitude of
5,610 feet between the Osorno and Cerro La Picada volcanoes,
you will also see a wide variety of lava formations created
by the lava flows that built Osorno. The views from this
mile high vantage point are spectacular. While ascending
Osorno, you will have the opportunity to observe native
trees and fauna of the area, as well as spectacular views
of Todos Los Santos Lake. At the pass, you will enjoy
a well-earned lunch at the edge of a beautiful waterfall
formed by the melting snow and ice of the volcano and
other surrounding mountaintops. The descent will take
you to Playa Larga on Lake Todos Los Santos, where those
who wish may take a refreshing dip in the lake before
heading back towards Petrohué.
Full-day Osorno Volcano Hills - Depart
for Refugio La Burbuja, on the slopes of volcano Osorno.
Leaving Ensenada, you enter nearby Vicente Rosales National
Park and head upward toward the skirts of Volcano Osorno
(8,730 feet). Along the way, you will see small farms
that belong to families that owned small parcels in what
was later to become the national park. They were "grandfathered"
in and allowed to remain in the park. While they sometimes
have problems getting an adequate water supply for their
farms and gardens, they continue to farm in much the same
way as their forefathers that settled this area. The Refugio
La Burbuja or Bubble Refuge (as it is constructed by a
large lava bubble) was once a ski resort, although the
ski lift and facilities remain. This area will be the
start of the trek. We'll walk through the hills enjoying
the scenic views of Lake Llanquihue, the Andes and the
Pacific Ocean. At this altitude, you may see the total
expanse of Lago Llanquihue and the many small towns and
settlements around it. The hike continues along the Rio
Petrohue as it winds its way through the valleys of the
temperate rainforest.
Half-day Las Cascadas - Depart for the
town of Las Cascadas, located 23 km from Ensenada. You
will follow a winding road along the western flank of
Osorno Volcano while enjoying scenic views of Llanquihue
Lake. You begin hiking through paths traversing the Valdivian
forest (rainforest). The hike will take you along the
border of the river, crossing it twice on the journey
until you reach the waterfall.
If weather conditions permit, you may go for a swim in
the pool at the base of the waterfall. After visiting
the waterfall we'll retrace our path and return to lodge.
This trip can also be done by mountain bike.
Full-day Mt. Picada - From Petrohué,
you head for the base of Osorno Volcano (8,730 feet) and
the pass between the Osorno and La Picada Mountain (5,610
feet). During the ascent you can observe some of the typical
native trees of this area as well as enjoy the fantastic
views of Todos Los Santos Lake and its surroundings. At
Desolation Pass, you continue around the base of Osorno
to the northeast face of Mt. Picada. The ascent takes
you to the summit of Picada Mountain. At the summit, you
can take in the majestic views of the surrounding areas
including Todos Los Santos Lake as well as other peaks
in the area such as Tronador and Puntiagudo Volcano. After
lunch, begin the descent to Petrohué.
Contact
us to include Yan Kee Way Lodge in a customized itinerary
of travel to the Lakes
Region of Chile.
