Expedition Eastern Andes to the Pacific Ocean - River Rafting + Trekking

The aim of this trip is to cross the Andes and get to the Pacific Ocean, following in the steps of local pioneers. The characteristics of the trip demand good fitness, since we will be physically active between 6 and 8 hours a day.

We will send you a medical form for you to fill in and send back to us before you book.  Our staff will analyze the information on it and decide whether you can be accepted as part of the group. There will be a high level of safety and security involved in this trip (ie permanent radio contact, satellite phone, paramedic assistance, etc.).

Our guides are highly trained and are experts in outdoor adventure activities;  they all speak English well.

          

          


Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome and Check in Bariloche.
We welcome you at Bariloche international airport.
Introduction to the program and dinner with the Guides and Guests.
Arrange gear for next day. 

Day  2

Bariloche - Río Manso – Rafting to the frontier Argentina- Chile

We drive 100km from Bariloche to the Rio Manso, to La Pasarela campground.
After crossing the “Hanging Bridge” over the Rio Manso, we hike 2km to get to Gendarmería (Frontier Police Station). Here, in a nice cabin in the middle of the forest in between Argentina and Chile, we’ll have our passports stamped.
Hike back to the campground. We change our clothes for the first Rafting Adventure. Rapids of Class II and III head towards the Argentina-Chile border (8km rafting day).
First night camping beside the river at “Playa Huiño”.
Dinner and relax until next day.

Day 3

Border ARGENTINA / CHILE –Torrentoso Camp

After breakfast, we head back to the rafts for another day of rafting!!
This day, the rapids are little bit more challenging and technical, and will include 2 portages.
After one hour of paddling, the first rapids start, followed shortly by the first portage.
Then some rapids Class III until we get to the second portage.
The best rapid is a solid class IV called “Atajala si podés” (Catch it if you can). It’s followed by others rapids, and eventually the Torrentoso Camp.
End of the water part of the day. We change our neoprene for dry and warm clothes, then get ready to feast on a typical Patagonian Lamb barbecue made by real gauchos in the middle of an Andean Valley. We’ll listen to the sound of the river and watch the stars.

Day 4

Trekking from Torrentoso Camp – Río Steffen

After breakfast we get ready for a long trekking day along the Manso River. We will trek 17 km above a deep canyon through which the Manso River runs, making it impossible to navigate aboard rafts.
We will transit through many valleys and past local farmers’ cabins. This is an area that’s totally separate from any civilization, where people live rustic and simple lives. Arrive to Rio Tigre. Local farmers will welcome us and we will set up our camp close to their homes.

Day 5

Rafting Río Steffen – Lago Tagua Tagua

After breakfast we head to where the Rio Manso joins the Rio Steffen. Here, we hop back onboard our rafts for the best day of rafting yet.
As soon as we put in, the “Falso Trono” rapids welcome us. Fun and continuous rapids.
At lunch time and after cruising two powerful Class IV rapids, the canyon allows us to see an amazing and very green plain.
Then we will get to the Puelo River, the most powerful tributary of the Manso River. Some kilometres more and we arrive to Lago Tagua Tagua.
We spend the night in Rio Puelo Lodge.

DIA 6

Rafting Tagua Tagua – Océano Pacífico

From the hotel, some rustic “wood boats” will cruise us across the Lago Tagua Tagua.
The boat journey takes approximately 45 minutes to get to the west side of the lake.
Here we prepare the gear again to do our last descent, arriving finally at the Pacific Ocean. Rapids class II.
The highlight of this day is the Volcán Yates and its stunning glaciers.
It takes two hour to get to Seno De Reloncaví on the Pacific Ocean.
Here, we will celebrate crossing the Andes via this beautiful river.
Transfer to Pto. Varas (city close from Puerto Montt).
We spend the night in a nice hotel. Dinner with the team to celebrate again!!

DIA 7

Puerto Varas – Bariloche/Petrohué/Puerto Montt

Drive back to Pto Montt, Petrohué.

Important

Included

Transfer in Bariloche airport – hotel.
Complete river equipment
Camping equipment
Professional guides
All meals
Insurance
Paramedic
Digital film of the trip
Transfer out hotel in Puerto Varas (Chile) – Puerto Montt airport or Petrohue

Not Included

International flights
Sleeping bag
Personal belongings (clothing, hygiene products, etc.)
Tips

You need to bring
1 sleeping bag
1 jacket or parka
1 sweater or fleece
1 pair of trekking pants
1 pair of Overpants or rain pants
1 pair of trekking shoes
1 pair of sandals (ie Teva)
2 pairs of socks
1 pair of shorts
2 t-shirts
1 capilene
1 woolen or fleece hat
1 cap
1 headlamp
sun glasses and sun protection

personal hygiene products