Northern Patagonia Volcanoes & Islands

Unforgettable trip that my family and I were soooo glad to have experienced! Everything was carefully and well planned out from the lodging to trip itinerary to food and transportation.

• DAY 1: Welcome to the Lakes District!

  Arrive to Puerto Montt airport and transfer on your own to the charming town of Puerto Varas, located at the shore of Lake Llanquihue, with an impressive view of Calbuco and Osorno volcanoes. We will meet at 12pm noon at our hotel to check-in/drop off our bags, and then we’ll explore town together on a two-hour walking tour, visiting the local market and the iconic, German-style buildings spread throughout its picturesque streets. We’ll have lunch at the food truck court and then take the afternoon for our own rest or exploration before we gather for our welcome dinner at the house of a local chef and wine sommelier, located just a few miles from town.

  Meals: Lunch, dinner

  Lodging: Hotel Cumbres or similar

• DAY 2: Hike at Osorno Volcano "Paso Desolación"

  Today we depart early to drive along the southern shore of Lake Llanquihue until we reach Vicente Perez Rosales National Park.  Our forest road takes us to Refugio La Picada, where we will start our hike across Paso Desolación (“Desolation Trail”) — a spectacular 12k hike across the slopes of Osorno Volcano that will eventually take us to the shore of the emerald waters of Lake Todos Los Santos. Here our transfer will meet us and take us down the canyon a bit to visit the gorgeous and impressive rapids of the Petrohué River. From there we will head to the nearby Pertrohué Lodge, our accommodations for the night, where we will have dinner and prepare our gear for our thru-hike, which starts the next day, in the Puntiagudo Volcano valley.

  Hike: 12k (7.5 miles), elevation gain 850m (2,800 ft)

  Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner

  Lodging: Petrohué Lodge

• DAY 3: Thru-Hike Puntiagudo Valley to Termas El Callao

  After a delicious breakfast with view of the lake, we will walk down to the dock where our boat will be waiting to take us on a 45-60 minute boat ride to reach the opposite shore and start the first leg of our trek. Our first day will be about 5-6 hours of hiking through a landscape of grasslands, farms and temperate rainforest. We will cross rivers, suspended bridges and waterfalls along the way! At around 4pm, we’ll reach El Callao where we will spend the night at our first family lodge. In the afternoon there will be an optional visit to El Callao hot springs. The hot springs are very rustic and small, but they are great after a day of walking!

  Hike: 18k (11 miles), elevation gain 450m (1,500 ft)

  Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner

  Lodging: Overnight in the Valley of El Callao at a family home shelter

• DAY 4: Thru-Hike Puntiagudo Valley to Lake Rupanco

  Today we will hike about 16 km to reach our final thru-hike destination on the shore of Lake Rupanco. Hidden amongst the sandy shore of the lake is a special secret that we will literally need to dig to find: natural hot springs are buried under the sand, and with the help of a shovel, we can enjoy these all to ourselves at sunset before heading a local family’s home for a delicious, well-deserved dinner. Don’t forget those swimsuits!

  Hike: 16 km (10 miles), elevation gain 700 m (2,300 ft), descent 500 m (1,640 ft)

  Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner included

  Lodging: Las Gaviotas family lodge

• DAY 5: Lake Rupanco to Puerto Varas - Rewilding & local breweries

  After breakfast at the lodge, we’ll meet our transport to drive south, back to Lake Llanquihue and Puerto Varas. Along the way, we’ll enjoy great views of the northern shores of the lake and stop by one of our favorite places: microbrewery 860. Here we get to do a local craft brew tasting experience, lunch, and maybe even get to make our own beer!

  In the afternoon, we will meet up with our conservation and rewilding team from local NGO Legado Chile that will lead us through a hands-on experience of conservation and nature restoration in the field before going back to Puerto Varas for the evening at our leisure.

  Meals: Breakfast, box lunch (dinner on own tonight!)

  Lodging: Hotel Cumbres or similar

  Rewilding: Prepare to get a bit dirty, learn a bit about wildlife and land conservation in Chile, and be proud of an afternoon well-spent in this gorgeous country.

• DAY 6: Penguins & Culture of the Chiloé Archipelago

  Our first day of exploration of the big island of Chiloé starts early in the morning at the end of the Chilean Pan-American highway, where we’ll board a ferry and cross 3 km over to the small village of Chacao. Here we’ll have an introduction to the mythology of the Chiloé archipelago and drive out to the waters of the Humboldt current. Weather-depending, this is where we board a small boat to go visit the only breeding colony of Humboldt & Magellanic penguins in the Southern Hemisphere. Yes, PENGUINS! We’ll also do a short hike to a lookout point over the Pacific Ocean before continuing our adventures to the home of our lovely host Maria Luisa. At her agroturismo is where we’ll participate in the most traditional meal on the island: the Curanto (think surf ‘n turf baked in the earth). Be ready to actively participate! After this delicious meal and time spent with Maria Luisa, we’ll head out in the evening and drive to Castro, our home base for the next two days, where we get to sleep in a real palafito. Just wait. 😉

  Meals: Breakfast, lunch/linner (the Curanto is a big meal)

  Lodging: Palafito 1326 in Castro

• DAY 7: Villages of Chiloé, local craft & culinary market, the famous Dock of Souls

  Today is a beautiful day of exploring the small fishing villages of the main island of Chiloé, which is known for its fantastic colorful houses on stilts that float in the ocean, surrounded by wooden churches that are part of Unesco World Heritage. After a walking tour and a visit to the local market of Castro, we will head west to Chiloé National Park. In the park we’ll go for a short hike to reach the mystical Muelle de las Almas, (“Dock of Souls” – an homage to Chiloé’s mythology), a wooden structure that faces nothing but a cliff out to the Pacific Ocean. After a quick lunch at a local restaurant, we will spend some time relaxing at our hotel before our evening activity. Once a bit recovered from our morning, we’ll head south to the house of one of the most famous chefs in Chile — owner of the prestigious restaurant El Cazador (yes, this is the chef from Jackie’s Chiloé film!). At the chef’s home, we will enjoy a special preparation of local delicatessen, the best way to celebrate the end of this Northern Patagonian adventure.

  Hike: 4 km, elevation gain 20m (65 ft)

  Meals: Breakfast, lunch & farewell dinner

  Lodging: Palafito 1326 in Castro

• DAY 8: Farewell

  What a trip! Sadly, today we must part ways. After breakfast we will leave our lovely palafito together, and our vehicle will make up to two stops (depending on everyone’s ongoing travel plans) for airport transfers:

  Flights departing from Castro airport (MHC) – transfer will drop off at airport at 9am. Flights from MHC can safely be booked from 11am onward on Dec 8.

  Flights departing from Puerto Montt airport (PMC) – we will head back together to the ferry and to Puerto Montt, where the transfer will drop us off by 12pm noon. Flights from PMC can safely be booked from 2pm onward.

  Meals: Breakfast

   

From the moment we met up with Jackie… I instantly felt like we were in good hands. She knew the language extremely well, knew the area, and most importantly had a laid back “we’ve got this” enjoyable vibe. …The guides that Jackie had arranged were not just top notch, but FUN, and unforgettable. Each of them were knowledgeable about the area, history, wildlife, plants and ecology. They obviously loved what they did and loved sharing it with others.

TRIP COST: $4,250 per person

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• All meals included as specified in the itinerary (vegetarian, vegan and gluten intolerant options available upon request)
• Accommodations as noted, including small family-owned accommodations
• Fares based on double occupancy (shared accommodations). Single Supp. Usd. 75 per night may be requested and is dependent on availability.
• Private ground transportation
• Equipment provided: Literature, field guide, birds check list, spotting scope. Extra set of binoculars available upon request. Trekking poles available upon request,
• Equipment required : Sun-hat and sunscreen, comfortable waterproof footwear and clothing, reusable water bottle.
• Guides: Professional naturalist guides with International Wilderness First Responder Certification.
• Private invitation to join us/participate in JUMP Basecamp to prepare for your adventure!

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

• Flights, baggage fees, delay costs
• Public transportation outside of itinerary
• Travel insurance, medical insurance including Covid-19, immunizations, visas, passports
• Single rooms are NOT included, see above.
• Tips and gratuities
• Alcohol, beverages and meals not included in the standard menu
• Personal expenses and equipment

LET’S HEAR IT FROM THOSE WHO’VE BEEN THERE:

Review from 2022 Chile: Route of the Parks participant Amanda M:

There is just something really special about these opportunities. If you are stuck debating on whether to take the JUMP and go for it… DO IT!!! you will not regret it. I said on my first trip that I would follow Jackie anywhere and 5 trips later …and counting… that is still true.

Review from 2022 participant Katy S:

We recently participated in both the Route of the Parks and Torres del Paine trips in Chile with Jump Adventures. I had signed up for the trips because of the intriguing itineraries, but had not followed Jackie’s podcast, and new little about Jump Adventures. I was so happy to find that from the moment I contacted Jackie and signed up for the trips she was extremely generous. By that I mean she was generous with finding and sharing vital information, (with COVID this was crucial for travel planning) but also generous with her time and efforts responding to all of our questions and concerns as well as providing helpful info for the before/in between/after touring we wanted to do in the area. From the moment we met up with Jackie for the first tour I instantly felt like we were in good hands. She knew the language extremely well, knew the area, and most importantly had a laid back “we’ve got this” enjoyable vibe. During both trips the guides that Jackie had arranged were not just top notch, but FUN, and unforgettable. Each of them were knowledgeable about the area, history, wildlife, plants and ecology. They obviously loved what they did and loved sharing it with others. Throughout the trips arrangements were stellar! Lodging, food, and transfers were always different, and ranged from exquisite to rustic, but never disappointed!! The variety and caliber always fit the location, and I remember thinking multiple times that I just stepped into the cover of a magazine or trending travel post. These trips included multi sport and multiple locations along the way. All I can say about Chile and Patagonia is….breathtaking beyond words, but also complicated logistically if you don’t understand how things work, especially if you don’t speak the language and have a complicated itinerary. Even though I don’t tend to gravitate towards anything with groups, especially travel, this changed my perspective completely. The ease of travel because of preparations by Jackie and camaraderie of the group enhanced this trip tremendously! My boyfriend and I had plenty of time to be “independent within the group” (hang back) or be in the mix, or somewhere in between. It was the best of both worlds!! One of my most memorable moments of the trip was not a grand mountain, glacier, or volcano. It was a very hard moment for me. It was rainy and I wasn’t feeling 100%. We were doing an awesome project with the local community helping to clear out weeds, brush, and trash to allow for newly planted native flora to grow (rewilding). Shortly after we started a wasp got stuck in my hood and stung my face before I could get him out. It was awful and I just wanted to go hide. On my way to sneak behind the van Jackie picked up on the fact that something was wrong. She instantly came over, along with Sam (who was our photographer). I can’t remember what she and Sam said or how they said it, but it completely changed the situation, turning it to smiles and belly laughs. I still treasure the photo Sam took in that moment. It will always be one of my favorites because it is a reminder of the power of people and perspectives. In my humble opinion, Jackie thrives in this role because she is not just an extrovert or “people person”. She genuinely cares for people, appreciates everyone for who they are, where they are, and strives to provide unforgettable experiences. I can’t wait for my next Jump Adventure!!!

Review from 2022 participant Randy R:

After five weeks, I still struggle to find adequate words to describe the experience of Torres del Paine’s Circuit and the adventurers who lived this experience with me. How can my written words convey the stunning beauty of this raw, rugged, and remote region or the heart connections made during our nine days of backpacking and camping? So much hiking over ‘undulating’ terrain (you had to be there to understand my choice of words); So many hard-earned sights, sounds, and smells of the Paine Massif, of Glacier Grey, of John Gardner Pass, of the Patagonian forests, vegetation, & wildlife, and of the region’s natural forces of wind, rain, and sun; So very many laughs, tears, and stories shared along the way… If you’re reading this review, you probably already have some idea of what awaits you along the Circuit. My words will do little to further entice you to visit the national park. However, maybe just maybe, I can convince you to attempt the entire Circuit and not just the W. El Circuito includes broad, open expanses of pastures; a slow, winding river; glacier-fed lakes, streams, and creeks; primeval forests; challenging hikes above the tree line; a breathtaking view of the southern tip of the Andes Mountain range; and sightings of many birds, including woodpeckers, hawks, and……. condors!!! And those are just some of the highlights….. Yet, maybe you can only carve out enough time for the W. My advice is just GO and DO it. Cerro Paine Grande will not disappoint. And for an extra special treat, do include time for ice hiking on Glacier Grey when you arrive at Grey Shelter. And, if you’re still reading this review, you’re very likely trying to decide on a group trip with JUMP Adventures and Jackie Nourse as the organizer (or you just like to read random reviews about adventure treks). I’m assuming it’s the former reason. 🙂 This group adventure was my second with Jackie. My first was a week of cycling and sailing the Dalmatian Islands off the coast of Croatia. That week of camaraderie sold me on group travel AND spoiled me to group travel with Jackie ONLY! Of course, such an awesome experience set a very high bar for this one. And she did not disappoint, in fact she exceeded my wildest dreams. So what makes her group adventures so special……… First, Jackie selects the guides – the experts that lead the group – with great care. She expects them to be personable, knowledgeable, experienced, caring, and FUN – someone you enjoy hanging out with throughout each day. I’m still in touch with my Croatian guides/friends and have a similar connection to Christian and Viti, our Chilean guides. They provided valuable insights into the location’s history, culture, wildlife, and vegetation and shared their personal experiences from many years of guiding others along the paths we traveled. And added so much fun and laughter to what could have been just another day on the trail for them. Next, she prepares an itinerary that has the potential to surprise and delight and challenge everyone who joins her. And she’s preparing it, so she, too, is having a fresh, new, and challenging experience alongside everyone else. Her excitement for seeing the entire Circuit on this trip was infectious. When we arrived at the summit of the John Gardner Pass and sat to rest next to the glacial lake, you could see the awe and joy that filled her eyes, her smile, and her tears. A completely shared experience for us all! Finally, Jackie Nourse attracts the best people to her adventures – all ages and backgrounds – individuals, friends, couples, families (not young children) – with a love for outdoor adventure and a willingness to challenge themselves and an esprit de corps that bonds the group. Where else will you find a group of fourteen strangers (mostly) plus two guides that will agree to add a group ice hiking excursion on our one rest day – the delicious cherry (more like the calafate berry) on top of the entire experience! So, what has made my JUMP Adventures worth the time, money, and energy? It’s the fabulous places Jackie selects for others to experience with her AND the meticulous planning and preparations Jackie pours into each experience AND the wonderful people that choose to JUMP on one of Jackie’s adventures AND that choose to join her ‘one wild and precious life’!

READ MORE REVIEWS HERE

All I can say about Chile and Patagonia is….breathtaking beyond words, but also complicated logistically if you don’t understand how things work, especially if you don’t speak the language and have a complicated itinerary. Even though I don’t tend to gravitate towards anything with groups, especially travel, this changed my perspective completely. The ease of travel because of preparations by Jackie and camaraderie of the group enhanced this trip tremendously!

• TRIP LEADER & GUIDE

  Jackie will be there, and with Rafa from BirdsChile as our guide (the same Rafa from Jackie’s Chiloé film and past group trips in Northern Patagonia), you are in the hands of THE original dream team. Once upon a time (it was January 2016), Jackie and Rafa sat down for a catch-up brew in Bariloche, Argentina, and Jackie asked Rafa for advice as she shared her dreams of wanting to organize and lead group trips… 

  

• FLIGHT & TRANSPORTATION

  Airfare is not included. Flight prices to South America vary on average between $800-$1,500. Hubs like JFK (New York), IAH (Houston), LAX (Los Angeles), and YYZ (Toronto) are great for these flights.

  International flights can be planned in and out of Santiago (SCL).

  DAY 1 (Dec 1) starts at 12pm noon in Puerto Varas at Hotel Cumbres. DAY 8 (Dec 8) ends with a final drop off at PMC airport by 12pm noon. Please plan your transportation accordingly.

  International roundtrip flights can be arranged to Santiago (SCL) or directly to Puerto Montt (PMC). LATAM and Sky Airline are good options for domestic flights within Chile to complete your journey to and from Patagonia.

  Arrival airport for this itinerary: Puerto Montt, Chile (PMC). Plan your arrival to PUQ by the AM on Day 1, so you can arrive to the hotel by 12pm noon for our meetup (a taxi from the airport to the hotel will take about 20-30 minutes).

  Departure airport options for this itinerary:

  Castro Chile (MHC) – group transfer will drop off at MHC by 9am Dec 8 (Flights can be safely booked from 11am onward – or you can take a taxi if you need a different time).

  Puerto Montt (PMC) – group transfer will drop off at PMC by 12pm noon Dec 8 (Flights can be safely booked from 2pm onward).

  We are happy to review your potential flight schedule for you to make sure you’re getting the right times, dates, and airports!

• TRAVEL INSURANCE

  Deposits are non-refundable. Please click here to view our Booking Terms & Conditions. Each participant is highly encouraged to purchase CFAR (Cancel For Any Reason insurance) as soon as you book your trip, to protect your travel investment as well as have personal luggage and medical coverage, not to mention peace of mind! Click here to get CFAR quotes from battleface insurance.

• SUSTAINABILITY

  In addition to our sustainable travel efforts here at JUMP Adventures, our tour partner in Patagonia for this itinerary (BirdsChile) includes the following sustainability policy:

  • 0% Plastic emissions
  • Carbon Print compensation
  • Water to refill reusable bottles
  • Small groups for low impact
  • 100% of waste produced is recycled
  • Conservation/Educational Programs supported through your booking.

  BirdsChile is a certified B Corp and has been rated as the most sustainable tour company in Chile. Thank you for participating in sustainable travel with us! We would love to talk with you about our sustainability efforts if you have any questions.

• COVID CONCERNS

  Please see Chile’s Official Travel Website for all things Covid in Chile. 

  As of January 2023 entry requirements are as follows:

  • Certificate of vaccination issued in the country where vaccinated.
  • If the traveler does not have the vaccination schedule, they must show a negative result in a PCR test within a maximum of 48 hours from departure.
  • Under 18 years of age do not have any requirements to enter Chile.
  • Everybody may be subjected to a Covid test upon arrival. If the passenger refuses or obtains a positive result, they must carry out mandatory quarantine for 5 days at a sanitary residence.

  Please refer to our Booking Terms & Conditions for all questions and concerns regarding cancellations. Deposits are non-refundable, which is why we highly recommend purchasing CFAR travel insurance as soon as you book your trip.

• PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT

  We will hike approximately 30 miles during our trip. While these hikes are not rated as difficult, it is still worth it to be in good shape so you can recover quickly and feel your best every day on the trail, and so we can keep the group together with a good pace.

  A proficient hiking level and physical fitness is recommended for this trip. We recommend training – getting some good hikes in beforehand and possibly some long runs or workouts to prepare for this amount of trekking. It’s also a great idea to practice hiking in the shoes or boots you plan to wear, as you will be in them for a majority of the time.

  We specifically recommend nuun tablets for electrolyte replacement and hydration during the days, compression socks to wear each evening for improved blood flow and fast recovery, and emergen-C packets to start each day with a boost of energy. These are in addition to physical fitness, they do NOT replace your training! You’ve got this!

• CHILE NOTES & FAQ

  • Trail Safety: Rescues are extremely difficult in Patagonia. Take your time, with steady steps, and take care of each other out there.
  • WiFi/Cell Service: WiFi is available most nights at our accommodations. Cell service may be spotty at times. Be ready to be off grid during some of the trip.
  • Outlets: Chile uses plug types C and L (two and three round-pronged outlets). You will need an adapter similar to the one you use in Europe. You will not need a converter as long as you leave your hair dryers and electric razors at home (don’t bring anything that surges electricity). We also recommend bringing a fully-charged mobile power bank as access to outlets will be very limited.
  • Water: Drinkable water will be available throughout the entire trip. We’re proud to pledge to Travelers Against Plastic, and you are invited to join us as we give the planet a break by bringing reusable water bottles to avoid using single-use plastic bottles at all costs.

• BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS

  Click here to read our Booking Terms & Conditions.