Sports and leisure activities Patagonie

A French-speaking agency renowned for its cheerfulness and professionalism. All year round, a host of mountain activities are on offer: climbing the Villarrica volcano, river kayaking, hydrospeed, rafting, climbing, canyoning, paragliding, fly-fishing, dog-sledding (book in advance)... and much more. It also rents out bicycles (the best in town) and a variety of equipment (snowboards, skis, snowshoes...). Last but not least, this is the place to find out all you need to know about the weather. In short, you're in good hands!

Assisted by a brilliant team of specialists and cheerful lurons, Richard (a Frenchman) runs a friendly and efficient agency. The base is now located in Ensenada, but you will be picked up in Puerto Varas anyway. On the program: rafting on the Petrohue river or on the San Pedro river, sea kayaking from Ralún a Cochamó (to observe sea lions). Up to three days are possible, either in tents for the tough ones, or in lodges for the others. And finally, trekking to Paso Desolación including a 7-hour walk on the Osorno slope.

The Cerro Castillo is still little known but some people already talk about it as the next Torres del Paine, and we understand why: we enjoy the same beauty regarding the landscapes for a price, let's admit it, much cheaper. The beginning of the four-day trek is at km 64, that is to say before the village (31 km exactly). Some 5 km before is the Conaf gatehouse, where you have to pay an entrance fee (do it to maintain the park). We can keep your things if you ask nicely. There is a (paying) campsite with hot water.

The Tres Marias is not one of those big tourist factories where you watch nature, enclosed in an aquarium, but an old converted fishing boat. Its captain, with his extreme kindness and his experience as an old sea wolf, will make you appreciate the fauna, the landscape and the legends that surround the canal. The company was the pioneer of tourist excursions on the canal and always maintains quality and professionalism. In addition, she is the only one allowed to dock on H Island, where you can take an interesting little stroll.

You can enjoy the joys of horseback riding and walking. Departure at 8 pm, return to 19 pm.

Catamaran tours on the Beagle Canal. Every day at 9:30 a. m. and 3:00 p. m. 2 hours 30 minutes drive. Tariff: $ 90. Hot chocolate offered, as well as entrance to the aquarium of the city. Also offers 9 days and 8 nights trips to Antarctica.

School of windsurf. 

Classic dives and the sea lions of Punta Loma. 

Nahuel Huapi National Park is a magnificent park in Patagonia. It covers an area of 717,261 hectares, divided between the provinces of Neuquén and Río Negro. The park takes its name from the Mapuche Amerindians, who translate it as "Tiger Island". It is home to numerous lakes, including the famous Lake Nahuel Huapi, as well as Lake Mascardi, Lake Gutiérrez, Lake Traful, Lake Escondido and Lake Guillelmo. The region is known as Argentina's lake district. Nahuel Huapi National Park is part of the Andino Norpatagonica Biosphere Reserve, recognized by Unesco in 2007. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking scenery, hiking, camping, fishing and even bungee jumping. The park also boasts ski resorts, such as Cerro Catedral, which offers internationally renowned ski slopes.

Kayak Agua Fresca is a local agency in Punta Arenas specialized in kayaking in the Estrecho de Magallanes. The incredible expeditions they offer are led by Cristian Argel (owner of the agency) and are unique, dynamic and personalized experiences to discover the nature and history of the region. All expeditions allow magical encounters with the local fauna. Between fjords and mountains, you will also be able to get to know thousand-year-old glaciers: a unique experience in the middle of nature!

Only 20 minutes away from Pucon, the slopes of the Villarrica volcano usually delight ski lovers in winter. Nine lifts and 20 runs are installed in this increasingly popular resort. There are even facilities for major international competitions. Normally, we rent skis and give lessons, private or group. The winter season takes place in July. An unforgettable experience and a unique souvenir: it is not every day that you will have the chance to ski on the slopes of an active volcano!

Between July and September, you will have the joy of skiing on one of the 11 slopes of the domain and remember that Cerro Mirador is one of the most southern resorts in the world (beautiful panoramas on the Strait of Magellan await you, you ski while contemplating the sea!). Equipment rental, ski school and restaurant-cafeteria on site. The Club Andino offers individual or group ski and snowboard lessons. In the summer, the chairlift operates and takes you to the viewpoint; from there, pretty paths wind through the forest.

The W, which is the most famous and popular trek, consists of following the valley that leads to the foot of the Torres, then the Valle del Francés and finally along the Grey Lake towards the glacier of the same name and then back to the park administration... or vice versa. The west-east direction (i.e. from the park administration) is easier: the walk along the Grey Lake is much less strenuous than the one along the Valle del Francés, which is itself less difficult than the one to the viewpoint of Les Torres. However, we prefer the panoramas in an east-west direction, except perhaps for the views of the Cuernos on the last day. The W circuit can be completed in four days for good walkers, five days for regular walkers who want to enjoy the joy of early mornings in nature.

On the first day, from the hotel Las Torres, you can climb up to the camp Las Torres in about 3 hours 30; another 30 to 45 minutes are needed to reach the lagoon and the Torres. That said, you can climb up and down the same day; it is much more convenient. Don't think that the campsites at the top are necessarily less crowded than those at the bottom: many nice hikers will have exactly the same idea as you and, by running away from the crowd, you might find it again.

On the second day, you reach the Los Cuernos camp and hut, or even the Italiano camp. The first one is paying, the second one is free.

On the third day, we visit the Valle del Francés, a marvel. Leave your things at the Italiano camp, climb to the top and come back down to sleep in the same place. That said, if you slept the first night at the Las Torres hotel campsite, you had time to get to the Italiano campground in the early afternoon the night before and visit the valley until sunset. Lovers of wide open spaces and solitude will sleep at the Británico campground.

On the fourth day, you can go to the Grey hut and campground, superbly located on the lakefront, and especially convenient in terms of timing. It takes about 5 hours to walk from the Italiano camp via the Cerro Paine Lodge. Walk around the glacier in the afternoon.

On the fifth day, return to Paine Grande Lodge, and cross to Puedeto hut with the catamaran, or walk to the administration. Don't forget the bus return times: if you plan to walk to the administration, leave early from the Grey campsite and don't spare your efforts.

To make the Circuit O (Circuito), it is necessary to count at least 7 days and consider the possibility of being blocked by bad weather at the John Garner paso. The circuit, more strenuous and longer than Circuit W, consists of starting from the Laguna Amarga station (for example, but you can start in the opposite direction, from the administration or from Cerro Paine Lodge), going around the massif and coming back along the Grey Glacier to the Pehoe sector. It is of course recommended to combine this circuit with the W, in order to get to know the superb Valle del Francés and the ascent to the belvedere on Les Torres. You never get tired of the show, nature becomes mesmerizing very quickly! Here is the program:

The first day: from the entrance, go to the hotel Las Torres (count between 1 to 1 hour 30 of walk, but there are paying shuttles). Turn right (a sign indicates the direction) and you will arrive in about 4 hours (3 hours for good walkers) at the Serón campsite, where you can spend the first night. It is also possible to continue to the Dickson campsite, but it will take about 9 to 13 hours to walk from the entrance to the Laguna Amarga (a little less or... a little more, depending on your pace). It's up to you... From the Las Torres hut, next to the hotel of the same name, it takes between 8 and 12 hours to walk to the Dickson hut. The sooner you leave, the better.

On the second day, you will leave the banks of the Paine River and turn left at Campamento Coirón, then at the Dickson hut and campsite, which can be reached in about 6 hours of walking. You can spend the night there or continue for 4.5 hours to the Los Perros refuge and campsite (but be advised: you will have to prepare for a very long day). Paying or not camping there, incredible panorama of glaciers and waterfalls. If you have walked to Dickson on the first day, we advise you to take a moment to discover the surroundings, sublime at dawn, and to spend the night in any case at the Los Perros hut: the ascent to the paso Garner is complicated and it is better to start it in the morning, well rested.

On the third day, you will tackle the most difficult part, the one that leads along the río de los Perros to the campamento Paso, 9 or 10 hours away from the Dickson campground and 5 hours from the Los Perros campsite. We have to admit that the weather is usually bad in the area and the path is a bit tricky. Don't get involved if, in the early morning, you notice that the weather is really "rotten": you might regret it. You might as well wait in Los Perros. Moreover, the panorama on the glacier, when you've finished your ascent (because it's quite steep, especially in this direction), is Dantesque when the sun is shining. To sum up, we recommend sleeping the second night in Los Perros, whether you slept in Dickson or Serón the night before. It should be noted that the Paso camp has recently been improved and now has a shelter and a cooking area. If you are not dead tired, you may have time to reach the Las Guardas camp, 3 hours 30 minutes away. But it's a bit rough on the legs! This last campsite is free and has a cooking shelter and toilets.

On the fourth day, you will walk along the eastern side of the glacier. It will take you about 5 hours of walking to reach the Grey hut and campsite from Campamento Paso (about 2 hours from Las Guardas). Enjoy the long walk as close as possible to the glacier.

On the fifth day there are several options. First of all, you have the possibility to take the boat to approach the glacier and finish at the hostería Lago Grey (departures take place every day). You can also decide to continue to Cerro Paine Lodge (a 3.5 hour walk) and sail to the Pudeto hut (to catch the bus). Finally, for those who would like to prolong the pleasures of walking, you can hike along the Grey River (4 hours 30 of walking) to the administration (to catch the bus as well).

If you are still hungry for wonders, continue your trek by circuit W. Roughly speaking, sleep at the Italiano camp (which is free), visit the Francés valley on the sixth day, then spend the night at the Los Cuernos campsite and refuge and, on the seventh, reach the area of the Las Torres hotel (about 4 hours and 30 minutes walk). If you have enough strength, you can climb up to the free camp Las Torres (3 more hours) to visit the lagoon and the Torres at sunset (camping) and, on the eighth day, you will go down to the Laguna Amarga. Take the bus back in the morning to Puerto Natales which you can leave in the afternoon.

Of course, this route is not exhaustive and depends on the weather conditions, your physical condition and a whole host of elements that make walking so attractive. It is important to note that this trek, although increasingly popular, is still much less busy than the W circuit. You should therefore expect to be alone, sometimes for several hours at least, and therefore arm yourself accordingly with all the equipment that might be necessary (medication, water, food, etc.).

This agency proposes to discover Cochamo and its surroundings through different activities and one goal: to enjoy the beauty of the region. Horseback riding, climbing and trekking are offered for one or more days. The speciality of the house is still their faithful steed: horseback rides will take you all the way to Argentina. Tatiana and her brother Favian have been running the family business standing for more than three generations, an authentic option where you will be warmly welcomed.

If you want to be on a first-name basis with the mountains while enjoying the thermal waters, this resort is for you! Its design architecture blends perfectly with the exterior setting: located at the foot of the volcano, the hotel enjoys an exceptional location. The central room, composed of large bay windows, is impressively elegant and the rooms have a privileged view of the araucaria forests or the volcano. On the program: skiing, heated swimming pool, massages and relaxation.

You want to overlook a breathtaking panorama? Skydiving is a rare moment of freedom and when it comes to jumping, it's best to make sure you're surrounded by nature's exceptional beauty. This small company, managed by a team of professionals, promises you its share of sensations. In a safe and supervised context, you will fall at more than 200 km/h before being able to admire the view over the parks and volcanoes: you can even see the crater of the Villarica volcano! An unforgettable experience.

One of the first agencies to offer excursions in Laguna San Rafael Park. With professionalism and kindness, El Puesto's certified guides offer excursions of the highest quality, in English or Spanish, to discover the surrounding beauties. The agency offers some of the most beautiful tours in Patagonia! For the glacier trip, we provide everything you need to guarantee your comfort and safety (gloves, helmet, sunglasses, crampons, knee pads...) and a snack to enjoy at midday.

Directed by Jacynthe, a very friendly Quebecer specialized in adventure tourism and settled in Puerto Varas for nearly 15 years, this agency offers you to discover more in depth this sublime region between lakes and mountains. The certified and trilingual guides (Spanish, English and French) will accompany you on half-day to multi-day kayaking tours on Lake Llanquihue or hiking tours on the Osorno volcano and other national parks in the region. A dynamic and professional team.

After rafting, hydrospeed has become Pucón's most popular adventure sport. A little more fun and quiet than most water sports, here you can go down the rapids with a small board and in permanent contact with the water in the Trancura and Liucura rivers around Pucón. It's simple, you use the movements of the water, avoid obstacles and play with the waves. It is an activity for those who are not used to thrills and who have come to Patagonia to get a little thrill.