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Ventisquero Yelcho and Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park Tour

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Ventisquero Yelcho and Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park Tour
From $2,360USDBook Now
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10 days from $2,360USD
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Yelcho Glacier in Chile
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The 10-day (also available as an 8-day tour) Ventisquero Yelcho and Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park Tour is an unforgettable guided journey through the Chilean Andes and Lake District.

On the northern Carretera Austral a true hiker’s paradise has been developing over the last few years and is yours to explore on this awe-inspiring tour and the famous Yelcho Glacier. After crossing the fjord Comau from Hornopirén, you reach a tiny place called Caleta Gonzalo – the gateway to a huge natural treasure called Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park.

Each day in the park is filled with incredible hiking and explorations of its many peaks, glaciers, and stunning lakes. Hiking the Yelcho Glacier (Ventisquero Yelcho) is one of many highlights that you’ll take in during this Chilean adventure, as well as exploring the Chaitén Volcano, Queulat National Park, and Simpson’s River Valley.

The wondrous natural beauty of Chile is yours to discover on this unique guided tour. Book your spot today!

Chile, South America
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Ventisquero Yelcho and Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park Tour

Witness the majestic Ventisquero Yelcho and Permalin Douglas Tompkins National Park
4.80
(20 reviews)
10 days from $2,360USD
Easy quote
Duration
10 days
Season
Jan-Apr, Nov-Dec
Activity
Walking
Type
Guided, Private
Accommodation
Hotels, lodges
Difficulty
Moderate (3/5)
From $2,360USD (see prices for this tour)
Get a quote
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National Geographic
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FodorsTravel
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National Geographic
Guardian
Yelcho Glacier in Chile
Personalized Service
Let our experienced travel advisors plan your perfect adventure

The 10-day (also available as an 8-day tour) Ventisquero Yelcho and Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park Tour is an unforgettable guided journey through the Chilean Andes and Lake District.

On the northern Carretera Austral a true hiker’s paradise has been developing over the last few years and is yours to explore on this awe-inspiring tour and the famous Yelcho Glacier. After crossing the fjord Comau from Hornopirén, you reach a tiny place called Caleta Gonzalo – the gateway to a huge natural treasure called Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park.

Each day in the park is filled with incredible hiking and explorations of its many peaks, glaciers, and stunning lakes. Hiking the Yelcho Glacier (Ventisquero Yelcho) is one of many highlights that you’ll take in during this Chilean adventure, as well as exploring the Chaitén Volcano, Queulat National Park, and Simpson’s River Valley.

The wondrous natural beauty of Chile is yours to discover on this unique guided tour. Book your spot today!

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Trip highlights

Cruise along the shores of Llanquihue Lake as you wind your way up the slopes of the Osorno Volcano and hike to a lookout.

Take a ferry deep into the Andes mountains as you weave your way amongst the towering fjords to reach Caleta Gonzalo.

Savour the thrill as you ascend the Chaitén Volcano to reach its crater and stand in awe of its beauty.

Hike in Queulat National Park and witness the majesty of the Ventisquero Colgante (glacier) and its cascading waterfall.

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Day by day itinerary
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Day 1
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Arrival and Transfer to Puerto Varas
Your <span>Ventisquero Yelcho and Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park </span>journey starts at Puerto Montt Airport today in Chile’s stunning Lake District. Upon arrival, a transfer takes you to the nearby “City of Roses”, Puerto Varas, situated on the shores of Llanquihue Lake. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you soak up your first impressions of Puerto Varas. A great place to start is with a walk along the beautiful coastal promenade and then a visit to one of the local cafés while enjoying views of the area’s snow-covered volcanoes.
Distance None
Overnight Location Hotel in Puerto Varas
Included Meals None
Day 2
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Osorno Volcano
Marvel at the picturesque landscape of the Chilean Lake District on an impressive ride along the shores of Llanquihue Lake this morning. The road leads up the slopes of the Osorno volcano through native Lenga Forest, to the starting point of today’s hike. The “El Solitario” trail features sensational views over volcanic landscapes. You’ll also visit the rapids of Petrohué River, one of the wildest rivers in Chile! Loudly roaring, the river rushes through its uneven bed.
Distance 4-5 hours
Overnight Location Hotel in Puerto Varas
Included Meals Breakfast, lunch
Day 3
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Welcome to Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park
Your journey south to the Carretera Austral begins in the early morning hours today. Three different ferries take you across the fjords that carve their way deep into the Andes Mountains, the longest of them being Comau Fjord, bordered by densely forested mountain chains. After arrival in Caleta Gonzalo in the afternoon, an easy three-hour hike takes you through the lush rainforest of Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park.
Distance 3 hours
Overnight Location Cabin in Caleta Gonzalo
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 4
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Ascent to Chaitén Volcano
Today’s first warm-up hike in Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park leads to 3000-year-old native Alerce trees — some of the oldest living beings in the world that can only be found in this region. Unfortunately, only a few are left today, as they have been deforested radically since colonization, and are only recently protected. Continue to Chaitén Volcano, whose unexpected eruption in 2008, after 9000 years of inactivity, caused enormous damage. Today, a hiking trail paves the way to ascend to the volcano’s crater. The colorful landscape on top appears almost surreal, where a hill of lava and ashes has formed within the crater. The traces of the destruction are still evident, while at the same time pioneer plants are conquering back the soil, among them resilient Nalca plants and the native fuchsia bushes that are loved by hummingbirds. The day ends in the nearby town of Chaitén or on the shores of Yelcho Lake.
Distance 5 hours
Overnight Location Hotel in Chaitén or at Yelcho Lake
Included Meals Breakfast, lunch
Day 5
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Free Day
Today is to enjoy at your leisure after an action-packed couple of days are now behind you. Some options to spend the day are full-day hikes to Michimahuida Volcano or the El Amarillo Glacier, or a kayak trip. In case the previous days left you with aching muscles, a visit to the rustic El Amarillo Hot Springs will release any tension. While sitting in the thermal outside pools, enjoy the surrounding mountains covered in lush vegetation.
Distance None
Overnight Location Hotel in Chaitén or at Yelcho Lake
Included Meals Breakfast, lunch
Day 6
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Explore Yelcho Glacier
Today a simple, yet little known hike takes you to Yelcho Glacier (Ventisquero), located near the lake of the same name in the huge Corcovado National Park. After walking through the region’s typical evergreen rainforest, you are rewarded with a breathtaking view of the glacier.
Distance 6 hours
Overnight Location Hotel in Chaitén or at Yelcho Lake
Included Meals Breakfast, lunch
Day 7
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Transfer to Puyuhuapi
Today, the journey south on the Carretera Austral through Patagonia. The rustic gravel road penetrates deep into untouched wilderness, along the turquoise-colored Frío River, glacier-covered mountain massifs, dreamy lakes and picturesque waterfalls. Please note: If you opt for the shorter tour of 8-days, today you’ll be transferred to Puerto Varas, and then to Pureto Montt for departure.
Distance None
Overnight Location Hotel in Puyuhuapi
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 8
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Hiking in Queulat National Park
Today you have the option to explore nearby Queulat National Park. A three-hour hike leads to the viewpoint of the stunning hanging glacier “Ventisquero Colgante” and its waterfall. A more demanding alternative is the lesser-known day hike to the beautiful lagoon of Los Pumas.
Distance 3-10 hours
Overnight Location Hotel in Puyuhuapi
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 9
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Transfer to Coyhaique
The journey continues south along the lush wild vegetation of the Carretera Austral. Huge Nalca plants and gigantic ferns adorn the roadside; dense forests, quiet fjords and snow-capped peaks form a fabulous primeval landscape. The road winds its way in narrow serpentines on one of the highest passes of the Carretera Austral and drops abruptly as you reach the raging Rio Cisnes (the Swan River). Here, the impenetrable, evergreen rainforests thin out and make way for the rough southern Patagonian mountain landscape. Through the Simpson River’s wild romantic valley, you’ll reach the capital of the region Aisén, Coyhaique.
Distance None
Overnight Location Hotel in Coyhaique
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 10
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Departure
Today, a transfer takes you back to the airport of Balmaceda. From here, you have the option to continue your journey through Chile or return home with a connecting flight via Santiago.
Distance None
Overnight Location None
Included Meals Breakfast

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Dates and prices

This guided hiking tour in Lake District is always run as a private tour for your group only and the price per person depends on the types of rooms that your group chooses.

The prices below are per person, for tours in 2-3-star accommodation (upgrades available for an extra charge).

10-Day tour

  • Guided Group of 2: $3,325USD per person
  • Guided Group of 3+: $2,995USD per person

8-Day tour

  • Guided Group of 2: $2,820USD per person
  • Guided Group of 3+: $2,360USD per person
What’s included

Meals

9 breakfasts are included on this tour, as well as 4 box lunches during hikes.

Accommodations

Accommodations for 9 nights are included.

Transportation during the Tour

This tour includes all transfers and excursions as mentioned in the itinerary, including the ferry tickets. Flights are not included.

Also Included

  • English or German speaking guide
  • All taxes
  • Ferry tickets

Not included

  • Meals not noted as included
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa fees
  • Flights

Optional Extras

  • Extra nights before or after the tour

Accommodation for Ventisquero Yelcho and Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park Tour

This tour is based in hotels and lodges. Hotels on this trip are 2 and 3-star and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant. You can also upgrade your accommodation to 3-4-star with an extra charge.

In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.

Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Standard rooms are of double occupancy and those willing to have single rooms will need to pay a supplement (on request).

Frequently asked questions

How hard is the Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park & Yelcho Glacier Tour?

We rate this tour as a 3/5. Although most of the hikes on this tour can be swapped for easier alternatives, being reasonably fit will help you to get the most out of this tour.

Do I need a visa to travel to Chile?

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.

Are meals included on the Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park & Yelcho Glacier Tour?

9 breakfasts are included on this tour, as well as 4 box lunches during hikes.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your Travel Insurance.

How do I get to Puerto Montt to start this tour?

Fly into El Tepual International Airport in Puerto Montt which can be reached from several cities in Southern America.

Is the Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park & Yelcho Glacier Tour in English?

You can choose from English or German-speaking guides.

Where does the Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park & Yelcho Glacier Tour end?

The tour ends in Balmaceda, however, if you choose to book a shorter tour option of 8 days, your tour will end in Puerto Montt.

Do I need special vaccines to travel to Chile?

Check with your family doctor.

Are there any travel restrictions for Chile?

Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.

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Why travellers choose this tour
At 10Adventures, it’s easy to make memories with the following six optional inclusions on this tour:
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