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Crossing from Rupanco Lake to Todos Los Santos Lake

Crossing from Rupanco Lake to Todos Los Santos Lake

Three days along ancient trails through temperate forests, mountains and lakes in Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, ending the traverse by sailing across Lake Todos los Santos.

from
CLP$ 450.000
per person
Lago Rupanco / Puerto Varas
3 days / 2 nights
Duration
1–12 pax
Group
1 guide per 4 clients
Guide ratio
Start / End
Puerto Varas
Season
Nov – Apr
Difficulty
Max. altitude
1,666 m
Distance
± 26 km on the traverse + ± 16 km Cerro Cenizo ascent (optional)
Elevation gain
+1,145 m on the traverse · +1,100 m Cerro Cenizo ascent
There is a valley connecting Lakes Esmeralda and Rupanco, where an ancient trail runs through evergreen forests, thousand-year-old trees, natural hot springs, pastures with livestock and a few settlers who welcome us warmly. Commonly known as "El Callao", it is the low-lying land that, over a little more than 25 kilometers, links the northwest shore of Lake Todos los Santos with the western shore of Lake Rupanco. A well-marked trail immersed in the rainforest, flanked by steep mountains and a remote range. We start the walk at "Las Gaviotas", in the north of the valley, on the southern side of Lake Rupanco. On the first day we pass Los Quetros lagoon to reach the "Termas de El Callao", where we spend the first night camping beside the "Sin Nombre" river. Halfway through the journey we head for the heights, focusing on the "Los Cenizos" range: a day's walk takes us to the summit of Cerro Cenizo, from where the view over the Los Lagos Region is completed by a unique picture of Volcán Puntiagudo. On the way back we continue to the Yefi family's "Refugio Dos Cóndores" to rest with a good home-cooked meal and, on the third day, discover Lake Todos los Santos and sail towards the Osorno and La Picada volcanoes. The program includes transport to the trailhead, the crossing of Lake Todos los Santos and the return from Petrohué to Puerto Varas, as well as meals during the days (dinner on days 1 and 2; breakfast on days 2 and 3; lunch on day 1) and accommodation. Should accommodation with the Yefi family not be available, we camp both nights at the Termas de El Callao.
  • Weather conditions. The weather on southern Chile's volcanoes is strongly influenced by the Pacific Ocean and the Andean relief. Frontal systems bring frequent precipitation for much of the year and, with altitude, wind, cloud cover and the likelihood of snow increase, favoring rapid changes in mountain conditions.
  • Trekking/mountain guides (ES/EN), members of ANGM Chile
  • Poles and camping equipment (sleeping bag, mat, double tents if the refuge is not available)
  • Technical equipment if conditions require it: helmet, harness, crampons/snowshoes, ice axe
  • Meals: dinner days 1–2, breakfast days 2–3, lunch day 1
  • Transport from/to Puerto Varas + crossing of Lake Todos Los Santos
  • Supplementary accident insurance
Not included: Tips, additional services or any item not specified in the itinerary · Optional entrances, activities or visits not included in the program · Clothing and equipment that is the participant's responsibility · Personal life, travel-assistance, medical, evacuation or repatriation insurance · Pack animals, porters or other logistical support unless expressly stated · Personal expenses in town · Meals and drinks not listed or additional to the set menu · Alcoholic beverages · Costs arising from voluntary changes to the itinerary · Anything not expressly stated as included
Day 1 · 6 am
Transportation from Osorno or Puerto Varas to Las Gaviotas sector on Lake Rupanco.
Day 1 · 8:30 pm
Start of trekking to Los Quetros lagoon.
Day 1 · 12 pm
Lunch at Los Quetros lagoon.
Day 1 · 5 pm
Arrival at the Termas de El Callao.
Day 2 · 7 pm
Ascent to Cerro Cenizo. (+- 8 hours round trip).
Day 2 · 3 pm
Return to the hot springs and trip to Refugio 2 Condores.
Day 2 · 6 pm
Arrival to Refugio 2 Condores. Dinner
D3 · 10 am
Start of the trek to Lake Todos Los Santos.
D3 · 3 pm
Navigation of Lake Todos Los Santos from "El Rincón" to Petrohue.
D3 · 6 pm
Return to Puerto Varas, end of service.
Cancellation policy
Cancel up to 30 days before and receive the refund according to the program's conditions.
Payment methods
Book by paying only the reservation fee by bank card or transfer; the balance is paid before the program starts.

Participation requirements

To take part you need a level of fitness in keeping with the program's demands and a willingness to follow the guide's instructions in the field. No prior technical experience is required unless the program states otherwise. If you have any health condition, tell us when booking so we can advise you; if in doubt, consult your doctor.

Safety and mountain conditions

This is a mountain activity, subject to the conditions of the environment. The guide in charge continuously assesses the weather, the terrain and the group, and decides to adjust the route, the pace or to suspend the activity when safety requires it. Coming back safely always comes before reaching the objective.

Changes due to weather conditions

The mountain decides whether the activity can take place. A reliable forecast is available a few days beforehand, so we are flexible with advance bookings: if conditions do not allow a safe departure, we look for an alternative date or refund your deposit. If we start the program by mutual agreement and conditions prevent reaching the objective, the activity is considered completed.

Equipment the participant brings

The program includes the necessary technical equipment; you bring your mountain clothing, suitable footwear and personal items (backpack, water, snack, sun protection). The exact detail is in the program checklist, and if you are missing anything we have rental gear: let us know when booking.

Suggested clothing

Dress in layers for changeable mountain weather: a thermal base layer, an insulating layer and a windproof, waterproof outer layer, plus a hat, gloves and suitable socks. Footwear must be suited to the program's terrain. The full detail is in the checklist.

Good to know
Frequently asked questions

The weather conditions are essential for a safe and enjoyable trip. However, an accurate and somewhat reliable weather forecast can only be had about five (5) days before the planned date for the trip, so we try to be as flexible as possible with reservations made in advance: To be able to book a date we only require the payment of the reservation fee, and once we have a reliable forecast we re-confirm the date and coordinate the payment of the difference. But if it is not possible to start the ascent because we foresee that there will be poor visibility in the glacial area (precipitation or clouds that reduce visibility to only a few meters) we will look for an alternative date or the refund of the booking fee. However, if by mutual agreement we decide to start the program (that is, to go out to pick you up or to meet at the lodge), either because the forecast looks good, acceptable, or unclear, and the conditions do not allow us to reach the summit or meet the proposed objectives, there is no refund of the payment!

Yes! The minimum to perform the program is one (1) person, so there is no problem in doing the program just for you. But keep in mind that it is a shared service, so if there is another person interested in the program and the date they could share the service. But don't worry we'll let you know if that happens!

Yes, we have available trekking poles, mountain boots, gloves, backpacks, sunglasses for rent. So if you need something do not forget to let us know in the booking process.

While most of our programs are small groups and it's almost always just the group you've booked together, our regular programs are shared services. So if you would like to book a private program in advance, it will be priced accordingly to the capacity of the clients that the guide or guides could have on that trip. Write to us to see it in detail!

The program includes the transportation from/to Puerto Varas, Ensenada, Petrohue, Puerto Octay or Cascadas. Picking or dropping from Osorno, Puerto Montt, Puerto Montt/Osorno airport, Llanquihue or Frutillar have an extra cost of $15.000 CLP per way. Other places are available upon request. If you want to get to the meeting point on your own, let us know and we will coordinate to meet you! There are some programs that include transportation from other cities, if indicated in the description, so it will be!

The program includes the technical equipment: crampons, helmet, harness, ice axe. So they basically only require their mountain boots, clothes, and accessories (glasses, backpack, gloves). Anyway you can see the checklist to verify that you have what you need and / or let us know if you need something! Some programs may also include other items (such as sleeping bags or trekking poles), so if it is indicated in the program it will be available in the program.

Because most of our trips are small groups, it will be just you or a couple of other people, we rent the car from the guide (or our family) to develop the program: A normal car, clean, in good condition and of course with all the required permits. For bigger groups, we hire a driver with a Mercedes Benz Sprinter Van or similar.

Each program closes its online bookings some days before the start date: from 2 days for the 1–2 day ascents and treks, and more days for longer programs (up to several weeks for the expeditions). This margin lets us coordinate in time the logistics external to HAE —transport, refuges, permits, muleteers and other third-party services— essential to run the program safely. If you're interested in a date closer to the cutoff, write to us and we'll assess feasibility.

Yes. Booking in advance is the best way to secure our availability for your program. Mountain conditions cannot be predicted weeks or months ahead. That's why, as the activity approaches, we continuously monitor the forecast and keep you informed in good time about how conditions are developing. If everything is favorable, we confirm the departure; if conditions are not suitable, we'll assess the available options with you — whether rescheduling the activity for another date, running an alternative program, or cancelling the booking in accordance with our policies.

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