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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 a refund according to the program's conditions.
Payment methods
Book with the booking fee or, depending on the options for your booking, with the total value of the program, by card or bank transfer; the balance is paid before the program begins.

Participation requirements

Para participar necesitas una condición física acorde a la exigencia del programa y disposición a seguir las indicaciones del guía en terreno. No se requiere experiencia técnica previa, salvo que el programa lo indique. Si tienes alguna condición de salud, cuéntanosla al reservar para orientarte; ante dudas, consulta con tu médico.

Safety and mountain conditions

Es una actividad de montaña, sujeta a las condiciones del entorno. El guía a cargo evalúa de forma permanente el clima, el terreno y al grupo, y decide ajustar la ruta, el ritmo o suspender la actividad cuando la seguridad lo requiere. Volver bien siempre está por sobre alcanzar el objetivo.

Changes due to weather conditions

La montaña define si la actividad se puede realizar. Un pronóstico confiable lo tenemos unos días antes, por lo que somos flexibles con las reservas anticipadas: si las condiciones no permiten salir con seguridad, buscamos una fecha alternativa o te devolvemos el abono. Si de común acuerdo iniciamos el programa y las condiciones impiden cumplir el objetivo, la actividad se considera realizada.

Equipment the participant brings

El programa incluye el equipo técnico necesario; tú aportas tu ropa de montaña, calzado adecuado y artículos personales (mochila, agua, colación, protección solar). El detalle exacto está en el checklist del programa, y si te falta algo tenemos equipo en arriendo: avísanos al reservar.

Suggested clothing

Vístete por capas para un clima de montaña cambiante: una primera capa térmica, una capa de abrigo y una capa exterior cortaviento e impermeable, más gorro, guantes y calcetines adecuados. El calzado debe ser apto para el terreno del programa. En el checklist encuentras el detalle completo.

Good to know
Frequently asked questions

Weather conditions are key to a safe and enjoyable ascent. However, an accurate and reasonably reliable forecast is only available about five (5) days before the planned date, so we try to be as flexible as possible with bookings made in advance: To book a date we only require the reservation fee. Once we have a reliable forecast, we reconfirm the date and arrange payment of the balance. If it is not possible to start the ascent because we expect poor visibility on the glacier (precipitation or cloud reducing visibility to just a few meters), we will look for an alternative date or, failing that, refund the reservation fee. However, if we decide by mutual agreement to start the program (that is, to pick you up or meet at the refuge) — whether because the forecast looks good, acceptable or uncertain — and conditions then do not allow us to reach the summit or meet the planned objectives, there is no refund!

Yes! The minimum to run the program is one (1) person, so there's no problem running it just for you. Keep in mind, though, that it is a shared service: if someone else is interested in the same program and date, you may share the service. Don't worry — we'll let you know if that happens!

Yes, we have trekking poles, boots, gloves, backpacks and sunglasses available for rent. If you need anything, just let us know during the booking process.

Although most of our programs run in small groups — almost always just the group that booked together — our regular programs are shared services. If you'd like to book a private program in advance, it will be priced according to the number of clients the guide(s) could have on that trip. Write to us and we'll look at the details together!

The program includes transport to/from Puerto Varas, Ensenada, Petrohue, Puerto Octay or Cascadas. Pick-up or drop-off in Osorno, Puerto Montt, Puerto Montt/Osorno airport, Llanquihue or Frutillar is available at an additional cost of CLP 15,000 per trip. Other towns are available subject to availability. If you'd rather get to the meeting point on your own, just let us know and we'll arrange to meet you there! Some programs include transport from other towns; if it is stated in the description, it is included!

The program includes the technical equipment: crampons, helmet, harness and ice axe. So basically you only need your mountain boots, clothing and accessories (sunglasses, backpack, gloves). You can check the checklist to make sure you have everything you need, and/or let us know if you need anything! Some programs also include other items (such as a sleeping bag or trekking poles); if it is stated in the program, it will be provided.

Since most of our trips are small groups — just you or a couple more people — we rent the guide's car (or our family's) to run the program: a regular car, clean, in good condition and, of course, with all the required permits. For larger 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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