Activities Available
Paso Desolación to Mirador La Picada (7-8 hours)
From Petrohué and around Todos los Santos Lake, we venture into a marvelous trail through native forest at the base of Osorno Volcano with the aim of reaching one of the best viewpoints in the area: “Mirador La Picada.” There, we can enjoy a magnificent view of Mount Tronador, Puntiagudo Volcano, and Todos los Santos Lake. We will return to Petrohué via the “Los Alerces” trail, which skirts the beach of the mentioned lake and allows us to contemplate this species of tree in its natural environment.
Optional 1: Winter equipment during that season.
Optional 2: Bicycle, with a high level of activity
Includes: Poles, sunscreen, snacks, lunch, and drinks.
Optional 2: Bicycle + helmet + gloves.
Paso Desolación Trail – Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park (6-8 hours)
This hike begins in the northern sector of the park, at one of Chile’s first mountain refuges (built in 1933) and the volcano’s first ski center.
It begins with a 40-minute ascent to the valley between the volcano and Cerro La Picada, where we will enjoy an incredible panoramic view of the basin and the volcanoes adjacent to Lake Todos los Santos. The trail descends to the lake and ends in the Petrohué sector.
This hike provides views of the Osorno Volcano’s peak and glaciers and is ideal for those who enjoy hiking and photography.
Optional 1: Walk with snow shoes in winter, low difficulty.
Optional 2: Bicycle, only for experts
Includes: Hiking poles, raincoat, sunscreen, box lunch, snack and drinks.
Optional 1: Snow shoes + poles.
Optional 2: Bicycle + helmet + gloves
Rafting Petrohue River (4-5 hours)
The activity begins at “La Base” in Ensenada, where our guides will provide all necessary river gear and deliver a safety briefing.
We will then head to the Petrohué River, where the guides will divide the groups and give final instructions before starting the descent.
Once the briefing is complete, we’ll hop into the raft and begin the journey. The descent lasts approximately 50 minutes, navigating Class 3 rapids (on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the most difficult). The adventure ends at the “Cable sector”, where we will change clothes and enjoy a well-deserved snack.
Includes: Wet suit and neoprene booties, helmet, paddles, towel, sunscreen, snack, and drinks.
Refugio Calbuco JP Mohr – Llanquihue National Reserve (8 hours)
From the town of Río Blanco, we will head north, trekking along one of the most iconic lahars of the Calbuco Volcano until we reach its mountain refuge.
This refuge was renovated in 2023 as part of the “Los 16 de Chile” project by Juan Pablo Mohr, a renowned Chilean mountaineer. Once there, we will discuss the volcanism of the area and the access route to this volcano, one of the most emblematic in the region.
Includes: Trekking poles, Sunscreen, Snacks and beverages, Bilingual certified guide with WFR.
Ancient Alerce Hike (7-9 hours)
Traveling along the first stretch of the Carretera Austral, considered one of the most scenic roads in the world, you reach the gates of Alerce Andino National Park, a place surrounded by volcanoes, valleys, and the Pacific Ocean.
This park was created to protect one of the last remaining forests of the alerce tree, a species that was on the brink of extinction due to indiscriminate logging that took place between the 19th and 20th centuries, owing to the high quality of the wood for building homes and boats.
The alerce is a species of tree of enormous importance, considered the second oldest tree species on Earth. Specimens can be found that are over 3,000 years old. Additionally, it is the tallest tree species in the entire southern cone, with crowns exceeding 40 meters.
The hike begins on an old logging road where we gradually ascend until reaching the 3500-year-old alerce tree. After lunch, the excursion ends at Chaiquenes Lagoon. The park is home to a quite particular ecosystem, serving as habitat for species such as the pudú, guiñas, and the monito del monte.
Includes: Transportation, snacks, trekking poles, waterproof layers, sunscreen, box, lunch, drinks and certified bilingual guide with WFR certification
El Solitario and Saltos del Petrohué River (4 hours)
On the “El Solitario” trail, we will explore the southwestern face of the Osorno Volcano.
The hike begins through a regenerating forest filled with native trees, such as coigüe. Notably, the trail is still covered in ash from the 2015 eruption of the Calbuco Volcano.
At a certain point, the forest abruptly ends, and we will cross the dry course of an ancient river—one of the main lava flows from the last eruption of the Osorno Volcano in 1834. Since then, the volcano has remained dormant.
After completing the hike, we will visit the emerald-colored waters of the Petrohué Falls, formed by natural outflows from Lake Todos Los Santos, cascading over volcanic rock shaped by past eruptions of the Osorno Volcano.
Includes: Transportation. Hiking poles, Sunscreen, Snacks and beverages, Certified bilingual guide
Petrohué Falls and Todos Los Santos Lake (4 hours)
We move toward the emerald waters of the Petrohué Falls, formed by natural outflows from Lake Todos los Santos, which fall between volcanic rocks formed after one of the Osorno Volcano eruptions.
We then continue our journey east for approximately 6 kilometers, where we will board a boat to navigate the calm, crystal-clear waters of Lake Todos los Santos.
A characteristic of the forest in this area is the predominance of coihue, ulmo, tepu, and myrtle trees.
The Petrohue Falls are crystallized lava formations through which the emerald-colored river flows. There are three trails that can be followed while staying here.
Includes: Poles, sunscreen, snacks, and drinks
Red Crater – Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park (5 hours)
The trail leads us to the red crater of Osorno Volcano, an inactive caldera adjacent to the volcano with a characteristic red color due to iron-related sediments.
There, we can appreciate the beauty of the lake basin of Llanquihue Lake, its largest towns, and the volcanoes to the south, such as Calbuco, Yates, and Hornopirén.
We’ll also discuss the geology of the area, the formation of the volcano, and the Llanquihue basin, which serves as the gateway to Patagonia.
Includes: Poles, sunscreen, snacks, and drinks
The Larches – Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park (5 hours)
From Petrohué, we will walk north along a pleasant trail through native forest, where we can appreciate ancient alerce trees that once lined one of the daily routes used by drovers to transport animals from the shores of Todos los Santos Lake to Llanquihue Lake, passing between La Picada hill and Osorno Volcano. From there, we can enjoy a unique view of the volcanoes in the area, Todos los Santos Lake, ancient native forests, and an incredible sight of Mount Tronador and Puntiagudo Volcano.
Includes: Poles, sunscreen, snacks, and drinks
Cayatue Lagoon – Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park (8 hours)
In the town of Cayetué, we venture through an impressive native forest that has been largely unexplored heading north, aiming to reach the pristine Cayetué lagoon. This lagoon marks an intermediate point between the meltwater tributaries that emerge in the Cochamó Valley and flow into Todos los Santos Lake. There, we can enjoy a marvelous view of Puntiagudo Volcano and observe an old corral for livestock dating back to colonial times.
Includes: Poles, sunscreen, snacks, lunch and drinks.
Río Blanco Waterfall – Llanquihue National Reserve (8 hours)
From the town of Río Blanco, we will head towards a beautiful waterfall at the foot of the Calbuco Volcano, where we can admire a breathtaking landscape of native forest, lava fields, and enjoy a pleasant walk around one of the most emblematic volcanoes in the area.
Includes: Poles, Sunscreen, Snacks and drinks
Osorno Volcano Glacier – Osorno Volcano (7-8 hours)
This excursion takes you to the glacier located on the slopes of Osorno Volcano, one of the most emblematic peaks in southern Chile. The route crosses old lava flows and volcanic ash fields before reaching the glacier’s edge at 2,000 meters above sea level. During the hike, guests can observe ice formations known as seracs and learn about the processes that shape mountain glaciers in the Andes. From the glacier, a panoramic view might be seen of Lake Llanquihue and the surrounding volcanoes, offering a unique perspective of the Lakes and Volcanoes District.
Includes: Helmet, harness, crampons, ice axe, trekking poles, snack, and drinks
Osorno Volcano Ascent – Osorno Volcano (10-12 hours)
Osorno Volcano rises majestically above Lake Llanquihue, with its perfect conical shape symbolizing the natural beauty of the region. This ascent reaches the summit at 2,652 meters above sea level and offers the possibility of panoramic views of the Andes, Lake Llanquihue, and neighboring volcanoes such as Calbuco, Puntiagudo, and Tronador. The route begins before dawn and involves glacier travel, snowfields, and steep terrain. From the summit, a panoramic view might be enjoyed of the surrounding lakes. Led by certified mountain guides, this demanding ascent is ideal for travelers seeking an authentic mountaineering experience in a safe and controlled environment.
Includes: Helmet, harness, crampons, ice axe, trekking poles, rope, snack, and drinks
Casablanca Volcano Ascent – Casablanca Volcano (11-12 hours)
Located in the heart of the Lacustrine Andes, Casablanca Volcano (1,990 m.a.s.l.) offers a moderate and rewarding ascent through pristine mountain landscapes. The trail begins at the Antillanca area and passes through forests, old craters, and panoramic ridges, from which views of Osorno, Puntiagudo, and Tronador volcanoes might be seen. On clear days, a panoramic view might be appreciated of the Andean lakes and surrounding peaks. This one-day ascent is suitable for travelers with previous hiking experience who wish to enjoy a balanced challenge combined with exceptional scenery and the tranquility of Northern Patagonia.
Includes: Helmet, harness, crampons, trekking poles, ice axe, snack, and drinks
Route of the Colonists – Lake Llanquihue (10 hours)
The journey begins in Puerto Varas, where we explore the old heritage neighborhood of the Decher Street area. Subsequently, we head towards Llanquihue, which is the industrial city par excellence of the ancient German villages. Then, we continue our journey towards Frutillar along the Punta Larga inland road, from where the volcanoes Puntiagudo, Osorno, Calbuco, and Casablanca can be observed. Upon arriving in Frutillar, we visit the Teatro del Lago and then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Afterwards, we explore the German colonial museum and head towards Puerto Octay. After touring Puerto Octay, we return to the hotel passing through Cascadas and Ensenada, thus completing the circuit around Lake Llanquihue.
Includes: Trekking poles, waterproof layers, sunscreen, box lunch or lunch, snacks, beverages, and bilingual guide.
Optional: Bicycle + helmets + gloves
Basketry Weaving Route – Carretera Austral : Ilque Y Huelmo (5-6 hours)
Hotel AWA, in collaboration with the Fundación de Artesanías de Chile, offers a unique excursion to discover the tradition of basketry with junquillo and manila.
Visitors will learn to harvest junquillo and experience the weaving process at the home of Procelia and Raimundo, enjoy a birdwatching viewpoint, and explore manila weaving techniques at another local family’s home.
The excursion concludes at the Artisan Group “Entre junquillo y manila,” where guests can explore an exhibition and learn to weave a small basket. The tradition of junquillo basketry, maintained by the communities of Ilque and Huelmo for over 150 years, was passed down from canoe cultures and Huilliche and mestizo families. This tradition was awarded the international designation of World Craft City in May 2023, a distinction aimed at transforming territories in an ethical, civic, and culturally relevant manner.
Includes: Waterproof layers, sunscreen, box lunch or lunch, snacks, beverages, and bilingual guide.
Loom Weaving Route – Carretera Austral : Chaicas Gutierrez and Lenca (5-6 hours)
This excursion, organized in collaboration with “Fundación de Artesanías de Chile”, offers a unique experience that connects visitors with the ancestral textile art of the Carretera Austral by visiting three workshops that keep this tradition alive.
It allows guests to explore a textile universe developed over 150 years, thanks to the specialization of women. In May 2023, this tradition received the international designation of “World Craft City” from the World Crafts Council.
This unique art form is an essential part of Chile’s material and intangible heritage and has been passed down through generations. The tour begins with observing wool dyeing using natural products. Then, in Caleta Gutiérrez, the artisans from “Taller Vista al Mar” teach wool spinning with a spindle and weaving on a brocade loom. Finally, in Lenca, visitors will see how blankets and knotted choapinosare made, and learn about the “Wool Bank,” a project that facilitates access to quality wool for weavers.
Includes: Waterproof layers, sunscreen, box lunch or lunch, snacks, beverages, and bilingual guide.
Market & Farm to Table – Calbuco – Angelmo Markets (6-8 hours)
The experience begins early in the morning. Guests will drive for an hour to Angelmó or Calbuco. At the market, they will collect products that they will later use in their cooking class. Then, at the hotel, there is a short walk to AWA’s organic garden, located just 500 meters from the hotel. The path passes by the photovoltaic plant, one of the largest in Patagonia. In the garden, there is a brief introduction to permaculture, biointensive gardens, and our production system. Afterwards, there is a harvesting experience, where guests can collect fresh produce. Finally, there is a cooking class with the products gathered from AWA’s private villa garden.
Includes: All the implements for the harvesting and cooking
Farm to Table – AWA’s Organic Garden (5 hours)
Our excursion starts in the garden, where we provide a brief introduction to permaculture, biointensive gardens, and our production system. Then, there’s a harvesting experience, allowing our guests to collect fresh produce. After that, we hold a cooking class using the products gathered from AWA’s private villa garden.
Includes: All the implements for the harvesting and cooking
Kayaking – Reloncaví Estuary (8-9 hours)
The activity starts from “La Base” in Ensenada, where the guides provide the equipment for the journey, along with instructions and a safety briefing.
A car ride takes you towards Ralún, where the journey begins by paddling from the mouth of the Petrohué River towards Cochamó.
The activity takes place in marine waters, yet in a protected area free from large swells and waves, surrounded by a mountainous environment that makes the experience safe and charming. Lunch is provided at Mrs. Yolanda’s place, followed by the final stretch in kayaks to reach Cochamó, where the journey concludes
Includes: Wet suit and boots, life jacket, towel, lunch, snack, and drinks
Kayaking at La Poza Lagoon – Llanquihue Lake (2-3 hours)
About 20 minutes from the hotel is Laguna La Poza. We will paddle about 5 km through a 25 km-wide channel that gradually transforms into a narrow tunnel, where we’ll pass under vegetation made up of weeping willows and other native species. This tunnel is accessible only by canoes or kayaks and will lead us to the Hidden Lagoon, an ideal spot for birdwatching, with species like the Kingfisher, Chucao, and various herons. Very peaceful and highly recommended for family enjoyment or as a first-time experience. We will return via the same channel and then paddle toward Llanquihue Lake.
Includes: Transportation, Neoprene suit and boots, Life jacket, Towel, Sunscreen, Lunch, snack, and drinks
Sun Springs – Rio Puelo (Full Day)
From the hotel, we head towards Cochamó along a beautiful scenic road that will take us to these natural hot springs. We’ll spend the day enjoying its 10 thermal pools, where temperatures range between 36°C and 45°C, sourced from a thermal spring reaching 60°C. With its 300 meters of walkways in a unique environment, you can enjoy a day of relaxation in an open-air spa.
Horse back riding – Las Tranqueras (4 hours)
A 20 minute car ride takes us to Puerto Varas, until we reach the stables of the “Las Tranqueras” condominium. There, the team will welcome us for a safety briefing and then equip us with the necessary gear for the activity. The horseback ride takes place within a forest with native flora and fauna, where you can appreciate the scent of the Tepa tree and listen to woodpeckers as they drill into trees in search of food. As an optional activity, a carriage ride through the forest is available, especially suitable for people with mobility issues and children.
Includes: Helmet, gaiters, rain poncho, drinks, and snack
Fly Fishing: Petrohue – Maullin – Puelo – Rahue Rivers (7-8 hours)
Fishing is conducted in the various rivers of the area, with the Petrohué River being the closest to the hotel and allowing for trout and salmon fishing (chinook from March to April). You’ll descend the river in a cataraft or fishing boat, with space for 2 anglers and the guide. Fishing on the river consists of 2 half-day sessions, with a break to enjoy a countryside lunch by the river, amidst the marvelous backdrop of mountains and forests. It’s an ideal outing not only for fishermen but also for those who enjoy a nature walk.
Includes: Fishing license, rod, reel, line, and flies. Country lunch, drinks, and snack
Cycling Activities:
From AWA Hotel there are a range of cycling activities some of which include rafting, zip lining, horse riding and kayaking – for more information please contact us.
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