PETROHUE RIVER - WHITE WATER RAFTING EXPEDITION - 1/2 DAY

Depart from Yan Kee Way Lodge, following the south shore of Lake Llanquihue, to our embarkation point on the River Petrohué. The Petrohue River was the venue for the 1999 Chilean National Rafting Championship and is our destination for the white water rafting expedition.  We have spectacular views of Lake Llanquihue and the volcanoes Osorno, Puntiagudo, Tronador and Calbuco.

Passing through the small town of Ensenada, we quickly arrive at the river and the section of rapids that we will challenge. We suit up for our expedition in the provided clothing and equipment appropriate for white water rafting including wet suits, spray jackets, life-vest, helmets and paddles. Our expert-guides give us a brief introduction about the section of the river we will run and the necessary instructions for safe practices for our expedition. Following our instructional session, we begin the white-water rafting expedition.

The section of the river that we will run has rapids of class 3 to 4. Our expedition will take us approximately 10.5 miles down river and approximately one and 1/2 hours to complete. Our adrenaline levels surge as we pass through the breath-taking beauty of the valley in which the Petrohué River flows. Volcanoes and temperate rain forests surround us as we are thrusted along by the white foaming power of the rapids. Many remark on the visual setting, comparing it to the jungle-like landscapes of Southeast Asia. It is no wonder that some call this area the cool jungle. During our ride we will encounter native birds such as Cormorants, Kingfishers, Sparrows and tiuques, if we are lucky we will catch a glimpse of Huillín (small otters) or Nutria, beaver like animals, native to the area. Upon reaching our final destination, we finish up with a picnic during which we may recall and re-live this beautiful and exciting experience. Transport back to Yan Kee Way Lodge

PETROHUE RIVER - FLOATING EXPEDITION - 1 DAY

We depart from Yan Kee Way Lodge to our launch site on the slower stretches of the Petrohué River, following the south shore of Lake Llanquihue. Here, we have spectacular views of Lake Llanquihue and the volcanoes Osorno, Puntiagudo, Tronador and Calbuco. Passing through the small town of Ensenada, we head southward. We are but 30 minutes travel time by road from the Pacific Ocean into which the Petrohué flows.

The meandering course of the Petrohué covers much more territory and gives us a more leisurely passage through the valley. Our drive to the river takes us through the Petrohué valley where we see European style farmlands planted among the jungle like forests of Ulmo Trees. During some seasons, these trees are laden with fragrant white flowers - the source of the regions famous Ulmo honey.

Upon arrival at our point of departure we are provided with safety instructions for our floating expedition. We raft or cata-raft the Petrohué River for approximately 6 hours until we reach Ralún where the Petrohué joins the Pacific Ocean in the estuary of the Reloncaví fjord. During our trip, we will enjoy impressive views of the volcanoes and the flora and fauna of this region. In Ralún we will visit the thermal waters located alongside the river. Picnic lunch.   Return to Yan Kee Way Lodge. This can be a trip for the entire family.

ANDEAN LAKE CROSSING EXPEDITION - 1 DAY

We depart from Yan Kee Way lodge to Vincente Pérez Rosales National Park (a 15-minute ride) to the start of our expedition at Petrohué, situated on the shores of Todos Los Santos Lake. Petrohué was established as a small port on the lake by the early pioneers of this region. Here we will board a catamaran to cross the lake to a pioneer settlement known as Peulla.

Teddy Roosevelt, who crossed this beautiful emerald-colored lake, is reputed to have said that it was the most beautiful lake that he had ever seen in the world. During our 22-mile crossing, of approximately 1.45 hours, we will enjoy spectacular views of volcanoes Osorno, Puntiagudo and Mount Tronador. Tronador is a 12,000-ft volcanic peak, which straddles the Andean boarder between Chile and Argentina. It takes its name from the sound of calving glaciers and giant snow slides.

 Our destination, Peulla, was a historic transfer and lodging point for early day pioneers who crossed the Andes by watercraft, foot and on horseback. The lake, first discovered by Jesuit Priests in the late 1600’s, was one of a combination of navigable lakes connected to relatively low mountain passes on the route between Chile and the Pampas of Argentina.  These geographical characteristics made this a natural transportation corridor for the early settlers in Chile to settle in the area now known as San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina. It was here, at Peulla, that they transferred their goods from the trail to hand built watercrafts in order to complete their journey through the Andes to and from Chile and Argentina.

In Peulla you will have the opportunity to eat lunch (optional) and to visit the waterfall “Velo de la Novia” (Bride’s Vail) and enjoy the local area.  At 04:00 p.m. we return on the catamaran to Petrohué.  Transfer to Yan Kee Way Lodge.   This expedition provides you with a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the natural splendor and appreciate the history and cultural origins of this region while boating through the Andes.

BOATING EXPEDITION -LLANQUIHUE LAKE - 1/2 DAY

Lago Llanquihue is the third largest natural lake in South America.   Small towns, many of which incorporate the word “Puerto” in their names, surround it.  One of the most recognized towns, Puerto Varas, was founded in 1854 by German colonists in their efforts to colonize this beautiful, verdant but forest covered land.  In the years thereafter, additional small towns sprung up around natural ports, using the lake as the only means of transportation in the area.

Yan Kee Way Lodge is located in the South East corner of the Lake, in a small bay or “ensenada” which was once the port of Ensenada, and now is a small village with the same name.   Our Lodge location is unique; perhaps the only place in the world like it. Volcano Osorno terminates at the waters’ edge, forming the North Eastern shoreline of the bay. It is one of, if not the only place in the world where one can see a volcano in a stand alone setting. The most similar comparisons are Mt. Fuji in Japan and Mt. Rainier in Washington State.  Unlike other volcanoes, Osorno, is not lost amidst a surrounding mountain range.  One can see precisely where this 8,730-foot volcano begins and ends.

Our expedition departs from the beach in front of Yan Kee Way lodge. We will have the opportunity to appreciate the scale of the lake and its surroundings.  It’s easy to imagine what the early day colonists must have felt in their small boats as we look at the wooded shore line and contemplate their thoughts as they moved across the expanse of this lake using oars, the wind and, ultimately, steam for propulsion.  We will enjoy a pleasant trip along the shore of the Lake, were we will see beautiful landscapes near the impressive cone of Osorno Volcano.  The lush native vegetation covers the many lava fingers that fan out, reaching out into the lake, creating a series of small coves along the shoreline.

Depending on the day and the season you can spot local wildlife along the wooded shoreline. The waters are clean and clear, so one may see through the water to depths of over 30 feet, to the lake bottom.  During the fall, you may have the opportunity to spot salmon and trout that use the fine bottom sands and underwater springs for their spawning grounds.   Return to Yan Kee Way Lodge.  This is a special trip for people who love nature and who want to spend an enjoyable day on the water with the family.

BOATING EXPEDITION - TODOS LOS SANTOS LAKE   -  MARGARITA ISLAND - 1/2 DAY

Depart from Yan Kee Way Lodge towards Todos Los Santos Lake, 17 km away (or 20 minutes ride) to the east, until we reach the town of Petrohue, where we will board our boat and start the adventure.

Boating in the emerald green waters of Todos Los Santos Lake, we arrive at Margarita Island, which is located in the middle of the lake, giving us an opportunity to see beaches that you can only imagine in your dreams.  Also, along the trip we will encounter the east side of Osorno volcano, La Picada mountain, Puntiagudo volcano, Cayutue cove and Leon mountain, among others.

We will also see all the natural beauty that the lake posseses, making a stop in one of the many beaches here to enjoy our box lunch and then return to Petrohue to take the truck back to the Lodge.

HOBBY CATS SAILING - LLANQUIHUE LAKE - 1/2 DAY

We begin our sailing adventure from the beach in front of Yan Kee Way Lodge into Llanquihue lake. This fun activity will allow us to enjoy the natural surroundings, the weather, the forests, the beaches all the while taking in a great view of the Osorno volcano as we cruise along with the waves and the wind.

Our specialized guide will always be in charge of sailing, however you may be given the opportunity to sail by yourself if you show knowledge and skill handling the Hobby cat.

DOWN HILL EXPEDITION - OSORNO VOLCANO - 1/2 DAY

We start our “Down Hill Expedition” at the Burbuja Ski Lodge Refuge where we’ll begin with a trek upward toward the highest tower of the ski lift (approximately a 1-hour trek). Here we’ll experience spectacular views of the summits of the volcanoes Osorno and Calbuco, the expanse of the 320 square mile Llanquihue Lake and the surrounding Andean Mountain Range.

After returning to the Burbuja Ski Lodge we’ll receive safety instructions and begin our descent by roads and paths, which are surrounded by native vegetation and fantastic views. 

We’ll end our adventure by visiting “Laguna Verde”, and then return to Yan Kee Way Lodge.

PHOTOGRAPHIC EXPEDITION - 1 DAY

We depart from Yan Kee Way Lodge and travel through Villa Ensenada to the base of Volcano Osorno, at the entrance of Vincente Perez Rosales National Park and the Laguna Verde area. Our expedition takes us along the base of the volcano, where we will enjoy the native plant and animal life while proceeding to our destination; “Los Pilleyos”. We’ll continue into Vincente Perez Rosales National Park to visit an area where we can see the glacial run-off from the volcanoes’ slopes along with many other points of interest.

We will then proceed to the famous Petrohué river waterfalls or “Los Saltos”. The falls were first  created by the enormous lava flows of Osorno Volcano, which cut-off the flow of water between Lake Todos Los Santos and Lago Llanquihue and formed a new outflow from Todos Los Santos, currently known as the Petrohué River. The volcanic flows created a rise in the land that immediately came under attack by the power of the river. The lava was, and still is, being sculpted into unusual forms by the power of river.   The flora and fauna of the temperate rainforest abound in this area. 

We will take two short hikes to “Los Enamorados” and “Carrilemu” where we will learn about the different types of rocks, vegetation, and animals that live in this temperate rainforest.   We’ll complete our expedition with a visit to Todos Los Santos Lake, or as it is also called --“Emerald Lake,”-- so named for the deep emerald color of its waters. You can take pictures from the beach while we enjoy our picnic lunch. Return to Yan Kee Way Lodge. This is a special expedition for the family and for those who love the outdoors and wish to see and photograph the flora and fauna of this area.

MOUNTAIN BIKE EXPEDITION - VICENTE PEREZ ROSALES NATIONAL PARK - 1/2DAY

A part of our expedition will take us along a beautiful trail named “Los Enamorados”. When we arrive at “Carilemu,” we will enjoy the beauty of the temperate rain forest and specimens of local trees including Coigues, Mañios, Arrayanes and a variety of mosses. Our expedition is interspersed with waterfalls, rapids, small lagoons and the flora and fauna of the area. 

Our expedition continues along the shore of the Petrohué River until we arrive at Todos Los Santos Lake (also known as Emerald Lake) whose name is derived from the deep green color of its waters. Return to Yan Kee Way Lodge.

MOUNTAIN BIKE EXPEDITION - LOS VOLCANES PARK - 1/2DAY

We start our adventure from Yan Kee Way Lodge heading towards the west, 3 km away.

After that, we arrive at the sides of the Osorno volcano by means of a gravel path with a medium incline, submerged in a native forest that will lead us to El Mirador, a place where we will enjoy an incredible view of the Blanco river, which originates from the volcano. Here we will take a break and enjoy our view.

Then we make our return via an easy path, always surrounded in a breathtaking and panoramic natural environment.

TREKKING EXPEDITION - CAYUTUE LAGOON  - 1 DAY

We leave Yan Kee Way Lodge for the town of Petrohué, located on the shore of Todos Los Santos Lake.  In Petrohué, we board our boat and head across the southern end of the lake to a large inlet of the lagoon where we will disembark at the mouth of the Cayutué River.  Our expedition begins on the riverbank where we enter the temperate rainforest heading towards Cayutué Lagoon.

During our trek we’ll come across the different species of birds typical to this area including the Martín Pescador, Chucao, Tiuque and various bright green parrots. Magnificent trees and mosses will be all around us. As we gain altitude, we will have a great view of Puntiagudo Volcano and the magnificent mountaintops of the Andes including the famous Derrumbe. The lagoon is situated in a broad clearing surrounded by the Andes.   Old apple trees, planted long ago by the early colonists, still remain in the area. Reeds surround the lagoon, which are home to dragonflies and other insect life. You are likely to see brown and rainbow trout aggressively snatching them from the surface of the water while we are there.

After a rest and a well-deserved picnic on the shore of the Cayutué Lagoon, we will return to the beach where our expedition started and our boat will take us back to Petrohué. Back to Yan Kee Way Lodge. This special nature expedition, combining a land and water exploration, that is sure to be enjoyed alone or with the family.

TREKKING EXPEDITION - DESOLATION PASS  - 1 DAY

We depart early in the morning from Yan Kee Way Lodge to Petrohué on the shores of Todos Los Santos Lake. On our way to the lake, we’ll pass through areas that are the mouths of the rivers which flow from the sides of Osorno Volcano.  On warm days, it is possible to see what appear to be dust clouds arising from the flanks of the volcano. In reality, these are ash clouds raised by the flowing waters making their way down the flanks of the volcano. We will cross vast areas of black ash that have been brought down by the glacial melt.  You will appreciate the might of the volcano as you see the results of the ash flows experienced during its eruptions. One can only imagine what it must have been like during its periods of activity.

Leaving Petrohué, we head upward toward the base of Volcano Osorno (8,730 feet). Our trek takes us through Osorno’s volcanic canyons where amazing rock formations are etched out of the canyon walls by the melting snows and glaciers of Osorno.  As we head upwards to Desolation Pass, at an altitude of 5,610 feet between the Osorno and Cerro La Picada volcanoes, we will also see a wide variety of lava formations created by the lava flows that built Osorno. The views from this mile high vantage point are spectacular.

While ascending Osorno, we will have the opportunity to observe native trees and fauna of the area, as well as spectacular views of the environs of Todos Los Santos Lake. Once we’ve reached our destination, we’ll enjoy a well-earned picnic at the edge of a beautiful waterfall formed by the melting snow and ice of the volcano and other surrounding mountaintops. Our descent will take us to Playa Larga on Lake Todo Los Santos, where those who wish may take a refreshing dip in the lake before heading back towards Petrohué. Back to Yan Kee Way Lodge.

TREKKING EXPEDITION - THE SERACS  - 1 DAY

Our trek begins with an early morning departure from Yan Kee Way Lodge. We will ascend the flanks of Osorno Volcano, by car, up into the brisk mountain air at Refugio La Burbuja. Our trek will take us upward through the snow to an elevation of 5,905 feet.

We will enjoy our mile high plus vantage point with a picnic lunch in the area of the seracs and the fissures formed by ancient volcanic eruptions and enjoy the spectacular view of the entire valley, including the various lakes and the Petrohué River.

Make sure to bring your camera!

Return to Yan Kee Way Lodge.

TREKKING EXPEDITION - LAS CASCADAS  - 1/2 DAY

We depart from Yan Kee Way Lodge towards the town of Las Cascadas. It is located 23 km from Ensenada (40 minutes away by car).

Once we arrive, we start our trek through paths emerged in the valdivian forest (rainforest), always trekking along the border of the river and crossing it twice until we reach the waterfall, which is our destination. A fun walk that leads us to a breathtaking 40 meter waterfall.

If the weather conditions permit, we can go for a swim at the base of the waterfall.   Afterwards we return to lodge.

* Consult the head guide regarding the possibility of going mountain biking or boating   the second half of the day.

TREKKING EXPEDITION - OSORNO VOLCANO HILLS  - 1 DAY

We leave Yan Kee Way Lodge to enjoy the fresh mountain air at Refugio La Burbuja, on the slopes of volcano Osorno. Leaving our small town of Ensenada, we enter nearby Vicente Rosales National Park and head upward toward the skirts of Volcano Osorno (8,730 feet). On our way up, we’ll see small farms that belong to families that owned small parcels in what was later to become the national park. They were “grandfathered” in and allowed to remain in the park.  While they sometimes have problems getting an adequate water supply for their farms and gardens, they continue to farm in much the same way as their forefathers that settled this area.

The Refugio La Burbuja or Bubble Refuge (as it is constructed by a large lava bubble) was once a ski resort that no longer functions, although the ski lift and facilities remain. However plans are underway to redevelop and reopen it. This area will be the start of our trek. We’ll walk through the hills enjoying the scenic views of Lake Llanquihue, the Andes mountains and the Pacific Ocean. At this altitude, we may see the total expanse of the 320 square mile Lago Llanquihue and the many small towns and settlements that were served first by sailing ships and row boats, followed by steam ships, until the development of the road system.  This explains why many of the names of local communities on the lake are preceded by the word “Puerto” or Port.

We’ll leave the Volcano and our expedition will take us along the Rio Petrohue as it winds its way through the valleys of the temperate rainforest. As your guide will explain, the Southern flank of Osorno Volcano cut-off the original river connection between Lago Todos Los Santos and Lago Llanquihue and caused all of the drainage from Lago Todos Los Santos to flow into the Rio Petrohue. This is a very special, relaxed and spontaneous trip.  Return to Yan Kee Way Lodge.

HIKING EXPEDITION - MT. PICADA  - 1 DAY

We leave Yan Kee Way Lodge for the town of Petrohué, which is located on the shore of Todos Los Santos Lake.  From Petrohué, we head for the base of Osorno Volcano (8,730 feet) toward the pass which is formed between the Osorno and La Picada Mountain (5,610 feet).   During our ascent we can observe some of the typical native trees of this area as well as enjoy the fantastic views that Todos Los Santos Lake and its surroundings offer. As soon as we arrive at the pass known as Desolación, we continue around the base of Osorno until we arrive at the north east face of Picada Mountain. Our ascent from this point takes us to the summit of Picada Mountain.

Once we have reached the summit, we can take in the majestic, vast views of the surrounding areas including Todos Los Santos Lake as well as other peaks in the area such as Tronador and Puntiagudo Volcano. One will most certainly be filled with energy and feel as if the surrounding peaks are but a few steps away.  After enjoying our surroundings and having our lunch, we will start our descent towards Petrohué. Back to Yan Kee Way Lodge. This is a special nature trek that can be enjoyed alone or in the company of your family.

HORSEBACK EXPEDITION - QUINTA DEL LAGO  - 1/2 DAY

Depart from Yan Kee Way by truck, 17 km to the west until Quinta del Lago. This is a beautiful place nestled in the side of Calbuco volcano, where our horses will be waiting for us to start our adventure through meadows that surround the volcano until we get to El Mirador, where we can appreciate a panoramic view of Llanquihue lake, Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes.   Here we will take a break and enjoy our view.

After that, we make our way back through large green fields and native forests, always in the presence of qualified guides that will look after us.

CANOE EXPEDITION - LLANQUIHUE LAKE  - 1/2 DAY

It ends at Laguna Verde (green lagoon), inside Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, where we take a break and then go for a little walk through the surroundings for 20 minutes.

If you desire, we will have the opportunity to enjoy a refreshing swim in a natural cove. 

After that, we return to the lodge.

SEA KAYAK - LLANQUIHUE LAKE  - 1/2 DAY

After that, we go to Laguna Verde, inside the Vicente Perez Rosales national park where we will appreciate the rain forest and local birds. Here you will have the chance to take a short trekking inside the park and then finally, we go back to the lodge.

This activity is recommended for all people.

SEA KAYAK - TODOS LOS SANTOS LAKE  - 1 DAY

We depart from Yan Kee Way towards Todos Los Santos Lake, which is 17 km away (or  20 minutes by car) to the East, until we reach Petrohue, where  our  sea kayaks are waiting for us to start our adventure.

In Todos Los Santos (also known as Emerald Lake), we will kayak along the coast. Also, along the trip we will view many of the local birds, and other natural beauties such us; Margarita island, Osorno volcano, La Picada mountain, Puntiagudo volcano, and Leon mountain, among others.

We will stop at one of the many beaches to enjoy our lunch and then go back to Petrohue where we will take the truck back to the lodge.

SEA KAYAK EXPEDITION - RELONCAVI ESTUARY  - 1 DAY

We depart from Yan Kee Way Lodge by truck towards the town of Ralún, 32 km away, where we put on our equipment to start the adventure down the Petrohué River until Reloncaví estuary.

We follow the river towards the open sea passing through beautiful mountains and green valleys giving us amazing views of the surroundings.

We will also kayak between fishing farms, giving us the opportunity to see the various processes and aspects involved in the development and feeding of the fish.

We will then take a break to enjoy our lunch in one of the many beaches in the region.

After finishing our trip in Cochamó Valley, our truck will be waiting for us to take us back to the lodge.

CHILOE EXPEDITION - PUNIHUIL & ANCUD - 1 DAY

Depart from Yan Kee Way Lodge towards Pargua, 85 kilometers from Ensenada by the international route.  Here, we will make the first stop to board a ship that will transport us through the Chacao Canal (Pacific Ocean), approximately a 45 minute journey, allowing us to enjoy the marvelous countryside that surrounds the island.   Also along this tri, we can spot Seals, Sea Lions, Chilean Dolphin (Toninas), Pelicans, Cormorants and other species of birds that will bring you an unequaled trip through the coasts of the zone.

Once on the island, we will continue our trip for 20 minutes by vehicle until we arrive at Ancud, the first of the two most important cities of Chiloe, where we will travel through the center of the city and the coast that will steer us to the last part of our beautiful journey, to the coasts of Puñihuil.  This is a small town of artisan fishermen that understand the archipelago of islands here, where our penguin friends of the Magellanic and Humboldt varieties have made a natural decision to reproduce only during the months of October and March. They will surprise us with their natural grace, all the while getting closer in the boats in order to appreciate their form of life and customs.  Here, we will also find Cormorants, Olivaceous, Guanay, Red Legged Cormorant’s, Magellanic Oystercatchers and Kelp Geese.  All these species live in completely natural conditions at the reach of all the adventurers.  Afterwards, we return to Ancud for lunch and begin our journey back to the Lodge. 

PUERTO VARAS - PUERTO MONTT NIGHT TOUR
(Not included in Sport Adventure program - available at additional cost)

We depart from Yan Kee Way Lodge in one of our trucks towards Puerto Varas, which is 42 km from Ensenada.

Our night begins by visiting the main pubs and discos of the area, as well as the casino. After that, we head to Puerto Montt, which is 20 minutes from Puerto Varas, where we will tour downtown and Pelluco, where all the bars and pubs enhance the nightlife so that we can enjoy a fun and entertaining evening.

SALSA & MERENGUE LESSONS
(Not included in Sport Adventure program - available at additional cost)

It will give you a big smile and rejuvenate your spirit in the company of your family and / or friends.

CANYONING RIO POTO EXPEDITION - 1/2 DAY
(Not included in Sport Adventure program - available at additional cost)

Located 20 minutes from Yan Kee Way Lodge, the Poto river is a fun canyon with lots of slipping and sliding and at the end, a waterfall of 20 meters.

In our trucks, we will reach the Rio Blanco lookout point, which is between the volcanoes Calbuco and Osorno.  From there, we will walk for 20 minutes until we arrive at the house of Sr. Perez, where we will suit up in our equipment to begin our adventure in the crystal clear waters of the Poto river, where we will plunge into a natural Jacuzzi.

After that, we will walk, jump and slide throughout the river, which has been carved out by centuries of running water.

After about 1 ½ hours of strong sensations within this naturally majestic place, we will again come to the Rio Blanco, but this time from the upper section of the waterfall. From there, we will rapel down the waterfall finishing our day with a refreshing box lunch at the same lookout point from the beginning.

EXPEDITION TO THE PEAK OF VOLCANO OSORNO - 1 DAY
(Not included in Sport Adventure program - available at additional cost)

Our expedition to the peak of Osorno volcano begins at 5:30 a.m. as we leave Yan Kee Way Lodge and head towards the ski center “La Burbuja”. The height of the volcano is 8736 feet above sea level.

Our climb of Osorno will take place over three distinct types of terrain. We will walk for 2 hours on volcanic rock and 2 hours in the volcanic sands on the cone of the volcano, until reaching the glacial sector where we begin our ascent on ice and snow. We will encounter inclinations and slopes of up to 50º on parts of our climb.

Upon reaching the summit, we will have beautiful views of the surrounding Andes Mountains and the settlements dotted around the shore line of 320 square mile Lake Llanquihue. We will eat our picnic lunch surrounded by the splendor of the Patagonian Andes. Our descent, once we have experienced and photographed the view from the summit, will take approximately 2 1/2 hours.

Safety on the volcano is of extreme importance for everyone. Our guides are highly qualified and will assist you in order to have a safe and unforgettable experience