JAN 3 – APR 15, 2022

Patagonia Chile Adventure Marketing & Management Program (AMMP)

More Than a Study Abroad Semester… AMMP Your Career Advantage

CMC Patagonia AMMP provides 17 to 19 academic credits with gainful certification, professional skills, adventures, and internship work experiences. “Why should I hire you?” by the end of AMMP you will have plenty of answers.

Adventure – CMC Patagonia makes adventure exploration and learning an integral part of the academic experience. Students bond and build confidence as they learn exciting whitewater and expedition skills and earn certifications employers seek. Base is right on the Rio Trancura giving outlets to activities like swimming, fly fishing, or practicing your kayak eskimo roll. Did we mention adventure classes are collaborative with Chilean students from Pucón’s Universidad de la Frontera (UFRO)?

Marketing – Social media marketing (course, MAR 155) skills help companies promote products. The art of story crafting via images and words benefits company promos, sales, and visibility. Tangible marketing skills give the employee a competitive advantage within employment, retention, and compensation.

Management – CMC negotiated a variety of internship positions with Pucon Kayak Retreat. Contemporary Management (BUS 328) class experiments real world management experiences within culinary, hospitality, eco-tourism, sustainability, perma-culture, and adventure leadership. Management classes conference like an executive decision-maker team of various departments to plan and discuss disciplines of execution.

Program – The program ties together the courses, adventures, internships and community benefits. Each component considers the sustainability impacts upon individuals, communities, and the environment.

“AMMP was designed to give sustainable eco-tourism success perspectives in protecting rivers and connecting with Chilean communities. AMMP continues to develop to teach tangible skills/credits, and certifications for gainful employment. Our Pucón riverside adventure base with a variety of jobs provides students the perfect experiential marketing and management experiences.”

-David Hughes, Owner Pucón Kayak Retreat

AMMP HIGHLIGHTS

“Puelo Libre” Students plan a multi-day Patagonia packraft expedition from Argentina border.
Riverside lodging at Pucón Kayak Retreat. Wanna fly fish or kayak after class?
CMC partnered with Universidad de la Frontera to co-lead adventures. Think about the friends you’ll make.
Rivers of Life Tour visits five rivers threatened to be dammed.

Email for FREE CMC Patagonia Photos and Videos

Email mjost@coloradomtn.edu or dmhughes@coloradomtn.edu

TUITION AND COSTS

AMMP COURSES – 17 to 19 CREDITS

Spring 2022: JAN 3 – APR 15

Business Courses

MAN 328 - Contemporary Management (3 Credits)
MAR 155 - Social Media for Business (3 Credits)

Internship Credits (3 to 5 Credits)

OUT 287 Students will coordinate with PKR independent work experience internships. Categories: hospitality services, perma-culture and landscape management, marketing, management, and culinary services.

OUT (Outdoor Recreation) Courses

OUT 116 River Orientation (2 Credits)
OUT 218 River Orientation III (2 Credits)

OUT 215 Whitewater Paddling Leadership (4 Credits)
OUT 140 – Swift Water Rescue Technician (1 Credit)

SUS (Sustainability) Courses

SUS 201 Issues in Sustainability (3 Credits)

RIVERS OF LIFE TOUR (SUS 201 & OUT 116)

CMC Patagonia commences with the Rivers of Life tour and coursework led by SUS and OUT Professors Matt Jost and John Saunders, PhD. AMMP students explore multiple river valleys via pack raft and/or raft with the added benefits of various Chilean’s presenting experiences, various forms of protests, and successes in their flight to save Patagonia’s most precious resource.

Maipo Valley
Professors John Saunders, Matt Jost, and David Hughes lead students to the Maipo Valley. Chile’s largest eco-tourism company is fighting a hydropower dam project threatening the community's Maipo River resource. Students will packraft and/or raft the Maipo River, and hear sustainability presentations from the community and legislative leaders.

SUS Presenters: Juan Pablo Orrega (legislation) and eco-tourism operators.

Nuble Valley – Chile’s Vineyard District
Today, more than 50 miles of free flowing Rio Nuble is threatened by three dams. Students visit the dam sites by river and realize the evident areas of land and homes that are threatened to be under a lake. The AMMP team will paddle various sections with Chilean families illustrating eco-tourism practices to create sustainable business and bring attention to their river conservation plight.

SUS Presenters: Eco-tourism operators and local families impacted by displacement.

Trancura Valley – Your Pucón Home
CMC arrives to their Trancura river home to packraft, kayak, fish and raft area rivers.

SUS Presenters: Mapuche Indigenous Tribal Spokesperson (Juerquin), UFRO Professors.

PATAGONIA EXPEDITION LOGISTICS PLANNING

Puelo Libre (Puelo Free) – World Renowned King Salmon and Trout Fishing
This part of Patagonia is so remote that you can’t get there by car. Students will plan and execute logistics to board a ferry crossing Lago Tagua Tagua and their capstone expedition. Imagine a land and culture largely disconnected from cell towers, internet, and the conveniences of super centers.

Base right on Rio Puelo’s blue waters to experience an organic eco-tourism operation. We will hike 6 hours to the border of Argentina to our “refugio” base camp for 2 days of camping and hiking. Then experience a multi-day packraft expedition back to our Puelo base camp.

Puelo Libre is protected and is free flowing from the Argentina border to the Gulfo de Ancud to the Pacific.

Learning: Connect and interview locals about how “Puelo Libre” first became protected, Spanish speaking, expedition planning, hiking and packrafting expedition planning.

ECO-TOURISM INTERNSHIPS (3 – 5 CREDITS)

Pucón Kayak Retreat is a sustainable eco-tourism business providing experiential educational opportunities within culinary, hospitality, eco-tourism, marketing, management, sustainability, and perma-culture. Your Contemporary Management course will meet like management departments of a business to discuss tasks and disciplines of execution.

This experimental and controlled work environment allows students to experience gainful work, practice management skills, and fail or succeed in a setting that teaches management and disciplines of execution.

WHAT’S A TYPICAL SCHOOL DAY LOOK LIKE?

Pucón Base
Daily structure is designed to mock a school schedule with adventure tripping following classes. After breakfast, academic courses begin. The courses are applicable to both the work force and adventure decision making world.

Students have access to the internet and study areas, and participate in scheduling of communal living tasks. After dinner, students either wind down or have a debrief class depending on the schedule.

Adventure Trips
During adventure trips such as Rivers of Life and Puelo Libre your classroom is replaced by the adventure setting.

AMMP takes advantage of the unique expedition learning opportunities such as connecting with communities, conservationist presenters, cultural learning, expedition planning and needs.

CLASSES AND INTERNET

Pucón Classes
CMC Patagonia maintains a contract with Pucón’s Universidad de la Frontera (UFRO). While in Pucón, AMMP classes are often at UFRO. Of course, adventure classes are at our adventure base right on the Trancura River or other nearby adventure destinations. Internet is provided at both UFRO and PKR base.

Classes During Trips
All of our destinations have Internet access nearby. While, Puelo Libre has Internet at some cafes this is rugged Patagonia. So, we plan to work ahead during expeditions. AMMP students often have classes in open air camp settings. So, a good travel chair is a must.

ACCOMMODATIONS & MEALS

Pucón Base
Students will stay within the dormitory lodging in a shared living space. There is access to PKR facilities including river access and fishing, riverside kitchen and fire pit, commercial kitchen, movie and class dome, gear room, tree house outdoor showers, office space, deck and lounge area.

Adventure Trips
Students typically stay in either camping, hostels, or hospedajes (Chilean version of B&B) near river or mountain settings.

Meals
Students are provided breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Students are expected to pay one meal per week out of pocket: typically, a voted-on café idea for internet or near to a river setting, such as the riverside pizzeria at the Rio Puelo.

Travel Trip Meals
During adventure trips students are expected to pay out of pocket for two meals.

ABOUT PUCON – WORLD’S BEST STUDENT ADVENTURE BASE

Pucón’s story began as a fort in 1883 strategically locating the military between nearby Argentina and established Chilean routes. As transportation infrastructure developed, it became a tourist destination.

The surrounding lakes, lagunas, rivers, hot springs, and snow-capped peaks gave retreat to those that could afford to spend their summers in luxury. German settlers and South America’s elite were the primary clientele.

Chile continued to develop the military and trade route to Argentina as Pucón continued to attract more and more outdoor enthusiasts. Today, Pucón’s Lakes District on the northern edge of Patagonia is Chile’s most popular summer vacation destination.

Pucón is a melting pot of international outdoor adventurists seeking beauty and excitement at the end of a fishing line, within a basalt canyon, flowing over a waterfall, or at the peak of a volcano.

EMAIL TO VIEW THE PATAGONIA PACK LIST

DONORS TRIP, JAN 8 to 18

Want to speak to a real person about pack list, logistics, or donations? We are here to help.

CMC Donations and Registration: Matt Jost: 208-283-0259 or mjost@coloradomtn.edu
About Pucón logistics and adventures: David Hughes: Whatsapp, +1-828-788-5135 or david@PuconKayakRetreat.com

Dates: JAN 8 to 18

Arrivals/Departures

JAN 8 Temuco (ZCO) Arrival 11 am to 5 pm
JAN 18 Temuco (ZCO) Depart 11 am to 5 pm

Costs & Tax Deductions: Recommended minimum $6,990
Heli or Plane volcano tours are available for additional fees at guest request.

Tax-Deductible Donations - $3,990 to PKR to cover trip costs; proceeds over $3,990 go directly to individual CMC Patagonia student scholarships and maybe ear-tagged to a specific student or CMC Patagonia sustainability cause.
How much do most CMC donors donate? Most donate between $3,000 to $6,000 above the $3,990 trip costs. A few offer donations of $10,000 or more for individual scholarships or to ear tag a specific development need they identify.

Trip Objectives

To share with CMC supporters the values and experiences surrounding CMC Patagonia base, sustainability programs, and river conservation
Create funding to benefit CMC Patagonia student scholarships
CMC Patagonia’s Adventure Marketing & Management Program (AMMP) provides work experiences and opportunities to incorporate core academic competencies to create a CMC experiential education and internship model

About The CMC Donors Pucón Multi-Sport Trip
The retreat multi-sport trip ensures several value differentiators impossible to recreate by cookie-cutter programs:
Sustainable Architect Design. The retreat property is sustainably architect-designed to exclusively bring global personalities together around the warmth of fires, music, and riverside hangout areas.

CMC Students/Staff Interactions
This trip selectively combines adventure and academic activities with CMC students & staff. Such as rafting the warm turquoise water of the hydro-dam threatened Rio San Pedro and meal interactions with students. Students will gain valuable work experience in some activities, and we ask donors to provide meaningful feedback.

PKR Pearl Experiences
Guests receive the benefits of 20 years of Pucón exploration, creating meaningful experiences. We’ve done our homework, both failing and succeeding, so your trip is guaranteed to balance stimulating with relaxing comforts.

Location. Location. Location.
It’s no surprise that large adventure companies are making offers to purchase Pucón’s best riverside property. If Pucón is Chile’s adventure epicenter, consider your Trancura riverside retreat as the lifeblood center of Pucón’s adventures. Adventures are in every direction, beginning with a minute’s walk to whitewater and fly fishing.

Riverside Living
Unique, sustainable structures amongst the native forest and whitewater enhance an exclusive intimate experience. A sustainability architect economically designed facilities to create an open-air festive ambiance and reduce environmental impact.

Nightly fires are mandatory to attract story swapping reliving the day’s fears and blunders or climaxes and successes. It is this spirit of bonding that keeps traveler’s loyal to the retreat atmosphere. It’s no wonder that lifetime friendships and marriages commonly originate and return to the retreat.

Chile’s Adventure Capital, Pucón
For millions of years, glacial compaction and volcanic activity carved and milled Chile’s Lakes and Rivers District. Three volcanos tower above the surrounding Andean snow-covered peaks storing water energy.

Within a short distance, the Andes flow enters and exits several lakes and lagunas, becoming warmer and warmer as they approach the Pacific. The views are remarkable by any scale, and the clear Chilean waters are surprisingly warm. It is this series of peaks and canyons, creeks to lagunas, and rivers to lakes that we promise to show you the best of Chile’s fire ring.

Choose A Different Flavor Daily
Whitewater rafting or canyoneering? Have you climbed a vía ferrata (a climbing route with anchored steps and rope safety)? If yes, we’ll throw in a fantasy-like volcanic laguna at the summit.

Tandem paraglide over Lago Villarrica, offering vistas of Chile’s most famous volcano. Relax and enjoy the lake breeze and views while the pilot does the work.

It’s not all extreme adventures, and we’re masters at savoring those guaranteed once-in-a-lifetime experiences. We’ve done our homework scouting the mellow to adventurous weeding out the lame activities so to ensure guests get Pucón’s best of the best.

After a few days of adventuring, we’ll mix in Pucón’s more comforting activities like the Geometricas hot springs, an authentic asado with a sommelier presenting Chilean wines, appetizers, and provisions overlooking Lago Caburgua, yoga and massage therapist options too.

SAMPLE ITINERARY
PKR reserves the right to make changes due to individual activity requests, water levels, and weather conditions. Activities will be presented nightly for the following day.

Day 1, Jan 8. Arrivals & Welcome Dinner (Wood Oven Pizza)

Day 2, Jan 9. Rio Tolten (pack raft, kayak, or SUP board) & Artisan Ice Cream
AM Options: Yoga, Fishing, or Relaxing Until Breakfast
Paddle out of Lago Villarrica’s estuary, over-flowing into the Rio Tolten. Under the towering Volcan Villarrica there’s plenty of estuary life apparent by the handmade fishing dories. The river is transparently blue and a mellow class II to II+ perfect for those wanting to try a new river craft for the first time.

Day 3, Jan 10. Glacier Pichillancahue Hike (Medium Intensity)
AM Options: Yoga, Fishing, or Relaxing Until Breakfast
Vistas of two volcanos, a glacier, Monkey Puzzle trees, and toasting with 100,000-year-old glacial ice all within Chile’s Parque Nacional Villarrica. Is this real life?

Day 4, Jan 11. Rio San Pedro Raft or Pack Raft.
AM Options: Yoga, Fishing, or Relaxing Until Breakfast
The northern Patagonia drive will circle 180 degrees around Volcan Villarrica to where Lago Rinimapu exits into the warm turquoise waters of the Rio San Pedro. Boaters prep to be thrilled by this whitewater epic offering jaw-dropping clear blue water. Heck, it’s so awesome we even bring the snorkels and masks. The rapids are just as exciting and known to flip rafts. Because the San Pedro is threatened to be dammed, CMC students will stop and have a short lesson about the scarring impacts that hydro projects produce.

Day 5, Jan 12. AM- Volcan Quetrupillan Hike. PM- Massage therapist.
Hike a Volcano. This five-hour mellow to lite-advanced hike takes us to views of three volcanos through the famous Monkey Puzzle forest. Within the National Park Villarrica, hikers may summit the peak or stop early to relax with the 360-degree vistas. Picnic provided.

Day 6, Jan 13. AM- Volcano Creek Canyoneering. PM- Relaxing at Lago Caburgua (sunbathing, shopping, lake toys, provisions). Lago Caburgua Overlook with Appetizers.
AM Options: Yoga, Fishing, or Relaxing Until Breakfast

Canyoneering. Along the slopes of Volcan Villarrica glacial, water carves canyon slides, pools, and waterfalls at high water are kayaker’s paradise. At low water, a gem adventure product was developed with wet suits, harnesses, gear, and professionals.
Student Presentations. Guests have the option to observe CMC students present river sustainability projects (finals).

Lago Caburgua. One of the lakes in the lakes district, the Caburgua beaches, is less frequented than Pucón’s more popular Lago Villarrica. This early afternoon activity is designed to relax, whether that be a beach stroll, playing on the lake toys, beach games, or napping. We’ve got you covered under the Chilean sun.

Appetizers
Overlooking Lago Caburgua. For the afternoon, we go to the paraglider’s favorite launch site high above Lago Caburgua. If conditions are right, you will watch the pros soar above the ridge and lake with views of the volcanos. Appetizers and provisions provided.

Day 7, Jan 14. AM- Palguin Canyon Waterfalls Hike or Optional Pack Raft a Waterfall. PM- Asado at Palguin.
AM Options: Yoga, Fishing, or Relaxing Until Breakfast
The tradition of pack rafting the Upper Palguin Canyon waterfall began with CMC’s Rivers of Life SUS Tour, 2019. Our kayakers set up safety in the eddy below the drop and ropes along the way. Pack rafters prepare in the swirling pool above, and it’s game time. Your heart is pounding; look at the camera, say a few words. Are you ready? Go. Stroke. Stroke. Stroke. You're flying or flopping off the lip before you know it. It only counts if you stay in your pack raft. And everyone cheers if you stick the landing. If you don’t, no worries. We built a ladder so you can lap it and try it over and over.

After lapping the Palguin we’ll revel in our failures and victories around an authentic Chilean asado fire pit. Provisions and appetizers will fill happy bellies under the Chilean afternoon sun.

Day 8, Jan 15. Thermas Geometricas (Hotsprings), Tea & Pastries
AM Options: Yoga, Fishing, or Relaxing Until Breakfast
Thermas Geometricas. While Pucón is the most abundant region of Chile for hot springs, everyone knows that Thermas Geometrics is the best. Guests soak in the therapeutic warm to hot pools surrounded by Japanese-style architectures. When you need to cool off, there’s a boardwalk constructed into a lush waterfall ravine that would otherwise be inaccessible. If you have a Samurai sword, costume, or story, this would be the place to bust it out.

Day 9, Jan 16. AM- Optional Lower Trancura Rafting. PM- Turbio Basalt Teacups & Hike. Dinner at Favorite Pucón Restaurant. Stroll Pucón Shops.
AM Options: Yoga, Fishing, or Relaxing Until Breakfast
Lower Trancura Raft or Pack Raft. Put on the river right in your backyard for class III action and views of two volcanos. Pack rafters have the option to paddle to Lago Villarrica. We’ll relax on the beach, viewing Volcan Villarrica with afternoon appetizers, provisions, swimming, and sunbathing.

Turbio Teacups. Just minutes from the retreat lies one of Pucón’s most spectacular basalt flows. There are signs of the 2010 earthquake landslides and when the 2017 eruption melted the glacier. Walk along this black basalt field where water carves into mini pools perfect for dipping and swimming.

You can choose how much you want to hike. Heck, you could summit Volcan Villarrica, but we don’t recommend it. Instead, we’ll have various levels of hikers and swimmers for this relaxing afternoon on the slopes of Chile’s famous volcano. Picnic-style appetizers and provisions provided. Imagine a day at the beach, but with superior views and a series of waterfall pools.

Pucón Culinary. The day will close with a trip to Pucón to show off our favorite culinary experience. After dinner, maybe some live street music or ice cream. Stroll and enjoy the afternoon the Pucón way.

Day 10, Jan 17. Horseback Ride or Climb Vía Ferrata. Farewell Chilean Asado & Wine Tasting
AM Options: Yoga, Fishing, or Relaxing Until Breakfast
Guests have the option to do a horseback ride along the river to spectacular views or climb El Cerduo’s vía ferrata. The vía ferrata is an anchored ladder where climbers securely clip into a 270-meter climb. The summit brings both delight and one of Pucón’s grandest vistas. Not to mention your peaking heart.

All great things must come to an end, not before a grand Chilean asado festival. One last night we’ll laugh at our fears and failures and relish in our victories.

Day 11, Jan 18. Pack for Airport Departures. Last-Minute Souvenirs Shopping.
AM Options: Yoga, Fishing, or Relaxing Until Breakfast
A travel day is dedicated to packing and transport the airport plenty early. If time permits, we will be happy to take guests for last-minute shopping or hang out at a Pucón café.

Want to extend your trip for more custom adventures?
Email or call David Hughes: Whatsapp, +1-828-788-5135 or david@PuconKayakRetreat.com

PRICE INCLUDES

All culinary experiences and open bar
Accommodations in river suites, hosteria cabinas, and river cabinas. Early bird gets the choice lodging rule in effect
Daily multi-sport adventures and comfort activities TBD nightly
All tips and gratuities for support staff except your lead adventure guide(s); All necessary adventure gear. group entrance fees, activities, and ground transportation
Arrival and departure day airport transfers (during scheduled times)
Laundry and individual transport tours or needs per request and availability (for example, many guests like to tour Pucón properties)
Donations beyond $3,990 are tax-deductible donations ear-tagged for CMC Patagonia student scholarships

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

International airfare fees and travel insurances
Airport transfers outside of scheduled times
Optional tips to your lead adventure guides

CMC Patagonia Alumni Trip, MAR 26 – APR 4

Want to speak to a real person about pack list, logistics, or donations? We are here to help.

CMC Donations and Registration: Matt Jost: 208-283-0259 or mjost@coloradomtn.edu;
About Pucón logistics and adventures: David Hughes: Whatsapp, +1-828-788-5135 or david@PuconKayakRetreat.com.

Group. CMC Alumni

Dates: MAR 26 – APR 4

Cost: $4,990 (minimum)

Tax Deductible Donations - $3,690 PKR to cover trip costs, proceeds over $3,690 go direct to individual CMC Patagonia student scholarships.

How much do most alumni donate? Most donate between $1,300 to $6,000 above the$3,990 trip costs. A few offer donations of $10,000 or more for individual scholarships or to ear tag a specific development need they identify.

Trip Objectives

To share with CMC alumni the values and experiences surrounding CMC Patagonia’s premiere Patagonia multi-day expedition, sustainability programs, and river conservation;
Create funding to benefit CMC Patagonia student scholarships;
To benefit “Puelo Libre” via sharing the Patagonia pack raft expedition of a lifetime.

Adventure Highlights

Puelo Valley Micro Climate Anomaly

At only 200 meters above sea level, the Puelo Valley is a climatic anomaly surrounded by glaciers, volcanos, and Andean peaks. Glacial compacting and voluminous runoffs continue to carve lakes and gulfs en route to the Pacific Ocean (Patagonia, 2021). The Rio Puelo headwaters are actually east in Argentina in the “Lago Puelo National Park,” just across the nearby Argentina border (Jozami, 2021).

Typically, the Andean spine separates the distinct arid desert-like Argentine climate from Chile’s deciduous rainforest biomes. But here lies a unique low altitude Andes gap between the countries. You can feel the laminar air-breathing the desert-like warmth between Argentina and the Pacific coast.

Pacific King Salmon Migration

As one of the world’s most abundant regions of King Salmon, it’s no surprise this is a trophy fishing destination. As salmon annually migrate to lay their eggs, brown and rainbow trout naturally feed on the protein-rich salmon eggs. These combinations produce monster fishing and eco-tourism to the valley.

No Roads to Puelo - Charter Plane or Ferry

Dissecting northern from southern Chile is attributed to the Puelo Valley and Patagonia’s Gulfo de Ancud. East of the Rio Puelo precipitous volume stores in the glaciers, peaks, lakes. The Puelo waters continue to collect en route to the Pacific substantially in Lago Tagua Tagua.

Surrounded by steep Andean peaks, Lago Tagua Tagua prohibits vehicle transportation from entering this remote Patagonia paradise. To transport back and forth from Puelo to the mainland, travelers must board a ferry and cross some of the world’s best King Salmon and trouting waters.

Lago Tagua Tagua then exits its lake-hood to reform Rio Puelo status, continue the quest to Gulfo de Ancud, and later enter the Pacific Ocean. Here, salmon instinctively migrate upriver to lay their eggs where brown and rainbow trout feed on the protein-rich salmon eggs.

Tentative Itinerary

Day 1, 26th. Puerto Montt (PMC) Arrivals Before 5 PM; Activity and Lodging

Upon arriving in Puerto Montt guests will transport to an afternoon welcome activity (depending on time frame) and lodging along Patagonia’s Gulfo de Ancud. Introductions, orientation, and last-minute supplies take place before embarking on the expedition.

Day 2, MAR 27. Lago Tagua Tagua Ferry Puelo “Correntino Base”

Tent Camping. Dinner at Puelo Libre Cerveceria/Pizzeria

Your day will start early and glorious with transport to the Lago Tagua Tagua ferry. A 30-minute spectacular ride gives a sense of the valley energy. Upon arrival at our riverside Tagua Tagua base, we’ll lunch before an afternoon Rio Puelo pack raft paddle.

The riverside Puelo Libre cervezeria and pizzeria make their beer and pizza oven. The river view and establishment are nothing short of stunning. Welcome to the Puelo Libre.

Day 3, MAR 28. Drive to Rio Correntoso, Hike & Horse Pack to Ventisquero Base

Adventurers will hike 6 hours while horses carry expedition equipment to our high Andes base at Doña Alegria’s casa. Doña’s Alegria will serve authentic gaucho cuisine with vistas of the remarkable Toro Glacier.

Day 4, MAR 29. Rio Toro Hike & Swim

After a hearty gaucho breakfast, we will have the entire day to explore the surroundings. A hike and picnic are planned to the Rio Toro to enjoy swimming and relaxing. The afternoon will celebrate with games and another gaucho dinner.

Day 5 & 6, MAR 30 & 31. Pack Raft Expedition

Now, we get the remarkable experience of pack rafting one of the world’s freest flowing rivers from its Andean headwaters. Glorious views of peaks and the river abound. Each day we float, eat, connect with our surroundings, and set camp.

Day 7, APR 1. Pack Raft to Correntino Camp

On the third river day, we will celebrate our return to our friends at Correntino Camp. Showers and relaxing proceed yet another excellent dinner.

Day 8, APR 2. Activity/Farewell Celebration Patagonia Asado

We present activity options the night prior based on individual energy and activity desires for our final day. Activities include pack raft, fishing, and hike to a high Andes laguna. We celebrate the expedition with an authentic Chilean asado.

Day 9, APR 3. Lago Tagua Tagua Ferry/Puerto Montt Fish Market

All great things must come to an end, and it’s time to catch the Lago Tagua Tagua ferry back to civilization. Upon arrival to Puerto Montt we’ll visit the famous fish and crafts market. Adorned with little fish cafes, we’ll explore the markets and dine. Highly photogenic, this is an excellent opportunity to shop for your Patagonia souvenirs. Most of which are handmade by local and indigenous Mapuche.

Lodging will be in Puerto Montt, convenient to airport transport.

Day 10, APR 4. Depart Puerto Montt (11 am to 2 pm)

After breakfast, travelers transport to the Puerto Montt airport, “hugs.”