The Chilean Experience

Your kayaking or multi-sport adventure trip is all-inclusive. Accommodations are at our comfortable lodge. Built three years ago in a secluded neighborhood, the lodge features plenty of personal and community space. A large living area with vaulted ceilings, a volcanic rock fireplace, and large glass doors that open to the deck and patio area provide functional areas for dining, dry land lessons, and group gatherings. Homey rooms and large bathrooms round out the amenities you will need for a comfortable stay.

Three hearty and nutritious meals are provided daily at the lodge. From our gourmet kitchen and slate-rock grill you will enjoy European and American dishes with a splash of local tastes. Fresh summer fruits and vegetables are a wonderful treat for visitors from the northern hemisphere. If you choose to dine out, we can recommend a number of excellent local restaurants as well.

Tap water in the lodge is safe for consumption. It is safest to consume only bottled water in town. All foods prepared and offered at the lodge have been properly cleaned and/or disinfected.

We suggest avoiding food items that are grown close to the ground and are difficult to clean effectively. Smooth-skinned fruits or vegetables that are peeled are fine. Fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, and cherries (often displayed in a tantalizing pile on the streets) can be rinsed; lettuce that we clean at the lodge is fine, but should be avoided at restaurants. Vegetables to avoid include broccoli and cauliflower, since they are difficult to clean properly.

If you have any dietary restrictions or special requests, please bring them to our attention and we will do our best to accommodate you.

To help with the lodge and the grounds, we have Hita, our housekeeper, and Francisco, our gardener. You are likely to encounter them daily, and, although they speak little English, they are both wonderful and friendly people. Hita works for the summer. Francisco is employed year-round, spending the time he is not needed here at a local orphanage for girls, Hogar Betania.

The lodge offers wireless internet access. If you bring your own computer and wish to use the wifi, you should be able to access the open network. If you experience any trouble connecting, Tren can assist you. Upstairs in the lodge is a computer for your use if you wish to check web-based mail or access the internet. Town contains a multitude of internet cafés as well.

What to Bring on your Multi-Sport Adventure:
2 pair of pants
2 sweatshirts/long-sleeved shirts/light jackets
4-5 pair of shorts
4-5 short-sleeved shirts
Sandals/walking shoes/hiking boots
Toiletries and necessary medications

Weather is usually nice with temperatures of 80-90 degrees. Mornings and evenings can be cool, and there is a possibility of rain, especially in January. Pucón has all the amenities of a small resort town. There is a large grocery store where most items can be found, should you need anything you might have forgotten.

Linens and towels are provided with your room. Should you need any clothing washed during your stay, we offer a laundry service in the middle of the trip. As a reminder, most airlines limit luggage to two pieces of 50 pounds or less per passenger.

What to Bring on your Instructional Kayaking Adventure:
In addition to the items listed above, you will need your kayaking equipment. Many of the rivers we will paddle have fairly cold water and a second set of gear (particularly insulation) is nice so that you don’t have to put on wet gear when you head out in the afternoon. We have a variety of boats for your use including WaveSport, Pyrana, Jackson, Perception and Dagger models. If you have specific questions regarding boats, please feel free to give us a call for more information.

Paddle, helmet, lifejacket, sprayskirt
Drytop or long-sleeved paddling jacket
Short sleeved paddling jacket
Long and short sleeved insulation
Booties or river sandals
Shorts/personal river wear
River/beach towel

About Pucon
Located on the north side of the Villarrica Volcano and on the shores Lake Villarrica, Pucón is a popular destination for tourists of all nationalities. In the language of the native people, the Mapuche, Pucón means “the gateway to the mountains.” Indeed, this typical Chilean village of approximately 9,000 residents is surrounded by natural wonder; volcanoes, lakes, mountains, rivers, hot springs, caves, and more.

With rafting companies, grocery stores, Internet cafes, coffee shops, ice cream parlors, and more along the main street, Pucón has the relaxed atmosphere of a summer retreat. The lively downtown area features open-air markets, a variety of restaurants, and boutiques—a unique combination of the fun and functional. Upscale hotels and casinos line the beach of Lago Villarrica, which offers swimming, sunning, boat rentals, and ample opportunities for rolling and technique tune-ups.

The surrounding area boasts many sightseeing and recreational diversions. The most notable of these is the chance to climb the active volcano that towers above the town of Pucón. The day-long excursion will take you to the summit of Volcán Villarrica. If wind conditions permit, you can peer into the cone to view the escaping gases and sometimes, molten lava. Trips are offered daily through Sol y Nieve. Also in close proximity to Pucón are los Ojos de Caburga park and waterfalls, hot springs, a zip-line (canopy) tour, horseback riding and more. To the West of our area is the coastal port of Valdivia. Highlights of the city include a tour of the Old Spanish fort, the artisan center on the wharf, and the harbor sea lions. Relive a piece of Chile’s history as you wander among the cannons and back through time.

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