Price: USD 2,800.00.
Packrafting Expedition: Bariloche to the Ventisquero Valley
This 8-day multi-sport expedition crosses the Andes from Argentina into Chile using a combination of backcountry trekking, horseback riding and packrafting. Designed for hikers looking to also spend time on the water, this itinerary goes deeper into the Ventisquero Valley than standard routes, adding a dedicated day of remote upper-river paddling. You will navigate the glacial waters of the Río Azul, Río Ventisquero, and Río Puelo while staying in unique mountain accommodations.
- Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights (Including independent arrival day)
- Activity Level: Intermediate
- Water Rating: Class I–II+ (with potential for Class III sections depending on group ability)
- Start/End: San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
Day 0: Arrival in San Carlos de Bariloche
- Activity: Arrive in Bariloche and check into your accommodation. Use this day to rest, finalize personal gear, and explore the town.
- Logistics: This is a recommended arrival day. All logistics, meals, and lodging on Day 0 are self-guided and not included in the trip package.
Day 1: Transfer to El Bolsón & Río Azul Packraft Training
- Morning: Morning pickup from your Bariloche hotel for the drive south to El Bolsón.
- Afternoon: Transition directly to the Río Azul for a comprehensive gear fitting and safety briefing. Spend a half-day reviewing packrafting techniques on Class I–II+ moving water (with options for Class III sections depending on the skill level of the group).
- Night: Overnight in an El Bolsón hostel or hotel.
Day 2: Trekking & Boat Crossing to Chile
- Morning/Afternoon: Hike from the trailhead to "Los Hitos," the remote international border checkpoint. After clearing Argentine and Chilean customs on foot, board a local lancha (motorboat) for a shuttle across Lago Inferior.
- Evening: Complete a short final trek to a riverside hostel on the Chilean side.
Day 3: Ventisquero Valley Trek (15km+)
- Activity: Depart the hostel on foot for a sustained 15km+ trek deep into the rugged Ventisquero Valley. The trail follows the river corridor beneath granite peaks and hanging glaciers.
- Night: Arrive at a remote wilderness base—a local mountain house or traditional homestead—for dinner and your overnight stay.
Day 4: Upper Valley Horseback Ride & River Descent
- Morning: Journey approximately 15km upstream into the untouched upper reaches of the Ventisquero Valley on horseback. Traveling in traditional Patagonian style, you will be accompanied by local pilcheros (pack horses and handlers) carrying all the paddling gear through mountain terrain , river crossings and old-growth forests.
- Afternoon: Upon reaching the launch point, inflate the packrafts for an approximate 20km river descent, paddling down the pristine glacial river corridor directly back to your base at Rincón Bonito.
Day 5: River Descent to the Hostel (27km)
- Activity: Pack your gear into the boats for a 27km sustained river descent.
- Route: Navigate the continuous currents of the Río Ventisquero down to its confluence with the larger Río Puelo, terminating at the lakeside hostel.
- Night: Overnight at the hostel.
Day 6: Return Loop to Argentina
- Activity: Begin the journey back to Argentina using a coordinated sequence of trail hiking and lancha boat transfers across the lakes. Cross the border back into Argentina.
- Evening: Group transfer to town for a final celebratory dinner.
Day 7: Return Transfer to Bariloche
- Morning: Group ground transfer from the El Bolsón area back north to San Carlos de Bariloche.
- Afternoon: Drop-off at the Bariloche airport (BRC) or your designated downtown accommodation for onward travel.
