Campo Aventura

Chile

In Depth

Tucked away in a pristine river valley along the Andes mountains, campo aventura offers travelers a unique eco-adventure amid the little-explored old-growth rainforests and granite peaks of Chile's Northern Patagonia. Fully-inclusive horseback trails, overnight guided treks, river and sea excursions, and cultural encounters combine relaxation and excitement. Rustic local-wood cabins, home-cooked traditional and international cuisine, and eco-friendly practices ensure that the campo aventura experience benefits and respects the local environment and community – as well as our guests.

campo aventura is privileged to have access to nearly 200 acres of natural riverine and rainforest paradise. Our facilities consist of two rustic lodges, constructed from local materials to blend in with the environment and traditional style of northern Patagonia.

Our guided horse-back trails, in the company of local huasos, multi-lingual guides, and sure-footed criollo horses, offer the best way to experience this unspoiled environment, using a centuries-old track originally carved through the Andes by Jesuits, bandits, and cattle rustlers! Additional options -- such as trekking, fishing, bird-watching, kayaking, canoeing, or just plain star-gazing – help you round out the ultimate experience in the Vallé de Cochamó, Chile's best kept natural secret.

Activities

Additional Activities

Being surrounded by rivers, lakes, and the ocean fjord, water-based activities abound. They range from relaxed to high-adrenalin, and include equipment, safety, and guiding. Hiking and trekking options range from easy to difficult, and all are very rewarding.

Accommodations

Campo Aventura facilities consist of two rustic lodges, constructed from local materials to blend in with the environment and traditional style of northern Patagonia.

RIVERSIDE LODGE at campo aventura welcomes you with cosy three-person cabins, set in a garden that blooms with wild fuchsias, roses, and local herbs and plants. A separate cottage, for larger groups, stands in our rolling pastures, amid apple trees and blackberry bushes.

Facilities at Riverside Lodge include: en-suite bathrooms; sauna; laundry; restaurant; laundry; natural products; nature walk; guide books and maps; outdoor fireplace and riverside fogon;

The MOUNTAINSIDE LODGE, lies at “La Junta” – the “junction” of two rivers, peacefully awaiting guests who have chosen an overnight horse-trek package. Set amid a sprawling 170 acres, bounded by two rivers, boasting a small lake and a marked nature trail, La Junta is a little piece of paradise! Accommodations include two double rooms and a five-bedded room shared by travelers. An outdoor fireplace and riverside shelter are also included. A hot shower and bathroom are available in the main lodge. Facilities at La Junta include: fishing; own nature trails; wood-fired hot showers; hearty food; candle-lit dining; and spectacular scenery.

Food

Campo aventura runs an on-site restaurant - La Mesa de los Sabores (“The Table of many flavors”) - where the fare is fresh, flavorful, and filling, with an emphasis on wholesome vegetarian foods and fish dishes. All meals – breakfast, lunch, dinner, teas – are typically included in the overnight stays and trekking packages.

On arrival at the Riverside Lodge, which is usually in the afternoons, guests are welcomed with a delicious afternoon tea with home-baked specialties such as apple empanadas or brioche. Later in the evening, a multi-course candle-lit dinner is served in the restaurant. Wine and beer are available for purchase. During the long summer evenings, traditional asados (hearty cowboy barbecues) or currantos (traditional Mapuche fare, cooked in an earthen pit) can be a regular feature, or arranged on special request. After dessert, guests mingle around the open fire in our fogón (traditional Chilean outdoor fireplace), and wrap up in a luxurious sheepskins if it’s chilly.

Whatever your chosen adventure – horse trekking, kayaking, fishing – start the next morning at your leisure. A hearty breakfast – including fresh-baked health breads, fruit, muesli as well as hot entrées such as crepes and eggs – will set you right for the day’s activities.

At the Mountain Lodge, our resident caretakers welcome you on arrival with hot tea and baked goodies made the old-fashioned way – on a wood-fired stove. Dinner at the Mountain lodge is simple, wholesome fare – and can include a barbecue or the traditional Chilean soup/stew, as well as dessert and fresh baked bread. Wine and beer are also available here.

Homemade jams, herbal teas, and locally harvested honey and hazelnuts are available for purchase subject to seasonality.

Area Attractions

Nature takes center stage here in Northern Patagonia. The Cochamó Valley is home to one of the world’s three remaining temperate rainforests, and boasts a myriad of plant and bird life. It is the preserve of the towering Alerce trees, many of them thousands of years old. Brown and rainbow trout abound in the snow-fed rivers.

The area is ringed by several snow-capped volcanoes – including the picturesque lake-side Mt. Osorno, and the sea-side Cerro Yate.

The town of Puerto Varas is a popular destination for adventure travelers as well as more sedate tourists. Puerto Montt, with its airport and its busy port, is the staging point for Southern Patagonia and Antarctica cruises.