Lakes and Volcanoes - The Jesuits Trail, 6 Days


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The Jesuits Trail 6 Days / 5 Nights Trekking Horseback Riding Tour

	In search of the city of the Césares, a lost city with buildings of Gold , the Jesuits discovered in the XVI century a route that today unites Chile with Argentina. The Route of the Jesuits connects Puerto Varas' city with Bariloche through the Esperanza Valley. History recalls that the Jesuits arrived from the mission of Calbuco through the current National Park Vicente Pérez Rosales. The Jesuit Priest, Mascardi, lead an expedition that searched the so- called Vuriloches (name of the InDAYns meaning s.th. like "Those that live behind the hill") thinking that here was the famous city of the Césares, a city of gold and wealth. The expedition crossed the Andes and it formed the mission of Nahuelhuapi, the one that years later was destroyed by an inDAYn attack. This trip revives the history of the search amid virgin natural surroundings with ancient native forest, waterfalls and rivers, next to the volcano Tronador and several Thermal baths; those but acquaintances are the thermal baths of Vuriloche. The contacts and the coexistence with the residents of the valley give a special spirit to this form of Andean crossing, whether walking on foot or by horse.

	Day 1 - Puerto Varas - Peulla - Bandurrias Departure from Puerto Varas towards Petrohué, a very picturesque area, located at the foot of the volcano Osorno besides Lake Todos los Santos. From Petrohué we leave by catamarán to cross the lake Esmeralda to Peulla. In Peulla we will take a boat which will take us towards the Valley White River (in almost 1 hour and 20 min.) On clear days at the White river, looking towards the east, we can see the summit of the volcano Tronador. Picnic lunch is served in the administration house, or outdoors, depending on the climate. The guide prepares the horses for the group and loads the pack horses. In the afternoon we will leave towards Bandurrias. On the road we pass through pristine native rainforest and ford the White, the Bandurrias or Vuriloche rivers. We will cross the Stony river on a 18 meter high bridge. This bridge was made out of wood by the colonists. When arriving at Bandurrias (cattle Field - forest) we will be served a country dinner; a rich roasted lamb or lamb stew with potatoes, and vegetables of the orchard. We are assisted by the house owner who will prepare the food for us. We will stay overnight in Bandurrias at a typical home of the area.
	Day 2 - Bandurrias - Esperanza Valley Before breakfast we will have a mate tea together which will last approx.10 minutes. Our breakfast will include fresh bread, a rich apple strudel, fresh milk , cheese, and homemade butter. We will hike from Bandurrias towards the Esperanza valley through native forest, with Mañíos, Ulmos, Cinnamon, Tepas and Olivillos trees and cross the Bandurrias, Esperanza and the White rivers with a width of 40 m. After four hours we will arrive at a colonists home, where we will have lunch, either smoked or fresh salmon, prepared by the house owner. In the afternoon, we can take a bath the hot springs of Vuriloche, which flood underground besides the Esperanza river. For dinner we will have a roasted pig or lamb with fresh vegetables. Accommodation at typical home of the area.
	Day 3 - Esperanza Valley Mate tea and afterwards a country breakfast with fresh bread, homemade marmalade, cheese, butter and fresh milk. Depart towards the house of Don Aroldo. (1 hr. 30 min.) He is the first colonist of the Esperanza valley and he has been living here for 50 years. We can hear of his experiences during his life in these valleys. During the itinerary we will cross a native forest and when arriving at our destination we will have a great view to the volcano Tronador. We will take a walk to the surrounding area looking for thermal baths which are located besides the White river. We have lunch at the home of Don Aroldo, where we can try different charqui varieties (meat of bovine, pig or lamb smoked with salt). The lunch will be stew or roasted lamb with fresh vegetables. In the afternoon there is free time to continue getting to know the area. We will have dinner and stay overnight at the home of Don Aroldo.
	Day 4 - Rock of the Esperanza - Volcán Tronador Mate tea and country breakfast, as described before. Departing early in the morning, we will ride through native rainforest and skirt the White river. We will cross the Esperanza's Rock. For lunch, we will visit another colonist family, where we will have lunch and rest to recuperate for the next day. Dinner and lodging.
	Day 5 - Crossing of Argentinean Frontier Mate tea and breakfast. Continue towards the refuge of the volcano Tronador, from where we have an unique and spectacular view to the Chilean and Argentinian Andes Mountains. On our 3 hour walk on volcanic ground we will be surrounded by impressive beauty . We will stop for lunch and afterwards cross through a native forest to the frontier of Argentina. The Jesuits crossed here to get to the mission of Nahuelhuapi. Welcome cocktail is waiting for us in the hostel Pampa Linda. We have dinner and stay overnight at the hostel Pampa Linda.
	Day 6 - Bariloche Mate tea and breakfast. Departure towards Bariloche (1 1/2 hour). End of our services.

	* End Of Our Services *

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