Eleven Rio Palena Lodge Heli Ski Pre-Arrival Guide

Get ready for Rio Palena Lodge.

Let’s Get Planning.

Your Eleven Experience Team is here to help you design the perfect adventure. This guide outlines what to expect during your stay and how to prepare for your upcoming trip. We look forward to meeting you at Rio Palena Lodge, but until then, let’s start making some plans.

Getting Here

FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS

From the moment your booking is confirmed, your Eleven Team is available to assist you with travel arrangements. We strongly suggest planning your air travel as soon as possible to ensure best fares and availability.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

U.S. and British citizens entering Chile must have a valid passport. There is no reciprocity fee. U.S. and British citizens traveling to Chile for recreation, tourism, business, or academic conferences do not need to obtain a visa prior to their arrival in Chile. Citizens from other countries, please inquire. Upon arrival in Chile, customs will give you a small piece of paper that is titled “PDI”. Make sure to save that document for the duration of your stay, as you will be asked to hand it back to customs upon departure. We recommend that all travelers make copies of their passports and keep them separately.

By Plane:

With a variety of flight options and the likelihood of multi-day itineraries, our Experience Team is here to advise you throughout the booking process and help reserve any taxis and hotel rooms that your route may require.

Tips for booking international flights to Santiago:

• If you’re visiting Chile from another country, you’ll fly into Santiago (SCL.) LATAM, a Chilean airline, as well as American, Delta, and United offer direct flights from many major cities.

• Most flights are overnight, so be sure to depart at least one day before check-in.

• Before booking, please send a draft flight itinerary to your Experience Team for review. Guests are responsible for booking their final itinerary.

Tips for flights within Chile:

From Santiago, there are a variety of private and commercial routes that are subject to weather conditions Recommended route: Commercial flight from Santiago to Puerto Montt (PMC).

LATAM or Sky Airlines are recommended.

Please aim to land in Puerto Montt between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm, as this window allows for the best availability to book the next flight.

Alternate option: Private three-hour charter flight from Santiago to Palena Airfield, which is 20 minutes from the lodge. This option does come at an additional cost.

From Puerto Montt, there are a variety of routes to arrive at Rio Palena Lodge, all of which we can help book.

Recommended route: Private one-hour charter flight from Puerto Montt to Palena Airfield, which is only 20 minutes from the lodge. This charter flight is included and will be organized by the Experience Team. Charters fit up to eight people with limited luggage. For groups of more than six, we recommend two charters.

Heli-Skiing

Learn what to expect on your heli-ski trip in Patagonia.

FAQs

Do you need to be an expert skier to heli-ski at Rio Palena?

Rio Palena Lodge’s terrain is expansive and diverse, welcoming a wide range of confident skier types. Our access to extreme terrain is extensive, beckoning experts who seek to explore a truly wild region that very few have skied before. Less advanced skiers can explore more mellow terrain suitable for those with a solid degree of experience.

What

gear does Eleven provide, and what should you bring?

Your stay includes use of the best equipment in the industry, including DPS and K2 skis and Weston snowboards. We also provide all necessary safety equipment, including Black Diamond Jetforce airbags. We equip you with all gear for additional adventures like biking and paddleboarding, as well.

What is the terrain like at Rio Palena Lodge?

The lodge is surrounded by the towering, snow-covered peaks of the Andes Mountains. Steep couloirs will get even the most experienced skier’s adrenaline pumping, while moderate glaciers offer more approachable terrain for non-expert skiers. We will ensure that you feel confident with the terrain before you book, and our guides will then take you to the spots that best suit your experience level.

If we want to take a day off or have non-skiers in our group, what else can we do?

One of the most unique aspects of Rio Palena Lodge’s heli-ski season is that the lower country around the lodge is typically dry this time of year. These spring-like conditions generally allow for easy access to waterfall hikes, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, fly fishing, and stand-up paddleboarding. If you’re looking for a bit of downtime, the lodge welcomes you to read by the fireplaces, relax in the hot tubs and saunas, and enjoy après on the outdoor decks.

Please note that ski and snowboard boots and helmets are not provided and are not available for rent, so make sure you add those to your packing list.

Other Adventures

HIKING

Explore the vast terrain of Patagonia with our knowledgeable guides, from leisurely, waterfall hikes to heli-hiking across a just-discovered glacier. The sheer volume of nature and the diversity of flora and fauna here is for all types of hikers.

WHITEWATER RAFTING

Ranked in the top five whitewater destinations in the world, the Futaleufú delivers an epic rafting experience just an hour away. Outfitted in dry suits and personal flotation devices, you’ll paddle the Futa’s adrenalinepumping Class 3-5 rapids with seasoned guides.

Half-day included in your stay. Full-day charged separately.

INFLATABLE KAYAKING

Whether you kayak the tranquil stretches of Rio Palena right from the lodge, paddle out from our riverfront outpost “Futa Camp,” or take on the Class-3 rapids of El Tigre, each of our kayaking adventures delivers actionpacked fun for all skill levels.

STAND UP PADDLE BOARDING

SUP through a deep canyon surrounded by waterfalls and rainforests, or enjoy the scenery and wildlife from Lago Negro. In addition to exploring a variety of other scenic stretches, you can also add on fishing, hiking, or whitewater rafting for a full day of adventure.

BIKING

Pedal past cattle and sheep on your way to turquoise waters on an easygoing bike ride that starts at our Palena Camp and meanders along a quaint old road to Tranquilo Valley. You can also couple this activity with inflatable kayaking.

Angling

Beginning October 15th, some heli-angling opportunities will be available on a limited, case-by-case basis. Here are a few of the options.

AZUL AND TIGRE WALK/WADE

Helicopter to Rio Azul, a remote alpine river in the Andes with a healthy population of rainbow trout. After a riverside lunch, hop over to the upper Tigre river in Valle California to fish for brook trout. This day is all about dries and nymphs.

TRANQUILLO WALK/WADE

Rio Tranquillo flows clear and clean into the Palena River downstream of the lodge. Surrounded by dramatic peaks and glaciers, the river holds browns and rainbows and in the late summer salmon can be found as well.

LAGO ROSAS FLOAT

A small backcountry lake off the beaten track, Lago Rosas has an unpressured, well-sized population of rainbow and brown trout. This lake should be fished early for best results and to avoid the afternoon winds.

LOWER PALENA FLOAT

Fly down to the rarely fished section of the lower Palena. Here, the trees are big and the fish swell in size. You’ll be picked up on the last cobbled beach once you’ve drifted to the end and fly back up river.

LAGO X

A scenic flight takes you over the glaciers of Ventisquero National Park, just south of the massive Mt Corcovado. Float the rarely touched waters of Lago X, throwing streamers and dry dragonfly patterns for big browns and rainbows. Then, enjoy an asado-style lunch paired with wine on the beach.

Wellness

Take relaxation to the next level by adding our renowned wellness treatments to your trip.

Massages & Speciality Treatments

All wellness offerings are priced separately.

SWEDISH

Slow, rhythmic strokes calm the nervous system and release stagnant toxins, creating balance and tranquility in the body, mind, and spirit.

60 minutes | 90 minutes

DEEP TISSUE

A targeted variety of therapeutic massage techniques restore blood flow and alleviate chronic pain, injuries, soreness, and fatigue.

60 minutes | 90 minutes

YOGA

Eleven’s in-house yoga classes are highly customizable. Our knowledgeable instructors will adapt the practice to align with guests’ abilities, needs, and comfort levels.

60 minutes

Food & Drink

Enjoy an all-inclusive experience that focuses on locally sourced ingredients and traditional Patagonia cuisine.

FOOD INCLUSIONS

Breakfast, lunch, après, and dinner are included and served daily, and we are happy to cater to dietary preferences and restrictions as noted in your guest information form.

Each chef-prepared meal focuses on seasonal ingredients that are thoughtfully prepared and locally sourced. Dishes are served either plated or family-style, and deliver an authentic culinary experience true to Chile and Patagonia’s traditions. Guests will also experience one customary Chilean-style asado BBQ, a special outdoor evening that many guests remember as the trip highlight.

DRINK INCLUSIONS

Rio Palena Lodge offers a fine selection of liquor, beer, and wine included in your stay. Our on-site bartender is also happy to also make you a cocktail from our Chilean-inspired cocktail menu, and pull separately priced reserve labels according to your preferences. If you have a special beer, wine, or liquor preference, please discuss with your Experience Team in the pre-trip planning process.

Preparing for Your Trip

Check out the essential information you need to know before you go.

Packing List

DON’T FORGET TO PACK:

Passport

Wallet with Chilean Pesos, cash, and cards

Prescriptions and medications

Cell phone

International adapter

Batteries and chargers for devices

Personal toiletries

CLOTHES YOU’LL BE GLAD

YOU PACKED:

Ski jacket and ski pants

Rain jacket and rain pants (Goretex recommended)

Puffy jacket

Top and bottom base layers

Fleece or other mid-layer

Ski gloves and lightweight gloves

Ski socks and hiking socks

Comfy clothes for the lodge

Bathing suit

Muck boots

Light hiking boots (Gore-tex recommended)

Athletic shoes

Comfy shoes for the lodge (sandals, clogs, slip-ons)

Hat or visor for sun protection

Sunscreen, lip balm, and sun mask

Small backpack

SKIING GEAR:

Ski and Snowboard Boots

*Guests must bring their own ski and snowboard boots. The lodge does not provide them and there are no rentals available. We recommend you bring them in your carry-on luggage to be extra safe.

Helmet

Goggles (High and low-light lenses)

Polarized sunglasses and Croakies

Good to Know

CHECK-IN/CHECK OUT:

• Check-in time at Rio Palena Lodge is 3:00pm and check out time is at 10:00am.

• Please note: Access to your room outside these hours is not guaranteed. Please communicate with the Experience Team to coordinate any conflicts with check-in and checkout times.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE:

• The Chilean peso (CLP) is the official currency of Chile. The exchange rate does fluctuate and is currently inflated, so please check the exchange rate before you depart. Don’t exchange USD or euro before arriving in Chile. You can exchange at the airport, most hotels, banks (ATMs are available in Santiago and other cities), and exchange houses. Exchange houses (Casa de Cambio) usually give the best rates.

GRATUITIES:

• While gratuities are not expected at our properties, guests wishing to leave a tip for the Rio Palena Lodge team may consider 10% to 15% of their total stay cost. Tips for the lodge team must be paid by credit card, and the amount will be distributed among all staff who have contributed to your stay.

General Tipping Standards:

• Taxis in Santiago: No tip or small change. Airport transfer drivers in Santiago and Puerto Montt: $10–20 USD per way. Porters: $1 USD per bag. Restaurants: 10% of bill.

LOCAL TIME ZONE:

• The time zone in Santiago, Chile and throughout the country is (GMT-3), which is U.S. Eastern Time +1 hour. Chile does change to and from daylight savings time with the U.S.

TRAVEL INSURANCE:

• We highly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance. The Sales Team can help you arrange trip cancellation insurance prior to your trip. Please let us know if you would like us to connect you with our preferred insurance partner, Global Rescue, to provide you with a quote.

ELECTRICAL CURRENT:

• Throughout Chile, the power sockets are type C and L. The standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. U.S. guests will require a voltage converter for 110 volt devices. Electrical sockets have two or three holes and accept round (European) plugs. You will need an adaptor for your U.S. plugs. We have adaptors at the lodge, but not converters. Please bring them for devices not already equipped. Most laptop computers and cell phones have chargers with converters, requiring only an adaptor.

LOCAL LANGUAGE:

• Spanish is the official language of Chile. English is widely spoken in resort areas and in Santiago at international chain hotels. At the lodge, all hospitality staff and guides speak English.

TAXIS AND GROUND TRAVEL:

• To ensure safety and avoid being overcharged, always take official taxis from the Santiago airport, which will charge you inside at the counter before your ride. Uber is not recommended due to legal stipulations.

SPECIAL REQUESTS:

• Please take care in filling out the pre-trip questionnaire, which you have received separately via email and other correspondence. It is crucial that our team is aware of any food allergies, physical limitations, and medical needs. Please also share any special requests like favorite food, wine, or alcohol; any celebrations taking place while you’re with us; any requests related to the type of fishing you prefer; or anything else that could make your trip more enjoyable. We do everything possible to meet all special requests.

CASH AND CREDIT CARDS:

• Since foreign currency is not widely accepted in Chile, you will need Chilean pesos (cash) to pay for taxis and incidentals when you’re not at the lodge. It’s always good to have 50–100 USD in Chilean pesos. Credit cards are generally accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants. Depending on your credit card, this is the way to get the best exchange rate. It is best to use MasterCard or Visa. AMEX is less reliable.