ADVENTURE GUIDE

Summer Season Activities

Hiking

Patagonia takes hiking to a whole new level. The vastness of the terrain, untouched diversity of flora and fauna, and sheer volume of nature’s features are thoroughly mind bending. The guides at Rio Palena Lodge know exactly how to match your ideal slice of it all to a point on the map—whether it be a laid back stroll to a nearby waterfall or heli-hiking on a just-discovered glacier. Variety can include old-growth forest walks, view-laden bluff overlooks, lakeside picnics, granite ridge heli-hiking, ropesassisted glacier mountaineering, and riverside trekking leading to 360-degree views of the Andes.

Activity Duration: 1 – 3 hours. Travel Time: 0-30 minutes.

Experience Level: All Abilities. This activity is included in your stay.

Fly Fishing

No matter your ability level, the guide team is fully equipped with extensive knowledge and experience to get you on Patagonia’s notorious trout in a way that suits you. To start, the Palena River is right outside the lodge, allowing around-the-clock angling access. The Malito, a small river just a few miles away, is a perfect beginner spot, while the heli-accessed Upper Tigre and Azul offer high numbers of brook trout and scenic views. A large assortment of lakes, some accessed only by helicopter and others surrounded by glaciers, provides another incredible option, while half and full day floats are not to be missed, especially for the more serious anglers. Expect to target big browns, rainbows, and brook trout on a variety of stretches, which can include floats starting from the lodge or our riverside outpost “Futa Camp.” Along with access to a multitude of other fisheries including that of the Tigre and Tranquillo rivers and Lago Yelcho, enjoy endless views of towering peaks, glaciers, pastures, and sandstone cliffs, and tasty riverside lunches.

Activity Duration: Full or Half Day. Travel Time: Dependent on location

Experience Level: All Abilities. This activity is included in your stay.

Whitewater Rafting

Rio Palena Lodge is situated just an hour drive from the Futaleufú River, which ranks in the top 5 whitewater rafting destinations in the world. Guests will be fully outfitted in dry suits and life jackets, ready to take on sustained Class-4 rapids on every section. Your seasoned guides know the in’s and out’s of this aggressive water, so you can enjoy an adrenaline-pumping experience in safe hands.

Activity Duration: 4 – 5 Hours. Travel Time: Dependent on location

Experience Level: Advanced. Public whitewater rafting is included in your stay; private whitewater rafting is available at an additional cost.

Inflatable Kayaking

Whether you depart directly 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 an action-packed dose of fun for a wide range of experience levels. Float down tranquil stretches of the Palena, wind in and out of farms drenched in views of Mount Blanco, or navigate fast-paced rapids through sheer canyon walls and waterfalls, experiencing the best of Patagonia’s untamed waters!

Activity Duration: 1 – 6 hours. Travel Time: Dependent on location

Experience Level: All Abilities. This activity is included in your stay.

Stand Up Paddleboarding

From swift rivers to calm lakes, enjoying the water of Patagonia by SUP is a favorite at Rio Palena Lodge. Navigate the home waters of the Palena where it joins the Tigre through a deep canyon filled with waterfalls, cliffs, and rainforests; or opt for a leisurely paddle on Lago Negro, where reeds and grassy waters frame a relaxing scene perfect for spotting wildlife. A variety of other beats feature views of sandstone cliffs, glacier-tipped peaks, and the option to add on fishing, hiking or whitewater rafting for a full day of adventure.

Activity Duration: ~2 hours. Travel Time: 0 minutes.

Experience Level: All Abilities. This activity is included in your stay.

Biking

This easygoing bike ride meanders from our Palena Camp along the quaint old road to Tranquilo Valley. Feel time slow down as you weave through cattle and sheep on your way to striking views and turquoise waters. This biking activity stands alone perfectly as a laid-back way to experience the lodge’s surroundings, or can be tacked onto a paddle adventure in duckies departing from the lodge.

Activity Duration: 1 – 3 hours. Travel Time: 0-30 minutes.

Experience Level: All Abilities. This activity is included in your stay.

Climbing

Less than a half hour down the road from the Chaitén airport stands the Chaitén Wall, an advanced climbing area perfect for a high-adrenaline adventure! Spend a half day or full day hanging out at this zone climbing various routes. Plenty of challenging cliffs are worth the work to top out for views of the Pacific that’ll take your breath away!

Activity Duration: Half and Full Days. Travel Time: 2.5 hours

Experience Level: Advanced. This activity is included in your stay.