Ortiz Basualdo Lake Private Trek with Overnight at Puerto Blest Hotel, Valdivian Forest

To begin this route, we will travel by Turisur boats and transport to Puerto Blest, where we will leave our large luggage for the return and continue hiking with only a light backpack.

Starting from Puerto Blest, the trail immediately enters a dense and humid vegetation environment, where the leaf-covered ground and crystal-clear streams set the rhythm of the walk. The first section welcomes us with thick forests of coihues, arrayanes, and mañíos, accompanied by giant ferns rising toward the filtered light between the treetops.

Each step over the leaf litter creates a soft sound that blends with the constant murmur of water flowing through small streams and waterfalls along the way.

Fungi of multiple shapes and colors appear on logs and roots, revealing the richness of the ecosystem and the life that thrives in every corner of the Valdivian rainforest.

As we move forward, the trail allows us to stop at natural viewpoints from where the first views of Lake Nahuel Huapi can be admired. Shortly after, we will reach a wooden staircase with more than 700 steps that leads us to Los Cántaros Waterfalls, enjoying them through short stops at the viewpoints.

We then continue along a remote and humid trail, where large rock walls mark the path and give character to the landscape. The formation known as “La Heladera” stands out — a cool area where humidity remains even on warm days. This granite wall, with its imposing presence, reminds us of the strength of the mountain and the silent passage of time over these lands.

This trekking is not only a physical challenge, but also an invitation to experience nature with all the senses: listening to the water, observing the details of the forest, walking among ancient trees, and reaching the sandy beach in front of Lake Ortiz Basualdo.

Waterfalls and crystal-clear streams accompany the ascent, offering sound and visual pauses that invite us to stop and contemplate the details of nature: drops falling on moss-covered stones, the scent of damp earth, and the light filtering through the trees.

Shortly after, we will pass by Laguna del Alerzal, a calm water mirror surrounded by centuries-old alerces — a place where stillness is absolute and the connection with nature is immediate. In this section, the combination of vegetation, light, and water creates a landscape that seems frozen in time, as if every element had been carefully placed by nature to surprise us at every step.

After passing the halfway point, the terrain becomes steeper and the trail turns into a series of zigzags known as “caracoles,” which allow us to tackle the slope more comfortably. These sections demand effort and focus, but the reward comes with the views that open up at every turn: stretches of deep forest, hidden lagoons, and the feeling of moving toward an even more remote and wild place. The combination of physical challenge and natural beauty makes every step memorable.

The diversity of flora is impressive: fungi of all sizes and colors appear among the leaf litter, moss covers logs and rocks, and the dense forest protects ancient trees that rise toward the sky.

The final section leads us to Playa de los Palos, facing the calm waters of Lake Ortiz Basualdo. After crossing a small stream, we reach the lake’s sandy beach — an ideal place to have lunch, rest, contemplate the reflection of the mountains on the water, and enjoy the absolute calm of the surroundings.

After enjoying the day at the lake, we will return to the hotel to rest, enjoy the swimming pool, and get ready for a delicious dinner at the restaurant.

If you would like more adventure, the following day we can hike Paso de los Raulíes, spending another night at Hotel Puerto Blest.

Will you come to enjoy this hidden corner of the Valdivian rainforest?