Paso de los Raulies Private Trek with Overnight at Puerto Blest Hotel, Valdivian Forest

To begin this route, we will travel by Turisur boats and transfers to Puerto Blest, where we will quickly leave our large luggage for the return. We will continue with our light backpack to Puerto Frías, where we will find the incredible emerald-colored lake and a beautiful centuries-old Araucaria (spanish) at the start of the trail.

We will start with a gentle ascent along the international gravel road, which will help us warm up and spot the first typical species of the area. Shortly after, a narrow trail branches off to the right of the road, and we could say that this is where the trekking truly begins.

The slope increases significantly and we begin to hike in zigzags within the vast forest.

Paso de los Raulíes plays a key role in the natural and human history of the region. Do you know why? This historic trail was used for a long time as a natural crossing between Argentina and Chile, long before official border passes existed.

Each section of Paso de los Raulíes offers unique scenes: from the Valdivian rainforest and its centuries-old trees (mañíos, coihues, alerces and arrayanes) to open clearings with views of Tronador, hidden lagoons, and the wide expanse of the Blest arm of the lake.

Walking this pass means feeling Patagonia with every step, with the wind on our face, birdsong, and the murmur of water accompanying our journey. Every stone, every curve of the path, every tree and fern speaks to us of the past and of those who walked these forests before, blending history and nature into a single route.

This area includes sectors of Valdivian rainforest, characterized by evergreen, multi-layered forests in a temperate, rainy or oceanic climate, where annual precipitation can reach up to 4,000 mm.

We will continue on to the Pangue Lagoon Viewpoint, a body of water surrounded by vegetation that reflects the centuries-old trees and invites us to pause, breathe deeply, and feel the mountain.

Approximately halfway along the route, there is a detour to the border marker, a historic point that allows us to observe the valleys and lagoons from another perspective and to remember the importance of this natural pass before official roads existed. This place makes us feel as if we are exploring a secret forest and connects us with the ancient history of the trail.

Returning to the main trail, the path becomes flatter with gentle descents until we reach Los Clavos Lagoon, a more rugged and charming place, where the murmur of streams and moss-covered logs offer us a moment of deep connection with the Valdivian rainforest, its diverse flora, and the feeling of being in an ancient forest.

Here we will take advantage of the opportunity to rest, refill some mountain water, and contemplate the dark lagoon.

Los Clavos Lagoon holds a curious story: a century ago, a mule carrying boxes of nails fell into the water during a merchandise transport, and the cargo was lost forever. Since then, hikers began to call this body of water by this name, immortalizing the accident among those who walk these trails.

In the final section, we will cross a magical area of centuries-old alerce forests, enormous trees that rise toward the sky with their robust trunks and golden foliage when touched by the sun. Walking among these giants reminds us of the strength and patience of nature and gives us the sensation of being in an almost untouched place.

The alerces, with their rough bark and deep roots, accompany us in silence as we move toward the calm waters of the Blest arm. This encounter with the alerces is an intimate and powerful closing of the traverse, connecting us with the most ancestral Patagonia.

Finally, we will descend toward Lake Nahuel Huapi, where the vastness of the water and the surrounding mountains embrace us with their majesty. The hike ends at Puerto Blest Hotel, a spectacular and comfortable refuge with a swimming pool and unique views, perfect for relaxing and enjoying after a mountain day.

Arriving here combines nature, history, and comfort, closing the experience in an unforgettable way in the wildest and least known area of our National Park.

If you would like more adventure, the following day we can do a half-day trekking to the area known as “La Heladera” or to Ortiz Basualdo Lake, spending another night at Hotel Puerto Blest Hotel.

Are you coming to enjoy the Valdivian rainforest, its hidden lagoons, and beautiful lakes?