

Nature Activities at Rio Manso Lodge
Our guided activities include:
Patagonia Hiking
Suggested Hiking Day Trip #1: Hike to Segunda Cascada (Second Fall) on the Rio Manso. This is an easy 1 hour hike to the waterfall, where you'll enjoy a picnic lunch and views of the river, forest and surrounding mountains. Hike back to the lodge.
Suggested Hiking Day Trip #2: Hike to the top of a nearby Mount Martin. It's a 2 hour hike to the top which offers great views of the area, including some amazing old growth forest on the mountain top and a small mountain lake surrounded by wild flowers. 2 hour ascent, picnic lunch at the top, 1½ hour return descent to the lodge.
Extended Expedition: For those who desire more of a challenge, we can arrange guided expeditions to the higher peaks in the region, including Cerro Tronador, where it is possible to spend the night on the mountain and even ski the glacier with a guide if you are especially adventurous.



Birding
Suggested Birding Day Trip #1: Spend a day exploring the local habitat for the spectacular Magellanic woodpecker.
Suggested Birding Day Trip #2: Hike into the mountains to view a condor nest or a roosting ledge and see these spectacular birds up close.

Water Exploration
Whitewater Rafting is available for those looking to let it all hang out! Class II – IV waters will test the mettle of even the most adventurous. The best whitewater rafting in the park is not far from the lodge on the lower Manso River, and easily accessible.
Full day trip Kayaking both in lakes and rivers close to the lodge is another way to explore the local area in a relaxed fashion. Full or part day activity.
Suggested Water Day Trip #1: Float the Rio Manso starting above the lodge near the Blue Cut. Stop for lunch on the river bank, or on a gravel bar. Explore a small spring to look for trout. Finish up with a ride across Lago Hess and through the channels to the lodge.
Suggested Water Day Trip #2: After a short drive to Lago Fonck, take a boat tour of both Fonck Chico and Lago Fonck. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach at the far end of lake. Look for condors along the towering basalt cliffs that surround the lake.
All our programs are custom designed taking into account your physical condition, as well as your interests.


At the Lodge



Riding at Rio Manso Lodge
We have opened several riding trails thru the lush evergreen forest that lead to secluded places such as lagoons, cascades, lakes and rivers. Most of our programs are easy to medium difficulty. All of our trips are guided by an experienced English-speaking horseman who is adept at helping you spot wildlife.
Our horses are young, sturdy animals that have been raised in the back country, used to moving around our dense forests and very tame, ideal for inexperienced riders, but still fun when cantering comes into mind!
Some Sample Day Programs
# 1 Lago Fonck
Distance covered: 10 km round trip.
Difficulty: moderate, ideal for cantering at times in open spaces.
Duration: half day.
Highlights: great views of Mount Tronador and Lago Fonck.
# 2 Second Fall
Distance covered: 6 km round trip.
Difficulty: easy to moderate, mostly at walking pace.
Duration: half day.
Highlights: picturesque set of waterfalls.
# 3 Third Fall
Distance covered: 10 km round trip.
Difficulty: moderate, mostly at walking pace thru the rain forest.
Duration: full day, lunch by the waterfalls of the Rio Manso.
Highlights: untouched stretch of river only accessed on horseback or walking.
# 4 Lago Roca
Distance covered: 5 km round trip.
Difficulty: easy to moderate.
Duration: half day, mostly walking thru the forest and cantering on the beach.
Highlights: Alerce forest along the shore (native sequoia type of tree).
Rio Manso Lodge Activities | Duration | Difficulty |
---|---|---|
On Foot | ||
Hike to Cascada de los Alerces (First Waterfall) | 1.5 hours | Easy |
Hike to Lago Fonck | 2 hours | Easy |
Hike to Second Waterfall | 2 hours | Easy |
Hike to Lago Roca South Shore | 4 hours | Easy |
Hike to Lago Roca North Shore | 4 hours | Easy |
Hike to Piedra del Chileno | 2 hour | Mid |
Hike to Piedra de Ortega | 3 hours | Mid |
Hike to Third Waterfall | 4 hours | Easy / Mid |
Trek to Mt Granitico top | 8 hours | Mid / Strenous |
Trek to Mt Martin top | 6 hours | Mid / Strenous |
Horseback | ||
Horse ride to Lago Fonck | 2 hours | |
Horse ride to Third Waterfall | 4 hours | |
Horse ride to Lago Roca South Shore | 4 hours | |
Water Activities | ||
Lake kayaking in Lagos Hess and Roca | Half day | Easy / Mid |
Float trip down the Rio Manso | 4 or 8 hours | Easy |
Birding | Variable | Easy |
Rafting the Lower Manso | Day long | Easy / Mid |