Who is ESCAPE?
<ESCAPE> provides custom packages for travelers looking to break out of the typical tourist scene. Our private, riverfront lodging in Puesco, Curarrehue, Chile, is located at the base of towering granite peaks and neighbors the Villarrica National Park. This area is known for its active volcanoes, alpine lakes, hot springs, wild rivers, milennial forests and rich native culture. Puesco provides a perfect base for four seasons of activities and cultural imersion.
Kelsey Clark earned her degree in Women’s Studies from Arizona State University. During this time she studied abroad in Costa Rica, where she developed a passion for travel, Latin America and yoga. After school she migrated to Portland, OR, where she worked in the recreational cannabis industry. Her partner LJ convinced her to check out his place in Chile. Kelsey was blown away by the stunning landscapes and sweet people, and in 2017 she decided to make the move full-time to Puesco with her dog Rezzi. Kelsey loves nature and adventure, but her dedication to dance, movement and yoga has sparked a creative fire for the development of new programs for guests at <ESCAPE>. She is driven to create the most fun, memorable, adventurous and fulfilling retreats possible in the magical surroundings of her home in Puesco, Chile. Kelsey completed her YTT certification with the internationally acredited Yoga Alliance.
LJ Groth graduated from the Univ. of Oregon with a degree in Journalism and traveled to Chile in 2005 in search of waterfalls and wild rivers to film for a kayak movie. When the rest of the crew returned to the States, he decided to stay for the summer season in the tourist hub of Pucon where he was offered a job as a guide and kayak instructor. He split time between White Salmon, WA, and Pucon, Chile, for several years before committing to start his own guide service in nearby Curarrehue, Chile (pronounced koo-ra-ray-way) in 2012. He was drawn to the small town vibe, the deeply rooted native Mapuche culture and to the power of the huge mountains, lush forests and pristine rivers of Curarrehue. Before settling in Puesco, he lived in a Mapuche community where he immersed himself in the ancestral customs and history of the families who hosted him, and he was fortunate to create a network of local guides, farmers and chefs. After 12 years in Chile LJ is a fluent Spanish speaker. He is an accredited whitewater guide and WFR rescue certified.
Kelsey and LJ are excited to share their experience with you!