Experience the Majesty of Patagonia, the Unique Culture
and Mystery of Chiloé Island...
Natural
Majesty of the Pumalin Fjords and Hot Springs
2009/2010
"Breathtaking: wonderful mountains, seas birds, waterfalls. The food was delicious and the company fun, informative and special. Truly an austral adventure!"
Annette L., Watkins Glen, NY USA
4
days/3 nights- US$996 p/p: 11FC
(Including 19% tax)
Trip Dates:
Nov. 7-10, Dec. 7-10,
Special New Years Trip: Dec. 30-Jan.2
Jan 7-10, Feb. 7-10, March 7-10
Your trip begins at your hotel (or the airport in Puerto Montt) with a journey south by land along the coast of the Reloncaví Sound on the first section of the Carretera Austral (Southern Highway), the gravel road extending into Patagonia. 3 1/2 hours of spectacular coastal and mountain scenery before we arrive in the volcano shadowed town of Hornopirén where the fjords begin and make road travel impossible. Cahuella and her crew will take you through the majesty of the world famous Patagonian fjords- a land of pristine forests, small settlements and massive mountains rising from the deep ocean. Here you will witness the untouched wilderness of the steep glacier-topped Andes, old growth temperate rainforest and numerous hot springs that motivated American Conservationist Douglas Tompkins to preserve over 700,000 acres as one of South America's largest private park projects. The area is designed to protect the 3500 year old Alerce tree as well as serve as a research center into sustainable living in the region of Patagonia. Every afternoon we will drop anchor in protected bays and go ashore, sometimes to walk along the deserted beaches and other times to visit natural hot springs hidden in the native forest. Each evening, your talented local chef will surprise you with delicacies made from the freshest local products from the sea and countryside.
Includes: All transport from Puerto Montt/Puerto Varas/or airport, all lodging, berth in a double cabin on Cahuella, all gourmet meals and snacks prepared by chef using the freshest the region has to offer, all excursions, hot springs, expert bilingual guides, and wine (during meals).
Sample Tour
Itinerary
You will presumably
arrive in Santiago and fly to Puerto Montt. Austral Adventures Ltda. will gladly
arrange all domestic Chilean flights, transfers and hotels.
Day 1- Hornopiren
This trip leaves Puerto Montt/Puerto Varas at 08:30 by land and follows the Carretera Austral- the only road that makes its way south along the ocean and into the dense forests and mountains of Patagonia to the town of Hornopirén. At mid-day we will be met by Cahuella and her staff for a welcome lunch of the freshest products from the land and sea. We'll then depart southwards away from "civilization" and into the rugged beauty of the fjords of Pumalín Park to drop anchor. In the evening you will enjoy two new wonderful events: the Patagonian sunset and the fantastic pisco sours (national drink of Chile) that our chef prepares.
Day 2 Comao Fjord
We’ll cruise south during the morning to visit a remote sea lion colony- hundreds of South American Sea Lions on a rocky outcrop below steep forested walls sunning themselves and napping. Further south we’ll arrive at the small settlement of Huinay, where shore landings and short walks are possible. In the afternoon we’ll make our way to one of the region’s premiere treasures: a veritable stream of thermal water cascading through the ferns of the native forest and forming multiple pools. The experience and location are unforgettable. As usual, the comfort of Cahuella and her chef’s gourmet treats await.
Day 3 Cahuelmó/Quintupeu
Today’s navigation brings us to the isolated fjord of Cahuelmó- a stunning area of waterfalls and majestic peaks where we will drop anchor and explore a land that has not changed for thousands of years. A zodiac ride will take us to the fjord’s hidden treasure: the Baños de Cahuelmó, a group of hot spring pools carved in the rock by early fishermen right at the ocean´s edge. There is nothing more magical than soaking in the hot soothing waters in the perfect silence and beauty of a remote Patagonian fjord while the mists swirl in the dense green of the impenetrable forests. Once refreshed, we´ll cruise north to the Quintupeu Fjord, the steepest and narrowest in the area. Waterfalls cascade from the steep walls while the white trunks of Alerce trees that line the high ridges glow when the sun shines. If the weather cooperates, we will spend the night tied to trees on the shore- something necessary in a fjord so deep that anchors do not reach the bottom! Another night of peace, beauty, fine food and true relaxation.
Day 4 Despidida (Goodbye)
After a relaxing breakfast Cahuella will navigate up the Cholgo Canal towards the perfect forested cone of the Hornopirén Volcano (4800ft, 1572 meters), at the base of which lies the town of the same name. We will finish our Patagonian cruise at the ferry ramp, where the crew will join you for a farewell lunch before bidding you goodbye. Transport will take you up and over the mountains on the lovely journey back to Puerto Montt and the human hum of civilization- a four hour drive amidst the rugged beauty of the Carretera Austral.
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