Far from the beaten path, you'll visit small fishing villages only accessible by sea, explore fantastic temperate rainforest and isolated natural hotsprings in Pumalin Park, and enjoy the freshest seafood and delicious meals along the way. A wonderful Chile travel adventure by sea!
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Santiago
Day 2: Puerto Varas
This morning you fly south to the port town of Puerto Montt then transfer to Puerto Varas to begin your Chile travels. This charming city is located on Lake Llanquihue and offers plenty of opportunities to take in Chile's mountainous, snow-capped sites. The afternoon is yours to explore the region and the city's historic buildings. At night, you will rest soundly in this peaceful city before traveling to the Island of Chiloe in the morning.
Days 3-5: Island of Chiloe - Chile by Sea (D)
Early this morning you are greeted by your guide and transferred by ferry to the island of Chiloe, renowned for its folklore, rich wildlife, traditional farming and fishing cultureand charming residents.
Over the next few days, we’ll explore the area—Ancud, with its traditional crafts; small islands inhabited by hardy fisher-families, who will show us the famous Chiloe hospitality; the island penguin colony of Punihuil; and the protected bay of Mechuque Island, with its traditional palafitos resting just above the water.
Days 6-7: Pumalin Park (B,L,D)
As you cross the Gulf of Ancud towards the glacier-covered Andes to the east, you leave all sign of the charming villages and culture you've encountered these past few days. Your destination is the magnificent 600,000-acre Pumalin Park on the Chilean mainland. A variety of marine life often accompanies your crossing, so watch for leaping dolphins and curious sea lions along the way!
Reaching the mainland, the mist-shrouded walls of Quintupeu Fjord rise sharply from the sea, looming 4,500 feet above as you drop anchor. This is a perfect spot for taking some time onshore to enjoy the sweeping coastal views and quiet majesty of Patagonia or exploring upriver with the zodiac.
The next day you will continue exploring this remote corner of Pumalin Park. Undisturbed tracts of temperate rainforest stretch for miles around you, clear rivers of glacial runoff rush toward the sea. Your exploration this evening reveals one of the area's hidden treasures - a thermally heated river running through the forest. Enjoy soaking in the pools.
Day 8: Return Puerto Varas (B,L)
You end your voyage in the town of Hornopirén at the foot of the volcano of the same name. After a farewell lunch with your crew you'll continue overland to Puerto Varas for the night.
Day 9: Santiago/Return Home
Catch your flight to Santiago and connecting flights homeward, or with a bit more time you can continue your Patagonia travels by rafting or mountain biking in the Lakes District, exploring the Atacama Desert, or hiking in Torres del Paine National Park.
Accommodations: 3 nights comfortable hotels, 5 nights motor yacht
Food Includes: All meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); most of our hotels offer free continental breakfast.
Transportation: 2 local flights, buses, ferries, zodiacs, motor yacht between the islands
A comfortable Chile travel itinerary of quaint villages, stunning nature and abundant wildlife that is perfect for any age.
Start Dates 2008: Oct 30, Nov 12, Nov 29, Dec 12
Start Dates 2009: Jan 12, Jan 30, Feb 12, Feb 27, Mar 12, Mar 30
Custom dates are available!
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Single Supplement: US$375
6-day option: US$1775
4-day option: US$966
Arrival/Departure Transfers: 1 person US$50 each, 2 or more people US$25/person
Pre & Post Tour Accommodations: Santiago: Share US$60, Single US$100
Personal Budgeting: Allow US$80 for meals not included, US$130 visa reciprocity fee
Note: Roundtrip flight Santiago-Puerto Montt-Santiago is not included. Please add US$450 (flight cost subject to change).
Prices are based on a 3% cash discount
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Chile
Boating and Sailing
Ecotourism
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