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Chiloe Island Adventure

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$1590

Starts and Ends in Puerto Montt, Chile

Kayak at dawn and through forest with a stay at Mirador de Chepu

Travel Highlights

Chiloe National Park
Punijhuil Penguin Colony
Bay of Ancud
Puerto Varas
Ahuenco Park

Explore the island of Chilo� with its abundant wildlife and unique culture on this active Chile Lakes District tour. Bike through villages and along coastlines and kayak with dolphins and sea lions near old Spanish batteries. Hike remote stretches of beach where penguins nest and experience the local hospitality of a people whose indigenous culture and traditions have been well preserved through the centuries.

Day 1 Arrive Puerto Montt
Day 2 Biking Chilo� Island
Day 3 Sea Kayaking
Day 4 Biking the Pacific and Punijhuil Penguin Colony
Day 5 Hiking Ahuenco
Day 6 The Sunken Forest and Country Hospitality
Day 7 Return Santiago

PaddlingIncludes paddling activity such as sea kayaking or rafting.
Nature ViewingIncludes intentional opportunity to observe flora or fauna with an experienced guide.
HistoryVisit ancient ruins and historical sites.
HikingIncludes guided hiking excursions. Hikes may vary from easy and optional three hour hikes to more difficult multi-day treks.
Cultural ActivitiesIncludes cultural activities such as a visit to a traditional village or a local market to give a unique perspective.
BikingIncludes biking activity.
ActiveOur most active trips for travelers who are fit and looking for vigorous adventures. Tours include multisport activities and multi-day treks.

Day 1 Arrive Puerto Montt

Arrive to Puerto Montt. Transfer yourself to Puerto Varas for the evening.

Day 2 Biking Chilo� Island (B,L)

Begin your Chile Lakes District adventure this morning at 8:30 with a couple hours transfer and ferry ride to the emerald island of Chiloé. Drive to the nearby village of Chacao where you will select a mountain bike and listen to a brief safety talk and orientation to the island's unique history and local culture.

Start your 24 mile bike tour today with a stretch through the rolling countryside to the picturesque bay of Caulin. The local seaweed industry here is thriving, and you will watch locals collect it by hand with ox-pulled carts. This region is also well known for its birdlife. Enjoy a picnic lunch here before continue on your bikes along the Chacao Channel shoreline and then head inland towards the main city and bay of Ancud. Spend the night at Hotel Ancud this evening.

Day 3 Sea Kayaking (B,L)

Enjoy breakfast this morning at your hotel before you meet your guide for a short drive outside of town. Get into your kayaks at a put-in along the protected waters in the bay of Ancud. Do some warm up paddling and get comfortable with your sea kayak and rudder before crossing the bay. Many small local diving boats putt around the wild oyster beds in the bay, and penguins, dolphins, and sea lions all hunt for fish in these waters. Keep your eyes peeled for the marine life around you as you head towards the northern side of the bay where we can stop to see old Spanish cannon batteries. Learn about the history of the island and its strategic role in providing access to the Straight of Magellen from the 15th to 20th centuries before the Panama Canal. Take-out by mid-afternoon and enjoy the rest of the day to wander around Ancud.

Kayak distance and time vary by the group's abilities and preferences.

Day 4 Biking the Pacific and Punijhuil Penguin Colony (B,L)

This morning you head back out on your bikes for a longer 38 mile bike tour to the rugged Pacific Coast side of Chiloé. Ride along the bay road for 6 miles before cresting a hill for a breathtaking view to the crashing surf of the Pacific. Stop for lunch and a short boat ride to visit two penguin species at the Punijhuil colony. Continue riding through the rolling countryside to the huge Chepu River valley, home to the submerged forest as created by the 1960 earthquake. Overnight here in comfortable cabins at the Mirador de Chepu, a sustainably powered accommodation with solar panels and wind turbines.

Day 5 Hiking Ahuenco (B,L,D)

This morning we will pay attention to the tides and to time our walk down to the dock on the river to meet a local boatman. He meets you and drops you at the trailhead of today's coastal hike near the river's mouth. Enjoy a 2.5 hour hike each way along remote beaches and coastal outcrops into the lovely Ahuenco region. From October to February you may see penguins nesting right in front of you along this stretch of beach. This rarely visited section bordering Chiloé National Park's northern section has no established trails and abundant wildlife. Meet up with the boatman this afternoon and return to your lodge overlooking the river.

Day 6 The Sunken Forest and Country Hospitality (B,L)

Wake early this morning while it is still dark (yes, at 5 AM) and make your way down to the quiet river. Climb into a sit on top kayak and set out to witness the magical beauty of dawn on the water. The birds create a symphony as the first rays of sun pierce through the fog enveloping the submerged forest. As nature awakes, float quietly on the calm waters before finally returning to the lodge for a hearty breakfast. After some down time, say good-bye to your hosts and travel to a nearby farmhouse for a country lunch with a warm local family. Connect with them and hear their stories first-hand about life on the island. Make your way back to the mainland for a late afternoon drop-off at your hotel in Puerto Varas.