Patagonia by Sea

Day 1 Hornopiren

You will be picked up in Puerto Montt or Puerto Varas to follow the Carretera Austral - the only road that travels south along the ocean and into the forests and mountains of Patagonia to the town of Hornopirén. Just after mid-day you will meet Cahuella and her staff for a welcome lunch of the freshest products from the land and sea. In the afternoon you’ll leave this outpost of civilization and cruise south into the remote wilds of the Pumalin Park Project and the silent majesty of the Quintupeu Fjord.

Waterfalls cascade from the steep walls while the white trunks of the Alerce trees that line the high ridges glow with the sunshine. If the weather cooperates, you will spend the night tied to trees on the shore - necessary in a fjord so deep that anchors do not reach the bottom! In the evening you will enjoy two new wonders: the Patagonian sunset and the fantastic pisco sours (national drink of Chile) that your local chef prepares.

Day 2 Cahuelmo

You’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. In the afternoon you’ll arrive to the isolated fjord of Cahuelmo - a stunning area of waterfalls and majestic peaks where you will drop anchor and explore a land that has not changed for thousands of years.

A zodiac ride will take you to the fjord’s hidden treasure: the Banos de Cahuelmo, a group of hot spring pools carved in the rock by pre-hispanic fishermen at the water´s edge. There are few things more magical than soaking in the hot soothing waters whose steam swirls in the impenetrable forests, amidst the perfect silence and beauty of a remote Patagonian fjord.

Day 3 Huinay & Hot Springs

Further south you’ll arrive at the small settlement of Huinay, where short walks in the massive valley are possible. The settlement has played an interesting role in the political history of the Pumalín Park Project and remains out of the park’s jurisdiction, effectively splitting the northern and southern sections of the park in two. In the afternoon you’ll make your 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 of these hot springs are unforgettable. As usual, the comfort of Cahuella and her chef’s gourmet treats await you.

Day 4 Despidida

After a relaxing breakfast, Cahuella will navigate up the Cholgo Channel towards the perfect forested cone of the Hornopirén Volcano (4800ft, 1572 meters), at the base of which lies the town of the same name. You will finish your 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 3 ½ hour drive amidst the rugged beauty of the Carretera Austral.