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Getting close to the wildlife

Patagonia by Sea - March. 5, 2011

Example 9 Day Tour
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Solo Traveler Trip Board the yacht Cahuella for a truly unique exploration of the island culture of Chiloe and Northern Patagonian fjords. Far from the beaten path, you'll visit small fishing villages only accessible by sea, explore the fantastic temperate rainforest and isolated natural hotsprings in Pumalin Park, and enjoy the freshest seafood and delicious meals along the way. A wonderful and relaxing way to explore this beautiful region of Chile.
CahuellaHiking by a massive tree on a day triprelaxing in the Cahuelmo Hot SpringsGetting close to the massive waterfallthe Pumalin FjordsGetting close to the wildlife
Activities
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive Santiago

Overnight.

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. Located on Lake Llanquihue this community 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, which offer an interesting look into the lives of the early German settlers who made this area their home during the 19th century. At night, enjoy a welcome cocktail gathering at your hotel to meet the rest of your group.

Day 3: Hornopiren and embark on Cahuella

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Transport will take you up and over the mountains on the lovely journey to Hornopiren Volcano (4800ft, 1572 meters), at the base of which lies the town of the same name -- a 3 1/2 hour drive amidst the rugged beauty of the Carretera Austral. Here we'll embark on the Cahuella. After a brief introduction and a tour of the boat, you will enjoy set sail into the fjord region - where dense native rainforest covered peaks rise steeply from the depths of the ocean. We'll find a calm cove for dinner and a peaceful evening on the water.

Day 4-5: Pumalin Park

  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
We will continue exploring the magnificent 800,000-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! The mist-shrouded walls of the fjords rise sharply from the sea, looming 4,500 feet above Cahuella. This is a perfect spot for exploring rivers with the zodiac or taking some time onshore to enjoy the sweeping coastal views and short walks into the dense rainforest. One evening we'll explore one of the area's hidden treasures - a thermally heated river running through the forest, with numerous pools for you to soak in.

Day 6: Island of Chiloe, Archipelago

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After a peaceful night's rest, we'll set sail early to cross the Gulf of Ancud to the Chiloe Archipelago. Numerous islands will fill the foreground, amidst the blue waters. Though only a few hours from the fjords, these emerald islands are a world away -- home to a centuries' old marine culture of fishermen a farmers living as they always have. We'll spend the day visiting small islands, taking short walks and pulling up to local fishing boats, observing not only their work firsthand, but also taste the freshness of their catch only moments out of the water.

Day 7: Chiloe. Disembark in Quemchi

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
We'll spend the morning in protected bay of Mechuque Island, where traditional palafitos (wooden houses built on stilts with boat parking underneath) and the quaint village make for a wonderful walk and then we'll set sail to the town of Quemchi, on the main island of Chiloe. Here we'll bid goodbye to Cahuella and meet land transport to visit some of the nearby sights before continuing on to our homestay in the countryside with an inviting local family.

Day 8: Chepu River Valley and Penguin Colony

After breakfast we'll drive into the wide expanse of the Chepu River Valley -- whose sunkin forest is a reminder of the power of the 1960's earthquake that caused the land to subside nearly 7 feet and inundated the forest with seawater- creating a sunkin forest today. This forest is now home to 20% of Chile's birdlife. We'll continue up the coast to the Punihuil Peguin colony, which we'll visit during a short 30 minute boat ride and see Humbolt and Magallanic penguins nesting side by side. By late afternoon we'll arrive at the ferry which will cross us to the mainland and back to Puerto Varas for a relaxing evening.

Day 9: Santiago / Return Home

  • 1 Breakfast
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, helping a Mapuche family with the annual Araucaria seed harvest, exploring the Atacama Desert, hiking in Torres del Paine National Park or cruising around Tierra del Fuego to Argentina.

Accommodations

The Guest House

The Guest House

The Guest House

The Guest House is located a few blocks from the shores of Llanquihue Lake in Puerto Varas - the gateway to Parque Nacional Vicente Perez Rosales - and is within easy walking distance of the city's many shops and restaurants. You can't ask for a better place to begin your Chile tour!
The Guest House
The Guest House
The Guest House

Santiago - Hotels

Experience a warm welcome at Hotel Posada Farellones

Hotel Posada Farellones

Enjoy friendly, personalized service and unforgettable ski getaways in one of the threemain ski resorts in Chile, located in close proximity to Hotel Posada Farellones. Personalized service, comfortable ensuite guest rooms and delicious gastronomy make this the perfect choice for a ski vacation to Chile.

The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago

Offering five-star luxury in the prestigious Las Condes district, this hotel occupies an enviable location equidistant from Santiago’s beaches and ski resorts with an inspiring view of the majestic Andes Mountains. The nearest airport is Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport, which is 25 km from the property.
Upgrade
Stay in this modernly designed and hotel filled with luxury.

W Santiago Hotel

The ultimate in contemporary luxury, the W Santiago offers guests an oasis of urban utopia. Its 190 rooms are all inspired by the beauty of Chilean nature and landscape, with spectacular Andes and city views on display from floor to ceiling windows. Soak in the infinity rooftop pool, or dine in one of the three hotel restaurants.
Rivers and Peaks

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Dates & Prices

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This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Chile Tours, Trips & Cruises.

Notes

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No single supplement for this Solo Traveler Departure.

Min. 4 & Max 4 travelers; Patagonian guide and crew throughout.

Alumni discounts apply. No other discounts apply for the solo traveler departures. We will notify you when min. group size has been met and international flights can be purchased. If for some reason we do not reach min. group size, deposit will be fully refunded or transferred to another trip and departure of your choice.
Included
  • 8 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 5 Dinners
  • 8 Nights Accommodations
  • 6 Days Locally Hosted Guide Service
  • Park Entrance Fee
Excluded
  • Both Arrival and Departure Transfers are excluded.
  • International Flights
  • Meals not Included

Map

When to Go

Jan
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Apr
May
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Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Typically not offered during this period because of weather conditions.
Chance for unpredictable weather but with fewer visitors.
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.

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