Southern Chile offers a combination of unique wildlife and spectacular scenery in one of the most isolated regions of South America. On this 7-day tour, explore the Aysen region of Chile and marvel at the Patagonia National Park's stunning natural scenery. Spot unique wildlife as you actively explore the landscape by bike, kayak, horse, and your own two feet. At the end of each day, rejuvenate in your comfortable cabins overlooking Lake General Carrera. Visit the famed Marble Caves by kayak, join a rafting tour in the Baker River, and explore many trails to the viewpoints of Lake Bertrand and Plomo. Experience a guided trek on the magnificent Exploradores glacier. This adventure is an excellent active Chile tour for both beginners and experienced travelers
Highlights
Kayak the famous Marble Caves and Cathedrals of Lake General Carrera
Visit Laguna San Rafael National Park and the San Rafael Glacier
Raft down the Baker River surrounded by high mountains & lush vegetation
Explore the many trails to the viewpoint of Lake Bertrand
Marvel at the Patagonian forest's stunning natural scenery
Visit the mountains and pristine landscapes of Patgonia National Park
Activities that provide a reasonable level of physical challenge and elevate the heart rate. Focused on more active pursuits including multisport tours. Travelers may be active 5-7 hours total each day. Recommended for travelers with active lifestyles.
Arrive at Balmaceda airport, meet your guide and set out on the 6-hour drive south along the Carretera Austral to the Mallin Colorado Ecolodge. Along the way, you will see the signature glaciated lakes, towering mountain peaks, and dramatic valleys for which this remote region of Chile is known. You will stay in cozy cabins overlooking the calypso-blue Lake General Carrera, the second largest in South America after Lake Titicaca.
Today you will visit the famed Marble Caves by kayak. After breakfast, head north towards Puerto Tranquilo to Mansa Bay. Your guide will assist you with preparing your kayak and paddling instructions. Once all equipment is set, paddle your way to the famed Marble Caves, where you can glide through these architectural wonders. Learn geological theories about the formation of these unique cliffside caves created along the shores of Lake General Carrera. See how the stone has been eroded by the movement of water and strong wind throughout the years as you kayak the calypso-blue waters. Once back on shore, the rest of the day is free to explore the trails throughout the Mallin Colorado or relax and enjoy learning more about the Patagonian Gaucho culture in the lodge.
This morning brings an early start to the day. Wake up at dawn and drive to Bahia Exploradores in Puerto Tranquilo. From here you will have one-hour-drive through the most pristine road to the Northern Icefields, until you reach the fjords to embark on a vessel that will navigate through the Chilean fjords on a full day excursion to Laguna San Rafael National Park. Glide through the lake while taking in the stunning views and the imposing wall of ice at the foot of the San Rafael Glacier. Observe the loud crackling and groaning of the ice as the glacier calves and watch the mesmerizing floes around you. The park is also a World Biosphere Reserve and is home to many bird species so keep an eye out for black-necked swans, cormorants and the occasional black-browed albatross. While onboard, enjoy your leisurely lunch. After navigating the lagoon, return to Mallin Colorado for dinner and a relaxing evening.
This morning is the perfect time to stretch your legs and enjoy the Mallin Colorado and its many trails to viewpoints such as Lake Bertrand and Plomo. If a slower-paced morning is preferred, stroll to the shore of the lake and take in the panoramic views from the beach over coffee or tea. This afternoon, fill up on a delicious lunch at the Mallin Colorado before heading south for your next adventure. Head South along the Carretera Austral to the Baker River to raft the region's most prominent river. Gear up and tackle the class II- III rapids as you paddle down the river with enough time to float and swim in the icy blue-green waters. Return to the lodge for dinner and a rest.
**Timing of the day may change depending on weather
After breakfast, you will begin a scenic drive to Puerto Bertrand, stopping along the way to see the confluence of the rivers Baker and Nef, a mystical point where different colors of water meet, and you can feel the power of nature in this extraordinary waterfall. The day continues further south to visit Patagonia Park, a completely different ecosystem combining the Patagonia steppe with mountains and forests, full of guanacos roaming freely inside the park. A visit to the Conservation Museum awaits you in the park headquarters, and then a short trail to the river Chacabuco and its hanging bridge will complete the day. An outdoor picnic lunch will be provided after the activities.
After breakfast, start an early drive to Patagonia National Park for a longer hike (around 6 to 7 hours) deep in the national park. Along the way, enjoy expansive views of the Chacabuco Valley, Jeinemeni Valley, and if lucky, a glimpse of the Northern ice field. Be sure to bring a day pack for layers, water and your packed lunch to eat along the trail. After returning to the headquarters, transfer the one hour back to the Mallin Colorado to wind down your day.
Day 7: Balmaceda | Return Home
1 Breakfast
After breakfast, you will travel back to the Balmaceda airport to connect with your return flight home.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is 30%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
We worked with Franny initially and then once we booked we worked with Phen. Franny was very patient and not pushy as we considered our choices. They both got back to us immediately when we had questions.
Expedition cruises are very weather dependent, we knew we were going to see Glaciers, Marine Life, Landscapes but just didn't know when and where. We had some rain, sleet and snow then followed by absolutely beautiful weather. The captain and expedition team were very conscientious for our safety as well as providing us with a fulfilling and educational experience.
Misti
1 month ago
Adventure Life made the whole trip process smooth and worry free from planning and throughout the entire trip. Communication was excellent and the trip to Chile and Easter Island was amazing. We were able to customize the entire trip and use the experience of other travelers to ensure each day was amazing.
Quinn Johnson
1 month ago
Erin and Juliane have been very helpful. The planning has been smooth and stress-free. My concerns and questions have been answered on a timely manner. I was referred to a booking agent for flights that made it easier to plan international and local flights. There's also a Trip Planner website that provides good information as well as a single location for documents related to this trip.
Noel Mozo
3 months ago
Very prompt replies and very knowledgeable
Christine Guthrie
3 months ago
Adventure Life planned a stunner of a trip for our family ONCE AGAIN! This is our 7th trip with Adventure Life. We chose the Chile North to South adventure with add-ons of Magdalena Island to see the penguins; Las Torres hotel in Patagonia; Calafate, Argentina to see the Perito Moreno glacier and finally, Buenos Aires. We were active every day! Biking in vineyards, trekking at 14,000 ft above sea level and seeing vicuña and vizcacha everywhere after having almost the entire El Tatio geyser park to ourselves, an evening tour viewing the stars and galaxies in the Atacama Desert, River Rafting and hiking between volcanoes and glacial lakes in the mountain lake region of Peurto Varas, hiking the French Valley, Las Torres and riding horses in Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, walking on the glacier and drinking glacial water and hearing those thunderous booms of ice calving at Perito Moreno in Calafate, Argentina and biking 30 miles through Buenos Aires to the suburbs where we kayaked the Tigre River Delta. So much fun!! I even wore my adult children out!!
