Explore the island of Chiloé with its abundant wildlife and unique culture on this active Chile Lakes District tour. Bike through villages and along coastlines and kayak through an ancient sunken forest. 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-by-Day Summary
Day 1 : Arrive Puerto Montt - Chiloe Island Day 2 : Biking Chiloe Island Day 3 : Chepu Ecolodge Day 4 : Kayaking the Sunken Forest Day 5 : Punihuil Penguin Colony Day 6 : Whitewater Rafting & Puerto Varas Day 7 : Depart the Lakes District
Highlights
Bike around Chiloe Island to bay of Caulin, along Chacao Channel & to Ancud
Kayak the submerged forest on the Chepu River at sunrise
Hike along Chiloe's coastline & visit the Punihuil penguin colony
White water raft the Petrohue river below the Osorno Volcano
Arrive to Puerto Montt. You will be met at the airport by your Adventure Life representative who will accompany you on your ferry ride to Chiloe Island. Keep an eye out for seal lions, penguins and dolphins playing in the strong currents of the straight. Meet your bilingual guide for a visit to Chacao and the bird sanctuary of Caulin, where you will enjoy a beach walk before continuing to the island capital of Castro.
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 bird life. 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. Return to Castro for the evening.
Day 3 Chepu Ecolodge
1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner
Enjoy a free morning to explore the sights and sounds of Castro. This afternoon, you'll transfer to the Chepu Ecolodge, overlooking the peaceful rivers of Puntra and Butacura. Chepu exemplifies the natural beauty for which Chiloe Island and Patagonia are known. The wetlands here were formed as a result of the 1960 earthquake, the biggest ever recorded, forming a unique environment and a special place for observing birds and animal species. Spend the rest of your day hiking the trails near Chepu, birdwatching or kayaking the river in search of the Southern River Otter!
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. After lunch we'll visit the sights of Ancud and settle in at the Chil-hue area, just a few miles outside of town along a lovely walking and birding beach. Overnight in La Torre, surrounded by beauty and tranquility.
Full day exploration of Chiloe's rugged Pacific Coast, with visit to Punihuil penguin colony by boat and coastal hikes along the island's stunning coastline and deserted beaches. Lunch will be had at a local family farm- offering a unique insight into the rural life of the island. Same lodging at La Torre with farm fresh dinner included.
Enjoy one last relaxing breakfast near the ocean before transport to the bus station for the journey to Puerto Montt. Private transport to Puerto Varas hotel. Check in, time for a quick lunch and then depart on an exciting half day rafting adventure below the snow capped cone of the Osorno Volcano Overnight in Puerto Varas.
Day 7 Depart the Lakes District
1 Breakfast
Enjoy a private transfer to the Puerto Montt airport for your flight to your next destination.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
$1,975
Notes
Select a Date
Included
6 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 3 Dinners
6 Nights Accommodations
4 Nights Hotel
2 Nights Lodge
5 Days Private Guide Service
Excluded
Internal Flights
$450 Santiago - Puerto Montt - Santiago
Flight cost is subject to change
Both International Arrival and Departure Transfers are excluded.
Initial deposit is $400, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card. Alternatively, you can register online here.
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.
This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
Lindsay Gompf
When to Go
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Chance for unpredictable weather but with fewer visitors.
Typically not offered during this period because of weather conditions.
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