Discover the rugged and breathtaking landscape of Aysen, Chile, on this 5-day tour and enjoy your time exploring some of the most remote stretches of Patagonian wilderness while staying in comfortable cabins overlooking Lake General Carrera. Visit the famed Marble Caves by kayak and learn about the formation of these unique cliffside architectural wonders. Ice trek on the impressively large Exploradores glacier, join a rafting tour in the Baker River and explore many trails to the viewpoints of Lake Bertrand and Plomo, or relax lakeside at the Mallin Colorado beach. On this adventure you will experience the highlights of the expansive and remote Aysen region and and immerse yourself in the heart of Northern Patagonia.
Highlights
Kayak the famous Marble Caves and Cathedrals of Lake General Carrera
Hike to Exploradores Glacier & explore immense ice caves
Raft down the Baker River surrounded by high mountains & lush vegetation
Explore the many trails to the viewpoint of Lake Bertrand
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Today, you will arrive at Balmaceda airport from Santiago and set out on a 6-hour drive south along the Carretera Austral to your homebase for the next four nights, the Mallin Colorado Ecolodge. Along the way, you will have opportunities to see the signature glaciated lakes, towering rugged mountain peaks, and dramatic sweeping valleys for which this remote region of Chile is becoming known. Your stay at the Mallin Colorado is in comfortable cabins overlooking the calypso-blue waters of Lake General Carrera, the second largest in South America after Lake Titicaca, and is the perfect launching point from which you will experience the highlights of this little known region.
Day 2: Puerto Rio Tranquilo | Kayak the Marble Caves
After breakfast, meet your guide and head north towards Puerto Tranquilo to Mansa Bay. Your kayaking guide will help you prepare your kayak for your paddle and you will begin your tour of General Carrera Lake to see the famed Marble Caves. Throughout the day, you will learn geological theories about the formation of these unique cliffside caves and archways created along the shores of Lake General Carrera. You will see firsthand how the stone has been eroded by water and strong winds throughout the years as you kayak through the crystal clear waters. Once back on shore, head back to the lodge for a well-earned lunch. Spend this evening unwinding at the lodge, exploring the grounds and soaking in the expansive scenery all around you.
After breakfast, head south for a 2-hour drive to the edge of the Northern Ice Fields, where your ice trek on the Exploradores Glacier will begin. The remote Northern and Southern Patagonian Ice Fields are the largest icefields remaining on earth, aside from Antarctica and Greenland, and span this region along the Carretera Austral. Your excursion will begin with a 2-hour trek through brush and low growth forest and over boulders to reach the glacier's edge. Once arrived at the glacier, spend the next 3-hours trekking on the ice plateau. Explore the immense ice structures and take in the otherworldly views of the ice field with time to enjoy your lunch before your return journey. After the trek back to the trailhead, return to the lodge to relax and get ready for dinner.
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 lower-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.
Day 5: Balmaceda | Return Home
1 Breakfast
After breakfast, you will travel back to the Balmaceda airport to connect with your flight. Be sure to consider at least 5 to 6 hours of ground travel to get to the airport. A late afternoon or evening flight back to Santiago is highly recommended.
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
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.