Board the intimate motor yacht Cahuella for a truly unique exploration of the Northern Patagonian fjords and the charming island culture of Chiloe. 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 Chile travel adventure by sea!
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
This morning you fly south to the port town of Puerto Montt then transfer to Puerto Varas to begin your Chile travels. This charming city is located on Lake Llanquihue and 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, you will rest soundly in this peaceful city before traveling to the Island of Chiloe in the morning.
Early this morning you are greeted by your guide and transferred by ferry to the island of Chiloe, renowned for its folklore, traditional farming and fishing culture, rich wildlife, and charming residents.
Over the next few days, we’ll explore the area—Ancud, with its traditional crafts; the island penguin colony of Punihuil; small islands inhabited by hardy fisher-families, who will show us the famous Chiloe hospitality; and the protected bay of Mechuque Island, with its traditional palafitos (wooden houses built on stilts with boat parking underneath) resting just above the water.
Day 6-7: Pumalin Park
2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
As you cross the Gulf of Ancud towards the glacier-covered Andes to the east, you leave all sign of the charming villages and culture you've encountered these past few days. Your destination is the magnificent 600,000-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! Reaching the mainland, the mist-shrouded walls of Quintupeu Fjord rise sharply from the sea, looming 4,500 feet above as you drop anchor. This is a perfect spot for exploring upriver with the zodiac or taking some time onshore to enjoy the sweeping coastal views and quiet majesty of Patagonia.
The next day you will continue exploring this remote corner of Pumalin Park. Undisturbed tracts of temperate rainforest stretch for miles around you, clear rivers of glacial runoff rush toward the sea, and the prolific birdlife shares its song throughout the park. Your exploration this evening reveals one of the area's hidden treasures - a thermally heated river running through the forest, with numerous pools for you to soak in.
You end your voyage in the town of Hornopirén at the foot of the volcano of the same name. After a farewell lunch with your crew you'll finish your Patagonia cruise and continue overland to Puerto Varas for the night.
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.
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 $400, 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 were referred by a satisfied client and the booking of the trip was everything we wanted to do, and they listened to the types of hotels, sightseeing, etc. we wanted to do.
Jan S
1 month ago
Rapa Nui was on my bucket list for a long time so I worried that it would not meet my expectations. Our tour could not have been better. Our guide was knowledgeable and professional with an understanding of the island that made it come alive. I would and have recommended this trip to everyone that will listen.
elisa wright
1 month ago
Mary Curry is the BEST! I have worked with her for multiple family trips for over 10 years, and she is responsive, works within your preferences and budget, has great suggestions and has personal travel experience at many of the locations. We prefer active family vacations and Adventure Life and Mary Curry make sure that is what we get!
Heather Spanbauer
1 month ago
My tour operator was helpful. Unfortunately she was unable to get my single-supplement canceled. Not too many tours charge for that anymore and I almost canceled my trip because of that.
Joel
2 months ago
Excellent communication and coordination for our proposed trip. It couldn't have been smoother, and any question we did have was rapidly addressed. It has made the whole process nearly seamless.
