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Home > Destinations > South
America > Chile > Patagonian Passage: Parque Pumalin & Llanada Grande
Patagonian Passage: Parque Pumalin & Llanada Grande
Explore the wilds of Patagonia as we navigate and hike among the myriad fjords and densely forested, snow-capped mountains of Parque Pumalin and Llanada Grande in the Gulf of Ancud. We voyage aboard the 50-ft Cahuella, an 8 passenger wooden motor yacht perfectly designed to explore the rugged mountain coasts of Parque Pumalin and the picturesque fishing villages on remote Chiloe Island. Explore misty fjords and hike to thermal streams pouring out of the sheer mountains into rocky pools perfect for relaxing soaks. Expect to see dolphins, sea lions, and myriad sea birds such as penguins, petrals, cormorants, albatross, and more. Overnights are in comfortable quarters onboard Cahuella and rustic cabins on Chiloe and in Llanada Grande. Meals are a delectable array of organic produce and seafood fresh from the land and waters of this veritable maritime Eden.
DAY 1 : SANTIAGO
Morning arrival in Santiago and transfer to our hotel. In the afternoon take a historic tour of Santiago including the Presidential Palace, "Plaza de Armas" historic square, the Cathedral, the National History Museum, and the Santa Lucia hilltop where the Spanish founded Santiago in 1541. Overnight Hotel Plaza San Francisco.
DAY 2 : SANTIAGO / PUERTO MONTT
Return to the airport for our early morning flight to Puerto Montt in the beautiful Chilean lakes district. Transfer in to the charming city of Puerto Varas founded by German settlers in the 19th century. Drive among avenues of well-kept gardens to our water front hotel overlooking Lake Llanquihue and the imposing Osorno Volcano looming in the horizon. We visit Petrohu Falls, dine in a rustic lakeside cafe and hike in Vicente Prez Rosales National Park. Trek through the native forest to Laguna Verde (Green Lagoon) in the ancient forests of Coigues to the La Burbuja Crater for a panoramic view of the Petrohue Valley and on to the Osorno Glacier, one of the most breathtaking views in the area. Enjoy a welcome sunset reception with Chilean wine and hor doeuvres at the lovely Kingfisher Lodge with our local host. Overnight at Hotel Cabanas del Lago or similar. [BL]
DAY 3 : LLANADA GRANDE
This morning we begin traveling along the Carretera Austral, Chile's equivalent of the Alaskan Highway. The route takes us south along the Reloncav Sound passing picturesque fishing villages to La Arena Cove. Here a ferry carries us across the Fjord of Reloncav into the region of northern Patagonia. Approaching the Andes, we enter the steep-walled valley of the Puelo River that originates in Argentina. Heading upstream, we reach Lake Tagua Tagua, which we cross in another ferry. From here we follow a new road built to allow access to pioneer settlements in this isolate region. We visit the Llanada Grande Falls that cascade from an impressive height down a vertical rock face. We also take time to paddle a canoe on Lake Totoral. A comfortable cabin awaits us, along with a hearty Patagonian meal. Overnight King Fisher Lodge. [BLD]
DAY 4 : LAGO AZUL
A full day of hiking or horseback riding to Lake Azul, a cobalt blue lake surrounded by high mountains, enjoying a picnic lunch along the way. We return to our cabin in the late afternoon, where a traditional Patagonian style barbecue awaits us. Overnight King Fisher Lodge. [BLD]
DAY 5 : OSORNO VOLCANO
We return through the beautiful Puelo River Valley to the Fjord of Reloncav, then head north to Cocham, a town frequented by Butch Cassidy during the period he tried to go straight as a cattle rancher in Argentina. This town was a stopover on the route he and Sundance followed to sell their cattle in Puerto Montt. We stop here for lunch at Campo Aventura. After lunch we continue north to Petrohue where we ascend the Osorno Volcano for a breath-taking panorama of the Chilean Lakes District. Return to Puerto Varas for the night. [BLD]
DAY 6 : CHILOE
Transfer to the open air ferry crossing the Gulf of Ancud to the big island of Chiloe, a stronghold of mystical traditions and folklore. We stop to visit the bustling city of Ancud, its local open-air market, and have a tea and kuchen (a traditional German cake) overlooking the bay. We head west through the verdant countryside, past forests and rolling hills along the rugged Pacific coast to the island penguin colony of Puihuil, the only place in the world where Humbolt and Magellanic penguins coexist. We make our way down the Panamerican Highway before taking a detour into the countryside for dinner with a local family at their farmhouse, experiencing the famous island hospitality and delicious local dishes. Overnight in cozy cabins overlooking the waters of the Quemchi Channel. [BLD]
DAY 7 : CHILOE BY SEA
We board the lovely Cahuella and set sail into Chiloe Archipelago. Numerous islands fill the foreground, shimmering green amidst the blue waters, while the snowcapped peaks of the Andes cap the picture. Watch for petrals, grebes, cormorants and other seabirds, as well as dolphins playing in Cahuellas wake. We drop anchor in the protected bay of Mechuque Island, where traditional palafitos (wooden houses built on stilts with boats underneath) and the quaint village make for a wonderful afternoon walk. A visit to a nearby family and their small seafood farm nestled among the inlets of the channel offers a view into the lives of the independent Chilotes (native island residents). This evening, enjoy an expertly made pisco sour and soak up the Chiloe sunset while dining on the freshest local produce and seafood. Overnight onboard Cahuella. [BLD]
DAY 8 : CRUISING THE ARCHIPELAGO
Today we cruise amidst the numerous islands of the archipelago. Our navigation takes us to the picturesque village of Tenan, whose hand-crafted 140 year old wooden church is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and an impressive monument to the regions missionary past. The rest of the day will be spent immersed in the marine culture of the archipelago: visiting small islands, taking hikes and pulling up to local fishing boats at work to observe their activities firsthand, and buy some of their fresh catch only moments out of the water! In the afternoon we navigate to a protected anchorage at a remote outer island. Overnight onboard Cahuella. [BLD]
DAY 9 : PUMALIN PARK
We set out early across the Gulf of Ancud towards the glacier topped Andes. Accompanied by a wide variety of sea birds, dolphins and sea lions, we cruise to the Comao Fjord and the virgin beauty of the Pumalin National Park Project- brainchild of American conservationist Douglas Tompkins. Our ultimate destination is Cahuelmo Fjord, deep in the heart of Pumalin Park. Dozens of waterfalls tumble out of the sheer walls as we hike further into the virgin forest. We return to Cahuella in time to enjoy the sunset and dinner with fine Chilean wines. Overnight onboard Cahuella. [BLD]
DAY 10 : PUMALIN AND HIDDEN HOT SPRINGS
Todays hike takes us to remote settlements where we learn more about the Pumalin Park Project, dedicated to preserving this pristine natural environment and developing sustainable practices in small-scale organic agriculture. This afternoon, Cahuella drops anchor in a hidden fjord as we hike into the forest to a thermal stream which forms a number of hot pools beneath the glacier-shrouded peaks. Following a relaxing soak surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, we return to Cahuella for a gourmet dinner, wine and peaceful overnight. [BLD]
DAY 11 : HORNOPIREN/PUERTO MONTT/SANTIAGO
Cruise up the Cholgo Channel toward the Hornopiren Volcano (4800 ft) looming on the horizon. Our idyllic voyage ends at the ferry ramp in the town of Hornopiren where we enjoy a farewell lunch with our crew of the Cahuella. Board a van for the 3.5 hour return trip over the mountains to Puerto Montt. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Santiago. Overnight in Santiago. [BL]
DAY 12 : SANTIAGO/DEPART
Your day is free in Santiago to explore on foot, or venture out of the city to enjoy a picnic lunch and winery tour (please book in advance, additional cost). Evening airport transfer to your international departure. [B]
| - Prices, Departure Dates and Included Services - |
Days: 12 | Grade: I-II, Hiking, small yacht (click for grades definition) | | | | | 2008 Departure Dates | 2009 Departure Dates | | | (Please call for availability) | (Please call for availability) |
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| | | Included: Services as specified in the itinerary above include accommodations; English-speaking expert guides and excursions; park fees, airport-hotel transfers, land and boat transportation; meals as specified [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner], services of in-bound land operator for airline reconfirmation and tour operations, and Wildland Adventures travel consultation and pre-departure services. | | | Not Included: Services unless specified in the itinerary above such as domestic and international air transportation and airport taxes; tips and gratuities; optional or suggested services that are on your own; insurance of any kind; personal expenses; extra beverages and alcoholic drinks; medical costs; and hospitalization and evacuation and any other extra expenses due to unanticipated changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond control. It is recommended to carry about $300-$500 extra cash (must be in local currency or US dollars cash, not travelers checks nor credit cards) to cover any fees, taxes, tips and meals not included in your itinerary. Meals, souvenirs and other local and personal expenses not specified in the above itinerary are also not included.
Continental breakfasts are usually included at hotels in major cities. All other meals are not included unless otherwise specified in your itinerary. Always carry enough change for airport departure taxes ($18 international and around $5 local, as well as a special $131 fee for American citizens to enter Chile). Advance visas are not required for US citizens.
| | | Trip Notes: Air supplement is subject to availability and confirmation of coach class tickets. Additional fees for full fare or business class seats may be applicable. Wildland Adventures, Inc. arranges your trip utilizing the travel services of local in-country ground operators who are independent contractors. These local outfitters, lodges, hotels and other suppliers of your travel services will make every effort to conduct this trip as described in the itinerary. During your stay in the Lakes District and onboard Cahuella, there may be some variations in the local tours depending on weather and local schedules. It is possible that due to transportation schedule changes, weather, delays and unforeseeable acts of God, humans or nature, this itinerary may vary from what is described. Participants must assume all risks whether identified in advance or unforeseen. Extra costs due to unexpected changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control are not included. We highly recommend purchasing travelers insurance for trip delay, trip cancellation, baggage, accident or sickness. Representatives are available for assistance at any time during your trip. If preferred hotels are not available, every attempt will be made to reserve alternative accommodations of similar quality. (If upgrade is necessary, higher rates may apply.) All information and services provided are subject to our Reservation Form Terms and Conditions. | |
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