Magestic
Andean peaks, primeval temperate rain forest and hot springs
Come join us for an unforgettable adventure in the magnificent fjords
of Comau, Quintupeu and Cahuelmó, on the eastern side of the
Gulf of Ancud, where wild mountain cliffs soar out of the dark waters
to touch the sky. See spectacular glacial valleys, primeval temperate
rainforests, and numerous kinds of marine wildlife, including dolphins,
sea lions, penguins and other sea birds. Smack your lips over fresh
salmon steaks, or steamed shellfish gathered from the cliffs at low
tide, all prepared by our cook in the miniature galley of our picturesque
support vessel. Watch the sunset on the peaks as you relax in hot
pools. Spread your sleeping bag under the diamond stars of the Southern
Cross. Words alone, simply cannot express the unique beauty and variety
of this majestic land. |
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| DAY
01 PUERTO MONTT - HORNOPIREN - QUINTUPEU FJORD |
| Puerto
Montt is the gateway to northern Patagonia and marks the point from
where the mainland starts breaking apart into thousand of nameless
islands, channels, fjords and lush temperate forests that plunge into
Pacific Ocean. From here we drive down the Southern Highway crossing
the Reloncaví Estuary to Hornopirén and board our 50
foot vessel to sail around deer island, stopping for lunch in a nice
cove. We will continue navigating south, through the Comau Channel
and getting into Quintupeu Fjord, where the German battleship Dresden
hid out during World War I. The sheer slopes, cut by countless waterfalls
tumbling off the heights, are covered with lush vegetation that hangs
over our heads. At high tide we will get right into the end of this
fjord with our motorized dinghy and hike up, following a pristine
river surrounded by mountains. As night comes on, and depending on
weather conditions we will set up the campsite at the end of the fjord.
(L. D.) |
| DAY
02 CAHUELMO FJORD |
| Today we
will navigate south through the main Comau Fjord and thereafter to
Cahuelmo Fjord. At the entrance, we pause to watch a colony of sea
lions at play. We don’t stop for long though, because we want
to reach the far end of Cahuelmo and start a 4-5 hours round trip
hike to the hidden Abascal Lagoon placed on an impressive granite
cirque. The trail borders the Cahuelmo River and crosses exuberant
native forests. After this hike we take a relaxing dip in natural
hot spring beautifully nestled inside Pumalin Natural Reserve and
consists of various rustic tubs carved into shell rock at open air.
We set our campsite in a nice beach near the end of the fjord. (B,
L, D.) |
| DAY
03 HUINAY - PORCELANA |
| We reach
open sea again and navigate south through Comau Fjord, aiming the
fishing village of Huinay in the eastern side. The route is highlighted
with the encounter of rich marine life: dolphins, sea lions, penguins,
cormoran and many other birds. From this village we will enjoy a hike
through a beautiful glacial valley. Then cutting straight across the
main fjord we will get to Porcelana where we pitch camp in a lush
green pasture and head for the tidal pools of hot water surrounded
by magnificent scenery. (B.L. D.) |
| DAY
04 VODUDAHUE RIVER - LEPTEPU |
| Today we
will explore the end of Comau fjord to Leptepu and the tidal lagoon,
rich in bird life. Then navigating in our motor dinghy, we will continue
upstream the Vodudahue River following the route that was once thought
to lead to the lost City of the Cesars. This legend brought here intrepid
adventurers from Europe by the end of last century unproved the legend
to be a myth. There will be time to walk away of the river shore and
explore the pristine forest. By the evening return to Porcelana to
soak at the most extraordinary hot springs by this latitude and spend
the night camping after a farewell barbecue amused by typical songs
of southern Chile. (B.L.D.) |
| DAY
05 HORNOPIREN - PUERTO MONTT |
| Early this
morning we board our vessel to navigate north up Comau Fjord to Hornopirén
(4 hours). Here our van is waiting to drive back to Puerto Montt in
time to catch the evening flight or bus to Santiago. (B. L.) |
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November 15
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January & February at request
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March 26
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INCLUDED :
- All transportation according to the itinerary, for round trip
Puerto Montt-Puerto Montt
- All meals from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 5
- Services of an expert bilingual guides and support personnel,
in the vessel
- 50-foot motorized support wooden vessel, typical from Chiloe
Island, including a motorized dinghy (15 HP) for land approaches
- Full camping gear, except for personal sleeping bag and pad
- Fees to all hot springs.
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NOT INCLUDED :
- Any kind of insurance
- Medical expenses
- Gratuities and personal extras as communication cost, laundry,
meals and drinks not stipulated in the program and other personal
items.
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| The
trip is not especially rigorous. You must be in reasonably good physical
condition and a positive attitude towards open-air activities is very
important. This is a trip for the person who enjoys participative
tourism in a natural setting, and who understand that during our trip
we may encounter variable weather and tidal conditions that will require
modifications in the itinerary. |
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