Chiloe
Archipelago, where the magic of traditional culture lives on.
Immerse yourself in the fascinating, cultural experience of Chiloe
Island as we glide silently through the mysterious byways of this
archipelago, where Spain once maintained its last stronghold of colonial
power in South America. Our sturdy kayaks emulate the spirit of the
fragile dalcas; in which the natives traveled many centuries ago.
Today there still vestiges of this original Araucanian way of life,
in harmonious combination with the influences of German immigrants
in the late 1800s and of modern-day Chile. On every lovely island
we visit, you'll see moss-covered old wooden churches gracing the
seaside, as well as palafitos (stilt houses) that are 20 feet and
more in the air when the tide is out, but nearly awash when it's in.
Savor a rich curanto and other typical cuisine to delight your palate.
Wander through the local market of Castro. What more can we say? This
is the opportunity of a lifetime to enjoy a fantastic adventure at
the other end of the Earth. |
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| DAY 01 CASTRO
- SEA KAYAKING LODGE |
| We meet
at noon in Castro, Chiloé, where we have lunch in a typical
restaurant in the port. After a visit to the handicraft market, we
depart for Altue's Sea Kayaking Lodge; near the town of Dalcahue.
For the rest of the afternoon we have kayak instruction and practice
in the smooth waters of the Dalcahue Channel. After dinner and a relaxing
bath in a wood-fired hot tub, overnight at the Altue's Sea Kayaking
Lodge. |
| DAY 02 DALCAHUE
- MECHUQUE ISLAND |
| This morning
we paddle to Dalcahue, San Javier in Quinchao island or depending
on the tides to Curaco de Vélez, we have lunch before embarking
by ferry for Mechuque Island. On arrival, we check into the guesthouse,
then take a walking tour through the village. We cross the picturesque
foot bridge over the inlet, and hike up to the vista point on the
hill to view other nearby islands of the Chauques group. |
| DAY 03
CHAUQUES ISLANDS |
| Today we
start early for a full day of kayaking among the islands of Añihué,
Taucolón, and Voigüe. At noon we find a quiet spot for
a picnic lunch. In the evening, the Mechuque guesthouse treats us
to a succulent curanto clambake, Chiloé's most typical dish.
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| DAY 04
MECHUQUE - DALCAHUE - CASTRO |
| At an early
hour we take our places on the ferry ramp to catch the boat for Dalcahue,
where we drive to Castro in time to make afternoon connections for
Santiago. Lunch not included. |
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Unscheduled departures (any date except
in holiday dates) at request
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US$
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INCLUDED :
- All transportation according to the itinerary, for round trip
Castro-Castro
- All meals from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 4
- One night at the Altue's Sea Kayaking Lodge including wood-fired
hot-tub facilities, and two nights in the Mechuque guest house
- Services of expert guides
- Fully equipped fiberglass sea kayaks with spray skirts, paddles
and accessories.
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NOT INCLUDED :
- Any type of insurance.
- Gratuities and personal extras as communication cost, laundry,
meals , drinks and transportation out of program and other personal
items.
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| DEGREE
OF DIFFICULTY AND PHYSICAL CONDITIONING: |
The trip is not especially rigorous and requires no prior experience
with kayaks. You must know how to swim and be in reasonably good physical
condition. 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 understands that during our
trip we may encounter variable weather and tidal conditions that will
require modifications in the itinerary. |
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