Magic of Chiloé and the northern Pumalin fjords
We cruise in style to the remotest parts of Patagonia.
We sail away from civilisation to watch sea lions play and visit UNESCO world heritage sites.
There are walking tours to villages which can only be reached by sea, to a land that time forgot.
If you are looking for a shorter trip, we also have a 4 day cruise.
Itinerary details
Day 1
The Big Island of Chiloé
Leaving in the morning from Puerto Montt or Puerto Varas (or airport), we take the open air ferry across the Chacao Channel to the island of Chiloé Grande, famous for its mythology, culture, wildlife, plantlife and spectacular seafood. We visit the bustling seaside city of Ancud and have a tea and kuchen (a traditional German cake) overlooking the bay while your bilingual guide explains the history and culture of the area.
Afterwards, we head west through the verdant countryside as we pass forests and rolling hills. Pastures and farms dot the way, where every morning and afternoon tin milk jugs await pickup by the local cheese factory. Our destination is the rugged Pacific coast and the island penguin colony of Puñihuíl. This group of small islands offers the only place in the world where Humbolt and Magallanic penguins coexist- a very important area for the Chilean conservation movement.
Later in the afternoon we travel south to stop into a country farm house for dinner. The hospitality of Maria Luisa Maldonado and her husband Hardi Dimter offers a unique view into the island way of life. Afterwards, we continue to the village of Quemchi, where we check into comfortable cabins perched on a hill overlooking the waters of the Quemchi Canal- a perfect place to relax and absorb the beauty of Chiloé.
Day 2
Chiloé by Sea
Upon rising we make our way to the colorful wharf of Quemchi where lovely Cahuella will be at anchor for breakfast. After a brief introduction and a tour of the boat, we set sail out of the channel and into the Chiloé Archipelago.
Numerous islands fill the foreground, shimmering green amidst the blue waters, while the snowcapped peaks of the Andes complete the background. We drop anchor in the protected bay of Mechuque Island, where traditional palafitos (wooden houses built on stilts with boat parking underneath) and the quaint village make for a wonderful afternoon walk. This traditional island is fantastic for photography and experiencing local life first-hand.
In the evening, you have the opportunity to taste an expertly made pisco sour (the national drink) and enjoy two new wonders: the Chiloé sunset and the wonders of the gourmet cuisine your chef creates from the freshest local produce and seafood.
Day 3
Archipelago
After a breakfast of fresh fruit, bread, jams, local yogurt and more, we begin cruising amidst the numerous islands of the Archipelago. Our navigation will take us to the quaint village of Tenaún, whose hand-crafted 140 year old wooden church is a UNESCO World Heritage site (along with 15 others) and an impressive monument to the region’s missionary past.
The rest of the day is spent immersed in the marine culture of the archipelago: visiting small islands, taking short walks and pulling up to local fishing boats not only to observe their work firsthand, but also to taste the freshness of their catch only moments out of the water! In the afternoon we cruise to a protected anchorage at a remote outer island to prepare for our early crossing of the Gulf the following day.
Day 4
Pumalín Park
Early in the morning we cross the Gulf of Ancud to the Comáo Fjord, below the steep forested walls of the Andes Mountains. The silence and isolation of the Cahuelmó fjord, deep in the heart of the Pumalín Park Project will be our destination. We’ll adventure on a short forest walk to a virgin waterfall cascading from the glacial heights above- the only way to fully appreciate the denseness of the area’s rainforest. Countless waterfalls tumble into the calm waters of the fjord and make one feel as if in a land that time forgot.
Sunset on deck is a magical experience of the majesty of the area’s untouched natural beauty. Fine food, good company and excellent Chilean wine always await you later below deck.
Day 5
Pumalín Park- Hidden Hot Springs
After a quiet night sleep we dedicate the day to visiting some of the remote settlements along the Comáo fjord, taking walks in a remote valley and learning more about the Pumalín Park Project. The massive peaks of the Andes covered with glaciers loom overhead the deep waters of the fjord.
In the afternoon we drop anchor and take a short walk into the forest for an unforgettable natural mineral bath. There is little that compares to soaking in completely natural hot springs in the stunning beauty of the Patagonian fjords. Later, upon returning to Cahuella, your chef has a fine gourmet surprise waiting for you.
Day 6
Hornopirén- Despedida
In the morning we cruise up the Cholgo Channel towards the perfect, forested cone of the Hornopirén Volcano (4800ft, 1572 metres), at the base of which lies the town of the same name. We finish our Patagonian cruise at the ferry ramp, where the crew join you for a farewell lunch before bidding you goodbye. Transport takes you up and over the mountains on the lovely journey back to Puerto Montt and the human hum of civilization- a 3 ½ hour drive amidst the rugged beauty of the Carretera Austral (Southern Highway).
What’s included
Cruise, food and water on board, excursions as listed, park entry fees, tourist tax and transfers as listed
Not included
Domestic or international flights (please ask for prices), insurance, tips, personal items
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