This itinerary can be organised at any time for private groups or join one of our group departures.
Cutting deep into the granite peaks of the coastal Andes, the Quintupeu, Cahuelmó and Comau Fjords that make up the Pumalín National Park provide the most spectacular sea kayaking experience in Northern Patagonia. Hot springs, sea lion and dolphin colonies, lush temperate rainforest and hundreds of cascading waterfalls are all features of our journey.
Our trip starts from Puerto Varas, a city located 1,000 km south of Santiago. We will travel through the Northern Austral Highway, with it's picturesque fishermen's villages and we will cross the Reloncaví Estuary by ferry here at the first fiord of Patagonia.
You can also kayak for 4 days, 6 days or in Paine.
Itinerary
Day 1
Meet in Puerto Varas, trip explanation. Drive to Carretera Austral and camp at Comau Fiord
At 11:00 you meet at the hotel El Greco in Puerto Varas. You receive a complete explanation of the trip, its logistics, how to use the radios, flares, satellite phones, etc, as well as information about the tides and winds and their influence in our navigation, potential hazzards, rescue procedures, isolation terms etc. At 16.00 at the same hotel and drive for about 5 hours and use the ferry boat to cross the Reloncaví Fiord, the first fiord of Patagonia. Cntinue south until the town of Hornopirén, and from there driving on a very bad road, surrounded by cliffs to the campsite at Comau Fiord.
Day 2
Technique practice, Llancahue island and its hot springs. Camp at Comau Fiord
After breakfast, start with an intense general sea kayak practice of paddling strokes and rescue techniques, and then practice in the sea. You head to LLancahue Island (if the weather allows) and enjoy hot springs on the shore of the Pacific.
Return to the continent and enjoy a delicious lunch with the locals. After lunch, hike to explore the area and return for dinner with the colono´s family . We discuss our logistics and prepare for the expedition.
Day 3
Quintupeu fiord and Pumalin Park
Head for the Comau fiord and after a few hours of paddling, the Quintupeu fiord appears. At the entrance of this fiord is where a German ship was hidden during WWI. This area is known as Pumalín Park...one of the largest, untouched private parks in the world. There are huge waterfalls coming directly to the sea, dense vegetation everywhere, enormous walls disappearing into the water.
At the entrance we take a short hike. You walk upstream to reach the place where the waterfall starts. At the end of the fiord there is a river which you can try to explore by kayak, depending on the tide. At night, camp with a marvellous view of the Andes.
Day 4
Ancud Gulf and Cahuelmo hot springs
Very early, you start paddling again. This section is a bit more exposed, although still inside the fiord. After 2 hours, you see an island in the distance and the Ancud Gulf behind it. You are continuously paddling close to the coast until the entrance of the next fiord. As you enter the fiord, there is a colony of sea lions. Pass by without making a noise so as to get close and take pictures without bothering them.
The best of the day is yet to come. There is not much further to paddle so the pace is slow and affords the opportunity to explore the walls of the fiord and are rewarded with the Cahuelmó hot springs at the end of the fiord.
Enjoy the sunset with a glass of wine and a camera in hand. Campsite.
Day 5
Hike to Abascal Lake
After breakfast, it’s a hike to Abascal lake on a faint trail in the thick vegetation. You have to cross some branches of the river and walk with the tides in mind because otherwise the sea will cover the path back. This walk is into an untouched area where few people have been before. We return in time for lunch and for a relaxing bath at Cahuelmo Hot springs. Campsite
Day 6
Huinay
Very early in the morning, with the tide in mind and before the wind appears, you start paddling at Comau fjords heading for the settlement of Huinay. Here, a campsite is established and you visit the town and some local fishermen friends.
Day 7
Rainforest walk
Paddle to the west shore of the Comau fiord and then trek in a rainforest jungle. Giant trees, dense vegetation, amazing views, cliffs, suspended local bridges and much more. Return in the afternoon to the campsite in the west shore. Dinner with Colonos family.
Day 8
Porcelana hot springs
Navigation to the hot waters of a river known as Porcelana hot springs. This is a special creek of natural hot water emerging from the temperate rain forest. Campsite.
Day 9
Vodudahue river
Waiting for the high tide, you start out in the sea kayaks to explore Vodudahue river. This is a totally different landscape but our trip’s logistics may vary depending on the amount of rainfall at the time. Campsite.
Day 10
Leptepu fiorder
Start paddling before the wind starts, passing by beautiful snow covered peaks, until the end of Comau fiord. At this point, the Leptepu fiord appears to the left with its tropical forest. Hiking to explore the area. Campsite.
Day 11
Return to Puerto Varas
Early in the morning the local support boat appears. You stop for a great lunch with a fisherman family. After lunch, you are driven to your hostel in Puerto Varas.
Day 12
Transfer to Puerto Montt airport for flight home.
End of services.
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