LAKES & GLACIERS

Amazon Adventures

Chile

Classic Chile / Santiago area / Patagonia / Lake District
Easter Island / Biking / Atacama Desert / Expedition Cruises
Fiord Cruises / Treks / Multisport / Sea Kayaking / Hacienda Life

LAKES & GLACIERS

The Austral Road starts South of Puerto Montt and makes it way through gigantic fiords for over one thousand kilometers. It is the place where the glaciers born in the Andes come to die. The famous ice- field spreading from Coihaique to Tortel fades away in Mount St Valentin (4,058m) near the well known Saint Rafael Lagoon. Further South this land is virtually unexplored. It is a region which has been recently opened to tourism and which we will discover with this roundtrip. We will discover really superb landscapes: abundant wild vegetation, suspended glaciers caressing the end of valleys, fiords, thermal waters and lakes surrounded in some cases by small fishermen villages. We will overnight in nice hotels and fisherman lodges. By plane, by car or by boat, this roundtrip reveals new horizons to us.

DAY 1: (SANTIAGO) - PUERTO MONTT - CHAITEN - EL AMARILLO
Reception at Puerto Montt airport. Connecting flight to Chaiten, a fishermen village located at the beginning of the Austral Road. We take the car and start our trip southbound. Visit of El Amarillo hot springs where we spend the night in a lodge. (L)

DAY 2: EL AMARILLO - PUYUHUAPI
Our trip continues down the Austral Road. A multitude of lakes and mountains captivate our sight. Spectacular hanging glaciers crawl down the bottom of green valleys. Possibility to trek to the base of one of them. Arrival at Puyuhuapi, where we take a boat to see the famous Puyuhuapi hot springs. Overnight in a lovely hotel and resort. (CB,L)

DAY 3: PUYUHUAPI-FJORDO QUEULAT
Full day excursion to Ventisquero Colgante (hanging glacier). Short trek to a glacier, in the Queulat National Park and/or rest in the resort that offers various alternatives of activities. Short transfer to Queulat fiord hostel. Hotel (cabañas). (CB,L)

DAY 4: FJORDO QUEULAT - COIHAIQUE
We head straight southbound on this winding road. Forests, lakes and valleys with green prairies are our scenery. Then, we reach Coihaique, the capital of this region. Transfer to the hotel. (CB,L)

DAY 5: COIHAIQUE - TERRA LUNA
The landscape slowly changes. The dense forests are replaced by rocky peaks with barren slopes and hundreds year old glaciers. We reach the shore of Lake General Carrera, the second biggest lake in South America. We do an excursion (if possible) to “Capilla de Marmol” (marble chapel), a natural marvel, a cave carved by quiet water. We keep going southbound to reach Puerto Guadal, where we spend the night in Terra Luna lodge which has a spectacular view on the lake. (CB,L)

DAY 6: TERRA LUNA
Trekking in the surroundings Terra Luna. We have an incredible view on the surrounding mountains and the lake. It is also possible to enjoy one of the numerous activities (optional) the area offers (mountain-biking, horseback riding, fishing, boating, etc...). We can also organize a fabulous flight (optional) over the northern icecap mountain range and to the famous Saint Rafael Lagoon. This is a real experience, do not miss it. Overnight in Puerto Guadal. (CB,L)

DAY 7: TERRA LUNA - COCHRANE
Our trip continues southbound. We follow the Baker River, a paradise for fishermen. We arrive at Cochrane. In the afternoon, we go up to the Huemul reserve where we do a magnificent walk and try to take a picture of this beautiful animal. Back to Cochrane. Overnight in a hotel. (CB,L)

DAY 8: COCHRANE - TORTEL
We follow the last section of the Austral Road to Vagabundo area. The landscapes are absolutely wild and unexplored. Then we continue our drive to Caleta Tortel. No words can describe the unique experience of discovering a village cuddled between the ocean and the hills. Tortel is an amazing village. There are neither streets nor cars but Tortel keeps a special atmosphere. Overnight in a guesthouse in Tortel (CB,L)

DAY 9: TORTEL - TERRA LUNA
We return to Terra Luna. Transfer to the hotel. (CB,L)

DAY 10: TERRA LUNA - COIHAQUE - COIHAIQUE - (SANTIAGO)
We drive to Chile Chico alongside Lake General Carrera. We take a small plane to Balmaceda (or Coihaique) and take our connecting flight back to Santiago. (CB)

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
The flights Puerto Montt-Chaiten and Tortel-Coihaique are done with small planes that offer regular services. These flights are included in the price of the program. We must respect their flight schedules. Any flight cancellation for climatic or technical reasons or any extra costs must be paid by the passenger himself.

Fixed Departure Dates: 2007 - Jan. 13, Feb. 24, March 17, April 7, May 5, June 2

Fixed Departure Prices: US$2430 each for 2, US$1940 each for 3-5, US$1680 each for 6-12. Single supplement is $440.

Private departures are available