Your trip begins at your hotel (or the airport) in Puerto Montt with a jouney south along the coast of the Reloncaví Sound on the first section of the Southern Highway, the gravel road extending into Patagonia. Three hours of spectacular coastal and mountain scenery before we arrive in the volcano shadowed town of Hornopirén, where the fjords begin and road travel is impossible. Cahuella and her crew will take you through the majesty of the world-famous Patagonian fjords. Here you will witness the untouched wilderness of the steep glacier-topped Andes, old growth temperate rainforest and numerous hot springs that motivated American Conservationist Douglas Tompkins to preserve over 600,000 acres as South America's newest and largest private park project. Every afternoon we will drop anchor in protected bays and go ashore, sometimes to walk along the deserted beaches and other times to visit natural hot springs hidden in the native forest. Each evening, your talented cook will surprise you with delicacies made from the freshest local products from the sea and countryside.

Day 1- Hornopirén
This trip leaves Puerto Montt or Puerto Varas (or Airport) by land and follows the Carretera Austral, the only road that makes its way south along the ocean and into the forests and mountains of Patagonia to the town of Hornopirén. Just after mid-day we will meet Cahuella and her staff for a welcome lunch of the freshest products from the land and sea. In the afternoon we'll leave this outpost of civilization and cruise south into the remote wilds of the Pumalin Park Project and the silent majesty of the Quintupeu Fjord. Waterfalls cascade from the steep walls while the white trunks of the Alerce trees that line the high ridges glow when the sun shines. If the weather cooperates, we will spend the night tied to trees on the shore- something necessary in a fjord so deep that anchors do not reach the bottom! In the evening you will enjoy two new wonders: the Patagonian sunset and the fantastic pisco sours (national drink of Chile) that our local chef prepares.

Day 2- Cahuelmó
We'll cruise south during the morning to visit a remote sea lion colony- hundreds of South American Sea Lions on a rocky outcrop below steep forested walls sunning themselves and napping. The afternoon bringing us to the isolated fjord of Cahuelmó- a stunning area of waterfalls and majestic peaks where we will drop anchor and explore a land that has not changed for thousands of years. A zodiac ride will take us to the fjord's hidden treasure: the Baños de Cahuelmó, a group of hot spring pools carved in the rock by pre-hispanic fishermen at the water´s edge. There are few things more magical than soaking in the hot soothing waters in the perfect silence and beauty of a remote Patagonian fjord while the mists swirl in the dense green of the impenetrable forests. Another night of peace, beauty, fine food and true relaxation awaits.

Day 3 Huinay & Hot Springs
Further south we'll arrive at the small settlement of Huinay, where short walks in the massive valley are possible. The settlement has played an interesting role in the political history of the Pumalín Park Project and remains out of the park's jurisdiction, effectively splitting the northern and southern sections of the park in two. In the afternoon we'll make our way to one of the region's premiere treasures- a veritable stream of thermal water cascading through the ferns of the native forest and forming multiple pools. The experience and location of these hot springs are unforgettable. As usual, the comfort of Cahuella and her chef's gourmet treats await.

Day 4 Despedida (Goodbye)
After a relaxing breakfast, Cahuella will navigate up the Cholgo Channel towards the perfect forested cone of the Hornopirén Volcano (4800ft, 1572 meters), at the base of which lies the town of the same name. We will finish our Patagonian cruise at the ferry ramp, where the crew will join you for a farewell lunch before bidding you goodbye. Transport will take 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.

The Cahuella, is a 50 ft. (15 m) wooden motor cruiser made by craftsmen from the island of Chiloé and outfitted with the most modern navigation equipment. Her hull is made in the traditional fishing boat style of the region while her interior was specifically designed for the comfort and safety of her passengers. She features 4 twin berth cabins, 2 fully equipped heads, a spacious living area with large windows, 7-foot ceilings (2.2 m), a talented cook, bilingual guide, and large zodiac boat for shore landings.

Characteristics

The Program Includes:

• Round Trip Transport from Puerto Montt
• Accommodation in double cabin
• All gourmet meals, pastries, snacks prepared by talented chef
• Fine Chilean wines and special pisco sours
• Educational day tours by zodiac inflatable boat (40 HP)
• Professional bilingual guides at all times on board
• Entrances to Hot Springs
  

Notes

Ask about others programs.

Departures

Ask about departure dates.

Rates

Rates per passenger.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations must be written, specifying the cause and assuming responsibility of the corresponding penalty. Once the reservation has been confirmed by Gotolatin, the following charges will apply for cancellations made by the passenger, according to the program departure date:

• Between 45 and 30 working days before the beginning of the Cruise:
  40% of total program value per passenger.
• Between 30 and 15 working days before the beginning of the Cruise:
  70% of total program value per passenger.
• Between 15 and 0 working days before the beginning of the program: No refund.
• There are no refunds for portions of the program not used, hotel accommodations, etc.
• We recommend considering Travel Insurance for any reason.