Chile : Tours : Austral Road

From a tourist point of view, the Austral Road has become one of Chile’s most significant attractions, since it allows access to a territory that still leaves much to be discovered: the Northern Patagonia. This region embraces large expanses of cold forests, national parks, glaciers, immense ice fields, lagoons, fjords, rivers and lakes. It is the ideal area for adventure tourism, fishing, hiking, extreme sports, kayaking, rafting and wild flora and fauna observation.

Day 01: Puerto Montt - Chaitén -Yelcho Lake
Welcome upon arrival at the airport in Puerto Montt and transfer to the catamaran that will take us to Chaiten. Welcome and box lunch or lunch at an eatery in Chaiten. Excursion to Pumalin Park. In the afternoon, transfer to the hotel at Yelcho Lake where you will receive a cocktail drink with your welcome. Dinner and accommodations.

Day 02: Yelcho Lake
Breakfast. Excursion to Yelcho Glacier. Box lunch en route. Return to the hotel for dinner and a peaceful night's rest.

Day 03: Yelcho Lake - Futaleufu
Breakfast. Set out on an excursion towards Futaleufu. Box Lunch along the shore of the river. Reception in El Barranco hotel in Futaleufu. Welcome drink, dinner, and accommodations.

Day 04: Futaleufu
Early breakfast. Head out towards Las Escalas Valley. We will hike towards Pozón de los Reyes and el Cañon del Infierno (Hell Canyon) bordering the Futaleufu river. Box lunch along the shores of the river. Return to hotel in the afternoon. Dinner and accommodations.

Day 05: Futaleufu -Risopatrón Lake
Breakfast. Head out on an excursion towards the Risopatrón Lake. Box lunch en route. Welcome in El Pangue Hotel and a free afternoon to take a dip in the heated pool or enjoy the sauna, jacuzzi, and game room. Dinner and a restful sleep.

Day 06: Risopatrón Lake
Breakfast. Take a stroll along the Risopatrón river trail (1.8 miles) to admire the native flora and fauna. Lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a motorboat ride in the Risopatrón Lake. You have the rest of the afternoon and evening free to bathe in the heated pool or play a game of pool. Dinner and accommodations.

Day 07: Risopatrón Lake- Coyhaique
Breakfast. Participate in an excursion towards Coyhaique. During the tour you will be able to visit Queulat National Park, its glacier and the little town of Puyuhuapi. Lunch en route. Reception in the hotel in Coyhaique. Dinner and a good night's sleep.

Day 08: Coyhaique - Balmaceda
Breakfast. Transfer to Balmaceda Airport. You must coordinate your return flight so that it departs in the afternoon, in order to arrive to the airport on time.

Included Excursions

Austral Road
The Austral is a touristy mountain road that starts in Puerto Montt and goes farther than 1240 km / 770 miles, crossing the Andes mountains various times, going along the shore and the fjords of Eastern Patagonia, through the evergreen forests, near the numerous glaciers, bi-national lakes, and snow drifts of the Northern and Southern Ice Fields, to finally end up at Villa O´Higgins near the Southern Ice Fields. The route connects Chile Austral with the Route 40, Chaltén, Calafate, and Torres del Paine through Argentinean territory.

Pumalín Park
The next day we will visit the honey factory belonging to Pumalín Park Project. The environment is amazing: the dense forest and the snow surrounding the calm waters of the estuary with a scheme of neatly organized beehives, woodworking shop, and organic gardens. After our visit we will walk about 3 hours towards the east on a deserted gravel road in the forest connecting the two fjords. Once we get to the Comao fjord, the Cahuella fjord awaits us with refreshments and an excursion towards the north to visit some hidden hot springs.

Risopatrón Lake
The Risopatrón Lake is located between Chaitén and Coyhaique. It's a long lake that narrows in the middle, its hilly riverbanks drop sharply, leaving no room for beaches. Its name is in memory of the geographer Luis Rosopatrón, who surveyed this land for the settlers.

Futaleufu
Futaleufu, which in the Mapuche tongue means "big river" is a picturesque location between the Andes Mountains at 350 meters above sea level, and the Argentinean border, 10 km to the west. This place enchants anyone who comes to visit by its numerous natural attractions. Among the activities that can be done, rafting and kayaking are definite highlights because of the classification of being among the top three rivers in the world according to the experts. It is an excellent place for adventure sports.
Nevertheless, other outdoor recreational activities can also be enjoyed such as horse back riding and walks along different trails, mountain biking, floating and canoeing in the Espolón River, canyoning in the ravines and canyons (a relatively new sport originating in France), sea kayaking in different lakes, fly fishing, mountaineering, and wildlife observation. Photography Safaris can be organized for the areas surrounding the communities and to places almost unexplored or the opportunity can be taken to visit the Futaleufu National Reserve, created for the protection of the Mountain Cypress (Austrocedrus chilensis) and the Guemal (a member of the deer family)

The Program Includes

• All transportation and transfer services.
• Accommodations.
• Full board.
• Indicated excursions.

Notes

• The level of demand for this program is low.

Requirements

The program is applicable for a minimum of 2 passengers.

Suggestions

Each passenger should consider bringing along the following articles of clothing for the excursions:

• Clothing for cold days (parka, fleece, hat)
• Clothing for warmer days (windbreaker, shirt)
• Hiking shoes.
• Sunglasses with UV filter.