Chile : Tours : Excursions and Rafting at the End of the World

In southern Chile, 50 km (31 mi) from Chaiten, in the Province of Palena (Region X), in the middle of the Patagonia, you will find Lake Yelcho with its cristal clear waters. It’s the paradise for lovers of fly-fishing and the outdoors, offering a beautiful variety of native wildlife, and fauna unique to the rest of the world. On the shores of the lake is the Hotel Yelcho, created for tose who like direct contact with the virgin nature of the area, from the peace and relaxation that is imposible to avoid, to the incredible fishing. The comfortable hotel was constructed with native woods, and includes cabanas and camping, with all the necessary conveniences to allow guests to enjoy their stay.

Day 1. Chaiten – Yelcho
Transfer from Chaiten to Yelcho in the Patagonia. Reception at the hotel, welcome cocktail and lunch. In the afternoon we will go about 6 km south to begin our excursion to the Yelcho Mountain top on a trail immersed in a temperate rain forest where Nalcas plant resembling giant rhubarb) and many birds fearlessly crossing the roads. In 1 hour we will get to the view point from where we will have a beautiful view of many water falls and the surrounding snow capped mountains in the background. Later, we will return to the Hotel. Dinner and accommodations.

Day 2. Yelcho – Pumalin
Breakfast. Leave the hotel for Caleta Gonzalo. About an hour and a half from the hotel we will find the Pumalin Park, where we will take the Thousand Year Old Alerces Trail, see the Escondidas Falls, and Tronador. At midday we will enjoy our box lunch. During the tour we will be able to see the Michinmahuida Volcano from different angles. In the afternoon we will return to the hotel, have dinner, and then go to bed.

Day 3. Yelcho – Ventisquero El Amarillo – Hot Springs
Breakfast. Today we will go to El Amarillo area, the southern access of the Pumalin Park, where we will take a trail to the Michinmahuida Volcano, that will take us into a forest where we may be able to see different birds, such as the Black Woodpecker, the Chucao Tapaculo, Guet-Guet, Ringed Kingfisher, and animals such as the Pudu (Chilean Mountain Goat), and the Otter. We will continue along the Amarillo River, crossing at two places to finally get to the base of the snow cap that falls from the peak of the volcano. On the return trip we will take a detour to El Amarillo Hot Springs to relax in the wonderful 55º C mineral waters, and ideal end to the day. Return to the hotel, dinner and accommodations.

Day 4. Yelcho – Futaleufu
Breakfast. This morning we will go to the Futaleufu. This is an impressive tour because of its valleys and the unstoppable river. When we get to the river we will prepare to go on a rafting adventure on the Espolon River. As an option we can do an excursion to the Huemule Reserve and El Pozon de los Reyes. We will have a box lunch during the day and on the return trip we will take a look at the beautiful panorama of the Yelcho Lake from the mouth of the Futaleufu River. Return to the hotel, dinner and accommodations.

Day 5. Yelcho – Chaiten
Breakfast and return to Chaiten. End of the program.

Included Excursions

Yelcho Glacier
The ancient glaciers and icebergs are without a doubt one of the most fascinating attractions in the Patagonia. Excursions are organized to the Yelcho Glacier for those who wish to visit. The journey begins with a hike through the cold jungle of evergreen, myrtle, maniu, and cinnamon trees and the region´s most common flora. We end at Yelcho Overlook, where vegetation reaches its border and you can see the majestic glacial wall and infinite cascades.

El Amarillo Galcier
30 km north of Yelcho in the Patagonia, 26 km south of Chaiten along the Austral Highway, you find the trail to the glacier. From here we begin a walk of approximately 10 km to the base of El Amarillo Glacier. During the walk it’s possible to see different birds such as the Black Woodpecker, the Chucao Tapaculo, the Guet-guet, and Ringed Kingfisher, among others. We will go to the base of the glacier, to its moraine (sediment left by the receding ice), where you will be able to see the marvelous glacier coming down from the Michinmahuida Volcano. This excursion takes about 6 hours walking.

Del Amarillo Hot Springs
After a tiring day of traveling there is nothing better to rejuvenate the body and spirit than enjoy a hot bath in the Amarillo Hot Springs. They are waters rich in minerals that spring from the Michimahuida Volcano.

The Program Includes

• Transfers from Chaiten and back.
• Full room and board.
• All excursions mentioned.

The Program does NOT Include

• Does not include Wines and Liquors.
  

Notes

• Prices in american dollars. No including tax.
• Fishing season is from October, 2007 to May, 2008.
• Program may suffer modifications according to climate conditions.