The Fjords of Chilean Patagonia
International Journeys > Chile
Pumalin Park, Chile
6-Days
December 2007 - March, 2008
Current Dates: 12/17/07-12/22/07
Pricing: 2-3 people: $1890, 4-8 people: US $1670
Sea Kayaking Chile's Unique Protected Fjords:
- Inspiring sea kayaking supported by traditional mother ship
- Rustic and natural hot springs
- Wetland estuary hikes
- 1 night island family hospedaje
- 4 nights camping
Chilean Patagonia is an area of striking volcanic mountains plunging abruptly into deep
glacier carved fjords surrounded by lush Valdivian Coastal Temperate Rain Forest. Some 700,000 acres of this region has been designated Pumalin Park, a
private protected area in the process of becoming a Nature Sanctuary. Tourism is in its infancy
in the park, permitting us to enjoy it as part of a small first generation of visitors to experience paddling it.
Our 6 day kayaking journey begins at the fishing outpost of Hornopirén at the northern entrance to Pumalin Park, leading us along the Comau Fjord to Porcelana Hot Springs. We will ride the tidal flow 50-70 miles through the glacier fed waterways bordering the shores of uninhabited forested islands.
As a result of the volcanic formation of the area we are lucky enough to relax in natural hot springs most evenings, including the stone pools of the famous Cahuelmó hot springs. In the following days we will paddle slipping in and out of quiet protected fjords, up to meet fresh water rivers, and across deep channels. We travel with the rhythm of the tides (up to 15 feet of movement in either direction), currents, and winds.
Aboard our traditional Chitlote mother ship vessel manned by local mariners and chef we will partake of delicious local cuisine as well as enjoy an incredible amount of flexibility, allowing us to paddle as much or as little as desired depending on weather conditions and our group. Porcelana hot springs lies at the deepest reaches of Comau Fjord where we spend our last night before we are transferred back to Hornopirén. The next day we relax as our support boat shuttles us back, free to observe the natural beauty of our route paddled.
An optional transfer to Pumalin Park Headquarters in Caleta Gonzalo can be arranged for those that will explore hiking possibilities in Pumalin Park South. Our itinerary is flexible due to changing weather, tidal currents, and the needs of the group. A rest day to enjoy extra time in hot springs and estuary shore walks will be possible. Also, potential sightseeing excursions may arise at different points during our trip.
Sample Chilean Itinerary
Day 1 - Early morning departure from your hotel in Puerto Varas. Meet guide and driverand transfer via the Southern Highway four hours to the village of Hornopirén. Our boat will be waiting for us to provide comfort, support, and accompany us throughout our journey. This is the northern entrance of Pumalin Park. After eating lunch we take time to get used to our kayaks, setting out towards the beautiful island of Llancahué (about 4 hours paddling). Here we spend the night in a rustic, but heart- warming hospedaje managed by locals, where we can enjoy hot springs on the shore of the Pacific.
Accommodations: Rustic Hot Springs Lodge
Day 2 - Today, those who wish are invited to enjoy the baths in the early morning before breakfast. We shall leave Llancahué in the morning, making our way across the Comau fjord, and from there we continue our trip into the fjord of Quintupeu. Inside the protected waters of the fjord we will rendezvous with the mother ship to have lunch. Where Quintupeu Fjord meets a fresh water estuary we camp with a view of glaciers in one direction and four miles of fjord in the other (about 4 or 5 hours of spectacular paddling). Set up camp and eat a hearty dinner.
Accommodations: Tent camping
Day 3 - Leaving Quintupeu with the change of the tide will help to keep a steady pace paddling back out of the fjord. This day will be our longest distance covered of any day as we come out of Quintupeu Fjord and in to Cahuelmo Fjord traveling about 20 miles. Using our support boat to travel some of the route is always an option. Reaching the waters of the Cahuelmó Fjord we will be rewarded by a soothing hot springs. Local people have carved different rustic tubs in rock at the water's edge years ago. Each one is a different size and all have very hot water, easily regulated by simple and natural methods to attain the temperature desired for an extremely pleasant bath. These baths are maintained by Pumalin Park and thus have more comfortable camping facilities and bathrooms. We proceed to prepare our campsite in order to enjoy the rest of the afternoon in this incredible place, with a beautiful sunset, and have a relaxing night at the hot springs.
Accommodations: Tent camping
Day 4 - On this day we will be able to take advantage of Cahuelmo's
incredible surroundings to hike the fresh water estuary which leads into the
salt water fjord. Paddling the shores of Cahuelmó for a closer look
at the waterfalls and forest as well as extra time in the hot springs are all
options for today. We return to our base camp after a full day in the fjord.
Accommodations: Tent camping
Day 5 - Leaving the Cahuelmo hot springs at high tide we paddle towards the Comau Fjord, observing flora and fauna all along the way: dolphins, cormorants, penguins, and sea lions. After about four hours paddling we shall have lunch on our boat, and then continue towards Porcelana, a rather special creek of natural hot water emerging from the forest. Here we will set up camp enjoying dinner on the boat. Afterward we hike a very short path where the creek is located, enjoying extraordinary natural hot baths, and then return to base camp.
Accommodations: Tent camping
Day 6 - Early breakfast. Returning to the boat we navigate back through Comau Fjord and toward the village of Hornopirén. Some groups may choose to continue on their own to Pumalin Park South to hike the trail system or to destinations further South in Patagonia. From our mother ship we keep a look out for dolphins and sea lions as we travel by boat through the fjord. Transfer back by land to Puerto Varas, end of the trip.
What’s included?
- expert leadership and support personnel
- all accommodations as noted
- daily meals
- all kayaking gear and safety equipment
- hot springs admission
- sightseeing as noted in the itinerary
- ground transportation
- liability insurance (NB: additional travel insurance recommended)
What’s not included?
- international and domestic airfare (U.S./Puerto Montt r/t)
- hotel accommodations in Puerto Varas
- visas
- excess baggage charges
- airport taxes
- cost of medical immunizations
- items of personal nature (clothing, sodas, liquor, snack foods, laundry, ect.)
