Melissa Allen
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
ARRIVE IN SANTIAGO
Upon arrival in Santiago, you’ll be met by our representative who will transfer you to The Singular Santiago, your accommodation for the evening. This elegantly designed hotel is set in an exceptional location in Santiago’s cultural and historical hub.
Overnight Singular Santiago
Day 2
WALKING TOUR AND BREWERY VISIT IN BALMACEDA
After breakfast at Singular Santiago, our representative will drive you to the airport, help with your luggage, and check-in for the flight to Balmaceda Airport. On arrival at the airport, your driver will be waiting for you for the transfer to Coyhaique. Take a walking tour of the city and finish the day with a beer tasting and dinner at a local brewery.
Overnight Patagonia Lodge or La Pasarela
Day 3
FJORDS, GLACIERS, AND HOT SPRINGS
Your morning will begin with a delicious breakfast and a drive along the Carretera Austral, passing the stunning Simpson River and rocky landscapes. On arrival at Queulat National Park, enjoy a short hike through evergreen forests to a viewpoint of the famous glacier suspended between two peaks. The most unusual aspect of this glacier are the spectacular waterfalls flowing into the valley below.
After taking in this magnificent sight, walk down to the lakeside for a picnic lunch in this beautiful location.
On the way back to your accommodation, you’ll have the opportunity to take a rejuvenating dip in the Ventisquero Hot Springs. Enjoy a drink and fjord views from your the springs.
Overnight Patagonia Lodge or La Pasarela
Day 4
KAYAK AYSEN RIVER AND REWILDING EXPERIENCE – MEET WITH CONSERVATIONISTS
Get ready for a day of kayaking along the Aysen River. After a briefing from your guide, jump into your kayak to admire native wildlife and the breathtaking views of the fjords. Puerto Aysen is a fantastic place for bird watching.
This afternoon, on return to Coyahique, you’ll meet with a local organization to learn how climate change has affected Patagonia. You’ll be able to see the rewilding efforts that scientists and volunteers have done to regenerate these essential ecosystems.
Overnight Patagonia Lodge or La Pasarela
Day 5
CROSSING LAKE GENERAL CARRERA
After breakfast, leave Coyahique for your drive to Puerto Ibanez. From here, catch the 2-hour ferry south along the coast of Lake General Carrera to disembark and continue to Puerto Guadal. On board, you’ll have time to relax while enjoying panoramic views of wild Patagonia.
We suggest you get to have an early night to prepare for tomorrow’s exhibition.
Overnight Terra Luna Lodge
Day 6
TREK TO LEONES GLACIER
Today’s route is long but rewarding. Start your morning with 5.5 miles of hiking along the Leones River, through the forests towards the Patagonia Ice Sheet.
From the banks of Leones Lake, a boat will bring you to the edge of the Leones Glacier. You’ll have assistance getting your gear to Valle Leones Camp, and if weather permits, you can trek on the glacier surface, with ice that is millions of years old. Watch the sunset over the landscape this evening as your guides prepare a delicious dinner.
Overnight Valle Leones Camp
Day 7
EXPLORE LEONES GLACIER
This morning, you’ll be able to visit other lookouts for sensational views of the glacial tongue. This special place has some of the most beautiful scenery in Aysén.
Hike back to Puerto Guadal for a relaxing evening in your hotel for a tasty dinner and unwind in the hotel’s hot tub.
Overnight Terra Luna Lodge
Day 8
KAYAK THE MARBLE CAVES
After breakfast, leave your lodge for the drive north to Puerto Tranquilo for an unforgettable journey through Lake General Carrera’s marble caves. Take a private tour through the caves and on the largest lake of Patagonia via a small boat or sea kayak.
Following this wonderful experience, travel north through the heart of Patagonia towards Cerro Castillo. Settle into your comfortable bed and breakfast near town and appreciate the mountain views.
Overnight La Casona
Day 9
HORSEBACK RIDE OR HIKE THROUGH CERRO CASTILLO NATIONAL PARK
Spend your last day doing the activity that excites you most. You have the option to horseback ride with Gauchos or hike through one of the wildest places on earth, Cerro Castillo National Park.
On your way to Laguna Duff, keep your eye out for wildlife, including the endangered Chilean Andean Deer.
The day, and once-in-a-lifetime trip, will conclude by sharing a traditional Patagonia-style barbeque with the local community of Cerro Castillo.
Overnight La Casona
Day 10
DEPARTURE DAY
After breakfast, your driver will transfer you to Balmaceda Airport, where you will connect with your flight home.
