Pristine Nature of the Pumalín Fjords

Day by day itinerary: 4 d/ 3n
 

INCLUDES: Expert bilingual guides, all transport from Puerto Montt onwards, all meals & snacks, beer & wine during meals, gourmet chef onboard, limited personal liability insurance, hot springs entrances & accommodations, both on land & on the hand-crafted wooden gem: Cahuella

DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY AND PHYSICAL CONDITIONING: Minimal difficulty, however a basic level of physical ability is required.  We cater the day's activities according to the interests of our passengers.  We've had youngsters from age 8 to not so youngsters age 89.  Our aim is to spend only a few hours cruising every morning and then go ashore for walks, hot springs soaks and visits with locals.  For this, a certain level of fitness and adventure are required to make the most of this unique, pristine wonderland of Patagonia!

COMFORT LEVEL: Medium.  For those accustomed to boats it will be pure luxury as Cahuella has high ceilings, hot showers, good toilets etc.  For those landlubbers, it is comfortable but not spacious.  The gourmet food served is 4 star, as is the wine. 

 This trip leaves Puerto Montt or Puerto Varas  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 carv

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 whose steam swirls in the impenetrable forests, amidst the perfect silence and beauty of a remote Patagonian fjord.   Another night of peace, beauty, fine food and true relaxation awaits you.
 

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 you.

 4 Despedida (Goodbye)