Chile By Design

Emerald Islands of Chiloé
 A comfortable immersion

Day by day itinerary: 4 d/ 3 n

Trip Dates

Upon request from
October to April

 Price: US$589 p/p (2 people)
US$509 p/p (3 people)
US$449 p/p (4 people)

To Reserve
 

Magallnic Penguins in Chiloé

Traditional Palafito Houses on Stilts

UNESCO World Heritage SitesDesolate beaches of Pacific Coast

 

INCLUDES: Expert bilingual guide (private), all transport round trip from Puerto Montt/Puerto Varas/airport,  3 nights lodging (two in lovely 3 star hotel overlooking ocean and the other in country home- great cultural immersion!), 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners, taxes
NOT INCLUDED: Alcohol, tips, insurance

DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY AND PHYSICAL CONDITIONING: Low.  Activities are determined by your interests and abilities.  Trip is catered to you- may include hiking or more sightseeing.
 

Day 1       The Emerald Island of Chiloé-
This tour begins with a private transfer from the airport or your hotel in Puerto Montt or Puerto Varas.   A two hour journey (including a 30 minute ferry ride) will take us to the enchanted island of Chiloé.  First stop will be the lovely bay of Caulín, a quiet area of farmhouses, protected waters and plentiful birdlife including black-necked swans.  For those who enjoy oysters, there is a special restaurant with its own oyster beds on the bay shore with lovely views.  The rest of the day will be spent in the picturesque fishing town of Ancud nearby.  This area is steeped in history and was one of the last strongholds of the Spanish in all of the Americas when its colonies were liberated.  After a visit to the museum and the small Spanish fort we'll check in to the beautiful wood-beamed Hosteria Ancud with its tranquil views overlooking the bay. (transport, 3 *lodging, guide, lunch & dinner incl.)
 

DAY 2    Pacific Chiloé-
After breakfast, you and your guide will head into the Chilote countryside towards the rugged Pacific Coast of the island.  An area of deserted beaches, quiet farmlands and coastal forests, the rarely visited West coast is a hidden jewel of natural beauty and wildlife.  Our destination will be the unique penguin colony of Puńihuíl, the only place in the world where Humbolt and Magallanic penguins nest side by side.  We will tour the small island colonies by boat, a trip that often encounters many other types of marine life.  After a gourmet picnic lunch of smoked salmon, we will spend the afternoon exploring the rugged beauty of the hidden beaches and countryside of the West coast.  Activities to be determined by your interests (from easy sight seeing to active options).  By early evening we'll return to Ancud for the night where you will be staying once again at the Hosteria Ancud.  (private transport, guide, breakfast, lunch, activities, and 3 * included).
  
 

DAY 3       Villages of the East Coast -
After a continental breakfast at the Hosteria, we'll drive south on the paved highway toward the provincial capital of Castro.  Famous for its stunning wooden church (one of 14 UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the island), crafts market and palafitos  (traditional houses on stilts), the city is also the bustling economic center of the island.   Afterwards, we'll continue up the coast for a short visit to the town of Dalcahue, and then we'll leave the pavement behind and get into the countryside of the island.  Small village are nestled in hidden bays, often accompanied by centuries-old churches- remnants of the regions missionary past. 

The day's activities will depend upon your interests but may range from taking short hikes to waterfalls & lookouts, photography of the rich local culture, visiting traditional boat building and more.  By early evening we'll arrive at a local family's farmhouse to have an inside look at life on the island.   People from Chiloe are famous for their hospitality as well as for the wonderful fresh foods from their kitchen.  From homemade bread hot from the wood stove and the freshest meat and fish, you will be thoroughly immersed in the local cuisine.  The night will offer you the unique opportunity to enjoy the tranquility of the Chilote countryside and the warmth of the a local family's hearth.  (private transport, guide, all meals, activities and lodging included, note* all rooms double with shared bath)
 

DAY 4    Goodbye Chiloé- 
We'll enjoy breakfast eaten the traditional Chilote way- next to the wood stove in the kitchen. 
When fully satisfied, we'll make our way up the coast through small villages and past expansive views over the ocean to the ferry crossing that will take us over to the mainland.  Drop off will be in the Tepual airport or at your hotel in Puerto Varas or Puerto Montt.  (private transport, bilingual guide, breakfast and lunch included)
To Reserve

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