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Magical Trio of Southern Chile
Lake District, Patagonian Fjords, Chiloé Islands
*Highlights:* "Experience Chile". A round-trip from Santiago, highlighting nature and culture: volcanoes & German settler culture of the Lake District, rich traditional culture of Chiloé Islands & the pristine nature of the steep-walled fjords of Northern Patagonia's Pumalin Park. Tours include expert naturalist guides. Description: This 11 day trip is for those looking for diversity, immersion in local culture, the stunning nature Chile is famous for and the opportunity to get off-the-beaten path where other tourists do not abound. The Magical Trio offers a mixture of traditional destinations such as the Lake District together with an in-depth cultural immersion on the emerald islands of Chiloé and the fjords of Northern Patagonia. The latter has access to pristine areas via the comfortable 50 ft (15m) sleep-aboard motor cruiser *Cahuella. Comfort Level- 3 star hotels with good locations & comfortable cabins onboard Cahuella* (which also offers professional chef, hot showers, bilingual guide).
Departures: October 28 - November 11, 2005, December 10 - 20, 2005, January 10 - 20, 2006, January 28 - February 7, 2006
Physical Activity: low to moderate. This trip will be created to suit your needs and activities will be determined by you. Everyday hikes and walks are offered on the islands and in the fjords. These will be made as strenuous or as easy as you wish. One must be prepared for the variety of weather that Patagonia is renowned.
Price Per Person: 1 : US $2,499 2-3 : US $2,299 4 : US $2,199 Included: 10 nights lodging, private transfers, bilingual guides, all activities, park entrances, hot springs, 10 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners Not Included: flights (domestic flights estimated at: US $120-170 p/p), tips, alcohol, insurance
High Speed Catamaran below Osorno Volcano	Hotel Peulla- nestled below volcanoes	Picturesque Culture of Chiloé Islands
Sea Lion Colonies - accessible only by sea	Cruising in the Remote Fjords of Pumalin Park	Gourmet Dining with Cahuella's Onboard Chef

Day 1 - Welcome to ChileArrive in Santiago. Private transport will be arranged from the airport to your 3 star hotel in the central colonial barrio of Santiago. The afternoon is free to rest, relax & sight see. No meals are included.

Day 2 - Southern Lake District- Land of Volcanoes
Transfer to airport for flight to Puerto Montt, the capital of the Lake District. Transfer to lakeside city of Puerto Varas, which is located across the waters from the snowy cone of the Osorno Volcano. Possible activities for the afternoon: half day rafting (US $50.00), museum visit, city tour, relaxation on the beach in P.Varas. The night is spent in a hotel overlooking the waters of Lake Llanquehue & the volcano. Breakfast is included.

Day 3 - The Heart of the Lake District - Morning departure by bus into Vicente Perez Rosales National Park - dense native forest, emerald lakes and the imposing glacial peak of Osorno Volcano. A boat journey on the turquoise waters of the Lago Todos Los Santos to the old-style Hotel Peulla, a majestic turn of the century hotel nestled in the park near the Argentinean border. The massive snowy peak of the Tronodor Volcano looms nearby. The afternoon is free to take walks or relax in the lovely surroundings. Breakfast and dinner is included.

Day 4 - Lake District - Enjoy a free morning at Peulla for further relaxation and exploration. Take a stroll on the forest trails and enjoy the dense native vegetation. In the afternoon journey back to Puerto Varas by boat and bus. Return to the same hotel as Day 2. Breakfast included.

Day 5 - The Emerald Islands of Chiloé - Morning pick up for the 2 hour bus journey to the fabled island of Chiloé, an area steeped in tradition, history and where a vibrant nature and marine culture thrive. The day includes a visit to the rugged Pacific coast, a zodiac ride to see a unique penguin colony (only place in the world where Humbolt & Magallanic species nest side by side) and afternoon dinner in a local family farmhouse to experience the hospitable traditional culture. The night is spent in comfortable cabins overlooking the ocean on the island's east coast. All meals are included.

Day 6 - Chiloé by Sea- The Remote Maritime Culture
After breakfast set sail on the Cahuella out of the channel and into Chiloé Archipelago - an area that few Chile tourists have the opportunity to experience. Numerous islands will fill the foreground, shimmering green amidst the blue waters, while the snowcapped peaks of the Andes complete the background. The boat will be anchored in the protected bay of Mechuque Island. The quaint village with traditional palafitos (wooden houses built on stilts) make for a wonderful afternoon walk. The island lends itself to fantastic photo opportunities and experiencing local life first-hand. In the evening, taste a pisco sour (the national drink) prepared by an expert and enjoy two new wonders: the Chiloé sunset and the gourmet cuisine created by your chef from the freshest local produce and seafood. All meals included.

Day 7 - Remote Islands & World Heritage Churches

After a breakfast of fresh fruit, bread, jams, local yogurt and more, cruising will begin amidst the numerous islands of the Archipelago. We will visit the quaint village of Tenaún, whose hand-crafted 140 year old wooden church is a UNESCO World Heritage site (along with 15 other churches in the region) and an impressive monument to the region's missionary past. The rest of the day will be spent immersed in the marine culture of the archipelago: visiting small islands, taking short walks and pulling up to local fishing boats at work to not only to observe firsthand, but to also taste the freshness of their catch only moments out of the water! In the afternoon we will cruise to a protected anchorage at a remote island to prepare for our early crossing of the Gulf the following day. All meals included.

Day 8 - Remote Fjords of Patagonia: Pumalin Park
Early in the morning we will cross the Gulf of Ancud to the Comao fjord on the Patagonian Coast. This area is part of Pumalin Park and is only accessible by sea. Sea lions, birds and dense rainforest abound on the peaks that rise from the ocean up to 2000 meters (6,700 ft). We'll take short walks in the forest, as well as visit local families that came to settle in the area in the 1920's. By the afternoon, we'll travel to some hidden hot spring pools. There is little that compares to relaxing in natural hot springs within the stunning beauty of the Patagonian fjords. All meals included.

Day 9 - Pumalin Fjords & Hot Springs - After a quiet night´s sleep we will set sail northward to the Cahuelmó Fjord to explore a land that has not changed in thousands of years. Adventure on a short forest walk to a virgin waterfall cascading from above. The day will be dedicated to touring some of the remote settlements along the fjord, taking walks in remote valleys and learning more about the Pumalín Park Project. The night will be spent anchored in the steepest fjord of the area: the Quintupeu Fjord. Countless waterfalls tumble into the calm waters of the fjord and one feels as if they were in a land that time forgot. All meals included.

Day 10 - Patagonia & Lake District - In the morning we will cruise up the Cholgo Canal towards the perfect forested cone of the Hornopirén Volcano (4800 ft, 1572 meters), at the base of which lies the town of the same name. We will finish our Patagonian cruise at the ferry ramp, where the crew will join you for a farewell lunch before bidding you goodbye. You will be transported up and over the mountains on the lovely journey back to Puerto Montt - a 3 ½ hour drive amidst the rugged beauty of the Carretera Austral (Southern Highway). Drop off will be at your hotel in Puerto Varas for one last night in the region prior to your departure flight. Breakfast and lunch included.

Day 11 - Goodbye Southern Chile!
A last morning to gaze across the waters at the magical mix of volcanoes, forests and lakes of Southern Chile. You will be transported to the airport for your flight to Santiago. Additional nights can be arranged if you wish. Breakfast not included.